rifle powder versatility

[zoner]

while i realize the best way to get optimum performance from centerfire rifle cartridges is to have a variety of powder choices,given the economy and component availability i'm trying to go the other way and need a little help. My plan was to keep my 32 Special,308,and 30-06 going with H4895. I like how it can be safely be downloaded(60% of max charges) and will also work for standard loads in all 3 calibers.The catch is i can't find any around here....so i'm hoping some of you more experienced reloaders can name a few other powders that might serve my purpose. Looks like 3031 would work but i'm not sure about reduced charges...Varget looked like another possibility...any ideas would be appreciated.......Mike

[yooper77]

while i realize the best way to get optimum performance from centerfire rifle cartridges is to have a variety of powder choices,given the economy and component availability i'm trying to go the other way and need a little help. My plan was to keep my 32 Special,308,and 30-06 going with H4895. I like how it can be safely be downloaded(60% of max charges) and will also work for standard loads in all 3 calibers.The catch is i can't find any around here....so i'm hoping some of you more experienced reloaders can name a few other powders that might serve my purpose. Looks like 3031 would work but i'm not sure about reduced charges...Varget looked like another possibility...any ideas would be appreciated.......Mike

Check out this site if you haven’t already and I am sure you will find a good powder for all

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

H4895, Varget, BL-C(2) & Winchester 748 powders are good choices to try for 308 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield and 32 Winchester Special cartridges.  You don’t need to reduce loads, unless I do not understand your purpose behind reducing loads.

yooper77

[zoner]

sorry...i wanted to be able to reduce charges safely(1800 fps or so) in the 32 special just to be nice to a fine old rifle(1942 m94) and be able to use the same powder in the 308 and 30-06 for standard loads           

[LaOtto222]

Ramshot TAC is a good powder for the 308 and 30-06 if you stick with bullets that are 150 grains or lighter. Not sure about the 32 Special. I can't find any load data for TAC in the 32 Special. It should do OK there, it's burn rate is slightly faster than Varget and a little slower than H4895. I have been able to find it easier than some of the Hodgdon powders and it is generally cheaper too. Good Luck and Good Shooting.

[zoner]

thanks....i'll check out the TAC...if it works in the 30-30 it'll work in the 32 special,it's the same case....many times i have made 32 special cases from 30-30 cases

[yooper77]

sorry...i wanted to be able to reduce charges safely(1800 fps or so) in the 32 special just to be nice to a fine old rifle(1942 m94) and be able to use the same powder in the 308 and 30-06 for standard loads           

It depends if you are using lead or jacketed bullets, 1800 FPS is a good lead bullet velocity, but might not be enough for good accuracy for a jacketed bullet.  Who knows all you need to do to find the right recipe.

32 Winchester Special brass is something that is so easy to make, I have reloaded for years for a friend of my with BL-C(2), Hornady Interlock 170 grain flat nose bullet and 30-30 Winchester brass.  He was spending a fortune on factory ammo, until he met me.

yooper77

[sirgknight]

If you like 4895 go to www.wideners.com and order their surplus 4895 while it's still available. 

[BCB]

zoner,

Seems like everyone here didn't quite answer your question!

If you can get a copy of MODERN RELOADING by Richarad Lee, on page 91 he has a formula for calculating a reduced load using various powders--some may not fall into the correct category.  You will have to determine that from the calculations.

I think that info will get you on your way with the H-4895 if it could apply to all cartridges you mention.

Good-luck...BCB

[Autorim]

You are on the right track. IMR 4895 is my choice for a universal rifle powder.

[zoner]

thanks for all the good info

[stimpylu32]

zoner

Another powder you may want to take a closer look at for all 3 rounds is BLC-2 , it has a very high charge spread as far as starting and max loads go , as much as 11 grains in the 30/06 and 7 grains in the 32 Win Spl .

This will make nice light loads for the 32 and you can run it up for the 308 & 06 if need be .

stimpy

[zoner]

thanks again for all the replies....talked to one of my shooting amigos last night...we're gonna split an 8 lb can of imr 4895 and that'll take care of me for a little while....i may try a few other choices later on....Mike