Powder Burn Rate Comparison Charts

[Ontario Hunter]

Sir in 34 years of reloading, that is the flattest primer I have ever seen. I'm not sure what the reloading data says, I would back of a lot. Like 4gr and see what you get.

Here's my source for the 300 gr 404J loads using IMR4895. Says start at 84 gr. I can't imagine running it up to max.

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

Here's my source for the 300 gr 404J loads using IMR4895. Says start at 84 gr. I can't imagine running it up to max.
View attachment 633733
View attachment 633734

I shouldn’t laugh, but old Nick (may he Rest In Peace) was know for going a bit on the hot side, he was a brilliant shooter and exceptionally knowledgeable, but pushed things
Gumpy

 

[1dirthawker]

that is the flattest primer I have ever seen.

+1

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Hammer publishes their own load data. Here's their data for that 307 gr Stone Hammer
View attachment 633594

What was your COAL for those loads?

Remember, 404J was originally designed for RN, not Spitzers.

I pulled a bullet out to 3.565." The cartridge fed from the top of magazine but tip of bullet caught under the feeding ramp when other cartridges are stacked on top. I can remove a slight amount of metal from the receiver and the longer cartridges should feed. However, before resorting to that, I'm thinking I'll cut the powder load to 79 gr and see how the 307 gr bullets perform at SAMMI OAL.

 

[cajunchefray]

Ah, I see! From Hammer's sheet it looks I am indeed way too hot at 84 gr. I'll have to look at my data sheet when I get home to see where I got the data for IMR4895 and 300 gr bullets. Can't get any more Accurate 4350 here so will have to work up a new load for 400 gr with another powder. Doesn't help that no one will sell powder more than a pound at a time ... and 404 cases soak up a LOT of powder.

If I understand, in Canada, your local area, retailers will sell only 1 pound of powder at a time?
That sucks.

 

[cajunchefray]

If I understand correctly, the"burn rate" chart has nothing to do with how many grains of powder to use when switching from one powder to another. It would only be used as a guide as to what other powders may be suitable for the application. ALWAYS refer to tested/proven data for each specific powder/bullet combination when changing powders. At least use Quickload or similar software for comparison if such data is not available.

Well stated. Only reliably published reloading data, verified by chronograph.

My understanding, in an article published years ago in Handloader magazine, that Powder Burn Rate charts are determined within the same cartridge class, i.e. .308 Winchester and 7mm-08.
The Powder Burn rate charts are useful in the same cartridge family, and I use them, for instance, in determining an appropriate powder for the .308 Win. Have safely changed from IMR-4064 to Varget for example.

The comparisons of powder burn rate do not equate when changing cartridge class, case capacity/ bore size and expansion ratio. A 7mm Weatherby Mag burns powder at a different rate than a 7x57 Mauser.

You HAVE to go by published data and verify velocities with a chronograph.

 

[sgt_zim]

I pulled a bullet out to 3.565." The cartridge fed from the top of magazine but tip of bullet caught under the feeding ramp when other cartridges are stacked on top. I can remove a slight amount of metal from the receiver and the longer cartridges should feed. However, before resorting to that, I'm thinking I'll cut the powder load to 79 gr and see how the 307 gr bullets perform at SAMMI OAL.

If you can get 2550 or 2600 out of that, I'd call it a day.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

The rifle club had a BBQ and competition shoot yesterday. I showed up with both 404 and 30-06 and new loads with IMR4895 (almost out of A4350). Intention was to zero only and enjoy socializing. The 404 with Hammer 307 gr bullets at their  starting load of merely 78 gr 4895 still beat me up. Horrible recoil compared to A4350 loads with Barnes X 400 gr. I did not pull the Hammer bullets out 0.03" above SAMMI OAL but I can't see that would make a huge difference. The worst part is at 100 meters the group was also horrible. First shot was quite high and less than 1" right but okay as it was formerly zeroed for 400 gr. Took it down 16 clicks and second shot was still same height but now right. WTF? Third shot was at the bull and still slightly right - where the second shot should have been. I was shooting from the bench and probably should have set my rest higher. Only fired three shots and the gun kissed me every time even though I was hanging onto it as hard as I could. It drew blood the third shot. Not that bad but I thought the range safety guy was going to have a stroke. So I shut her down. I'm very recoil insensitive and know how to pull up the big boy britches when needed so this was not flinching. Switched to 30-06 and grabbed a competition target. Only 3 shots allowed. First two were 1.25" high and almost on top of each other. Where I want 30-06 for 200 yards with 165 gr. Third shot was left of bull about 2". Something wrong with that cartridge. That bullet should not have hit there. I should check the brass. If I really wanted to compete I would have shot my factory ammo but I only had expensive stuff with Partition bullets. I won't give up on that 30-06 load but I think IMR4895 behind 307 gr 404 is a lost cause. I can't imagine what's making them buck that hard. Hmmm. Maybe I'll pull the scope and see if I can get a group with irons at the 50 yard target. May as well use those bullets up. But I need to protect that right eye. Left one is already pooched.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I may have an answer for scope abuse from those IMR4895 loads.

 

[SgtDog0311]

I have seen a lot of questions on the forum about powder comparisons and thought it might be useful to share these attached charts for those who may not have seen them yet:


View attachment 633515View attachment 633516

Thanks! Have not updated mine in a while. Use them when a powder is discontinued but mostly when searching options within burn rates. 4198 is the gold standard in Nitro-for-Black pressure comparisons but similar burn rates provide additional options. Burn rate is critical for pressure in vintage guns I shoot. Not a lot of crossover on the subject-matter of this forum but I could still use the update.