284 powder substitute?

[swampshooter]

I am out of H-4831sc for my 284/180gr. load. Shooting F-class. I haven't been able to purchase 4831sc or 4350 either locally or on-line for quite some time.
My LGS has VV N-160 and I have two pounds of R-15, and several pounds of H-4831
Has anyone had any good luck loading either of these for long range?

 

[ShootDots]

I would try VV N165 or IMR 7828SSC... Both excellent!

 

[Terry]

What's wrong with H4831?

 

[jr600yd]

Smoothing if you have it.

 

[jr600yd]

Nothing

 

[swampshooter]

I've never seen anyone else suggest regular H-4831. I thought that maybe the ES was too large. I have a couple pounds of 7828. I thought it probably was too slow burning for the 284 case. Does anyone have any suggested loads for 7828?

 

[ebb]

Ive been shooting H4831 in my 6.5-284 since before there was a SC version. Lately Ive used VV165 in the same gun with excellent results. I would guess with the slightly larger bore of the 284 VV160 would be a good choice.

 

[ShootDots]

There is essentially nothing wrong with "straight H4831". However, it is the same way with "regular" IMR 7828>> Compared to the SC or SSC "Versions" it is a pain in the --- to run thru a measure before trickling up to desired charge. It is even a bit more difficult on a 0.02gr scale as the kernels weight A LOT compared to their "SC /SSC" counterparts. VV N165 or IMR 7828 is SPOT ON in burning rate for 180 class bullets. Lower pressure and higher velocity. However, having said that, H4831SC (Probably the regular version too) is hard to beat for pure accuracy.

 

[swampshooter]

Thanks Ben, that will help me narrow it down. I loaded some regular H-4831 yesterday but had to allow an extra .02 weight variation because of the weight of the individual granules. I still have some H-4831 WWII surplus that really needs to be shot up. I gave $2.00 a pound for it when I first started reloading, many moons ago. It doesn't show any indications of deterioration though. I also have a couple unopened one pound cans of H-4831, made in Scotland that I've had for quite a while. I'll go there first.
I shot the Scottish H-4831 yesterday, 54 gr./Wolf LR primer/ Lapua brass/ 180 SMK and discontinued account of very stiff bolt lift. Bolt lift is O.K. in my rifle with 54 H-4831sc. Velocity was about 40 fps more with the Scottish powder also.

 

[jonbearman]

That WWII H4831 is awesome in the .243 win as I had many pounds years ago and still covet the last pound I have.It originally came in hodgdon paper cans and I transferred all of mine into the new plastic. I would back off a 2 grains and work up a tenth at a time looking for pressure.

 

[ShootDots]

Bill, it sounds like the Scottish 4831 version is closer to H4350 than H4831... I used to use the "OLD" "surplus military powder" H4831 for YEARS in a .300Win, .270, one of my 7MM Mags and in virtually ALL of the 6mm Rems I had.. It was phenomenal powder...

 

[swampshooter]

Bolt lift yesterday was very similar to what I got at 54.5 grs./ H-4831sc when I was first working up loads for my 284 when it was new. I'm kicking myself now for not taking micrometer readings on the case web yesterday. I'll just have to reduce and start over, working up from square one.
I'm just as concerned with velocity consistency as I am with accuracy. I also have one pound of 7828 and a pound of 7828ssc. I'll have to test them also.
I'll test VV-N160 also. This will keep me busy for a while.

 

[swampshooter]

I had already found a couple of pounds of 7828ssc before I saw your post. I'll try to work up a load with 7828ssc and H-4831. That should last me till spring for this rifle. Hopefully by then I can find some H-4831sc.