30BR...life after H4198

[AlNyhus]

With H4198 having achieved unicorn status, N130 and LT30 have both proven to be very good. But are there some others than can be worth considering? Before the weather shuts us down here on the Northern Plains, I'm going to test some alternatives that people might not have considered.

Today was a pretty big step slower (by the rate chart anyway). But there's more to it than burn rate....like powder density. Testing Benchmark today, with my measure set to drop 34.8 of H4198, Benchmark came in at 36.4 gr. So off we went with that as a starting point. I didn't make any attempt to optimize seating depth or neck tension...this was just a quick and dirty test to see if there's anything worth pursuing.

Things stated looking promising at 37.1 and by the time I'd reached 37.8, it was dotting up pretty nicely as this 5 shot group shows. 37.8 is a case full and the powder is pretty compacted, though not compressed. The chrono showed 5 shots in the mid 2970's with a 5 shot average of 2,977 fps.

As a control, I shot several groups with my standard load of 34.8 of H4198 which normally comes in right at 3070 fps with the 1.00" jacketed 117's. Here is todays chrono average for that load.

Next time out, I'll dangle toes into the Twilight Zone of powders considered 'way too fast' for the 30BR.

For what's it's worth. -Al

 

[Bill Norris]

Fantastic idea Al. Keep us posted.

 

[Bronsin]

N120 and AA1680 come to mind.

 

[jimmymac]

Thanks for sharing Al. That certainly looks promising.

 

[Bat Rastard]

I will be watching this with great interest.

 

[TIMO]

Yes,
keep us posted.

Tim

 

[Larry Koch]

With H4198 having achieved unicorn status, N130 and LT30 have both proven to be very good. But are there some others than can be worth considering? Before the weather shuts us down here on the Northern Plains, I'm going to test some alternatives that people might not have considered.

Today was a pretty big step slower (by the rate chart anyway). But there's more to it than burn rate....like powder density. Testing Benchmark today, with my measure set to drop 34.8 of H4198, Benchmark came in at 36.4 gr. So off we went with that as a starting point. I didn't make any attempt to optimize seating depth or neck tension...this was just a quick and dirty test to see if there's anything worth pursuing.

Things stated looking promising at 37.1 and by the time I'd reached 37.8, it was dotting up pretty nicely as this 5 shot group shows. 37.8 is a case full and the powder is pretty compacted, though not compressed. The chrono showed 5 shots in the mid 2970's with a 5 shot average of 2,977 fps.

As a control, I shot several groups with my standard load of 34.8 of H4198 which normally comes in right at 3070 fps with the 1.00" jacketed 117's. Here is todays chrono average for that load.

Next time out, I'll dangle toes into the Twilight Zone of powders considered 'way too fast' for the 30BR.

For what's it's worth. -Al

I been wanting to try RL-7.

 

[jvshiver]

I know of a few guys using N120 and seems to be working, also hearing tale of guys using shooters world socom with good results

 

[Bill K]

isn't IMR 4198 just one step slower burning than H4198 ? Should work as well.

 

[nakneker]

Tagging in

Headed out calling in the morning, taking two rifles, one is a recent build by ODCR, 30BR, 125 TGK. Shoots small, first time in the field and hopefully she gets a chance.

My H4198 is still pretty plentiful but I’m curious and appreciate the guys who take the time to do this and share their results. Thank you.

 

[NZ_Fclass]

Another vote for N120. I love it in the 222 with 45-55g pills. It's a shame that Hodgdon dont take the faster Benchmark into the US. ADI make a Benchmark 1 and Benchmark 2, and it's 2 that becomes Hogdgons powder. It is useful in things like 6.5 Grendel with 108's Type 1 is more like 4198 and works really well in the large straight cartridges.

 

[Fuj]

AA-5744 may be worth a look on the real fast end. It's double
base extruded. I shot a lot of it in the 221 Fireball. It's about in
between 4227 and 4198.

 

[nakneker]

This doesn’t have much to contribute for load development and may be off subject a bit but I mentioned we were calling today. Shot three this morning with the 30BR Sako 75, the one in the picture was a quick running shot at close range, hit him low with a 125gr TGK, my rifle loves that bullet. Three stands later I shot two more but they were across a canyon full of cat claw and Tameracks, no picture but they dropped where they stood at just under two hundred. I know the 30BR is score machine but it hits coyotes hard, definitely not the rifle to use if you’re saving pelts. A bit graphic, not intentional, it’s just what happened.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

AA-5744 may be worth a look on the real fast end. It's double
base extruded. I shot a lot of it in the 221 Fireball. It's about in
between 4227 and 4198.

Excellent alternative! It's been a while but I use it some in a 30 Major/Grendel and it may the the best of all. Just gotta use some sense with some of these alternatives. It and some others that work well...you can put too much in there, whereas with h4198, I'm not sure you can get into pressure problems before running out of room.

Someone mentioned RL-7...It's another fine alternative if you can find it.

 

[Bill Norris]

This doesn’t have much to contribute for load development and may be off subject a bit but I mentioned we were calling today. Shot three this morning with the 30BR Sako 75, the one in the picture was a quick running shot at close range, hit him low with a 125gr TGK, my rifle loves that bullet. Three stands later I shot two more but they were across a canyon full of cat claw and Tameracks, no picture but they dropped where they stood at just under two hundred. I know the 30BR is score machine but it hits coyotes hard, definitely not the rifle to use if you’re saving pelts. A bit graphic, not intentional, it’s just what happened.

Nice to see that 30BR at work. Planning to put mine to work real soon too.

 

[Rick300]

Someone mentioned RL-7...It's another fine alternative if you can find it.

Well here ya go

Alliant Reloder 7 Smokeless Gun Powder 5 lb

Every container of Alliant Smokeless Powder is backed by a century of manufacturing experience and the most exacting quality control procedures in the...

www.midwayusa.com

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Well here ya go

Alliant Reloder 7 Smokeless Gun Powder 5 lb

Every container of Alliant Smokeless Powder is backed by a century of manufacturing experience and the most exacting quality control procedures in the...

www.midwayusa.com

Cool! Haven't looked for it in a while but was nowhere to be found at the time. It'd definitely be one of my first choices as an alternative the h4198, though. Loads and shoots much like h4198. I have seen some wild swings in burn rate between lots with it but just test it first and don't assume anything...and all should be great with it. This one powder should make a lot of people happy again, that shoot a 30BR.

 

[nakneker]

It’s also at Natchez…

Natchez

www.natchezss.com

 

[Link]

LT 30 seems to be available quite often. I read a while back that it should work. I would like to see this tried in the 30br with the 118 class bullet.
TY Al.

 

[AlNyhus]

LT 30 seems to be available quite often. I read a while back that it should work. I would like to see this tried in the 30br with the 118 class bullet.
TY Al.

LT30 has been shot for two seasons now with excellent tournament winning success in the 30BR with bullets of all weights. Ditto N130.