4198
- Thread starter M-61
- Start date
My IMR 4198 is black.
M-61,
You've already got the handle on this one; they're very close, but not the same. I've got some references that list the H version as being the faster, others that list the IMR as the fast one. Bottom line, they're very close and virtually interchangeable as far as applications go. That's not to say that the data is interchangeable. If anything, this is one of those clear cut cases where you can actually see the sort of differences that exist from lot to lot even within the same brand.
As far as the color goes, the difference itself means nothing. All Hodgdon extruded powders used to be the same dark grey/black that you still see in the IMR powders. Then they switched suppliers and there was a notable color change. Same performance, pressures, data and velocities as the old stuff, just a different color now. Actually virtually all extruded tubular powders (that I've seen, anyway) are an off-white or buff color when they're being made, including when they are extruded and cut to length. The colors don't show up until the very final stages of manufacture when the deterent coatings are applied. These may include graphite, dinitrotoluene (DNT) or any of several other additives which adhere to the outside of the kernals, turning them the familar olive green or grey black color we're used to.
Just treat them as different powders, and go with the appropriate loading data for whichever one you're using at the time. After a while you'll find wehre there's some overlap of data, and you'll also see some points that are disticntly different. Nature of the game!
You've already got the handle on this one; they're very close, but not the same. I've got some references that list the H version as being the faster, others that list the IMR as the fast one. Bottom line, they're very close and virtually interchangeable as far as applications go. That's not to say that the data is interchangeable. If anything, this is one of those clear cut cases where you can actually see the sort of differences that exist from lot to lot even within the same brand.
As far as the color goes, the difference itself means nothing. All Hodgdon extruded powders used to be the same dark grey/black that you still see in the IMR powders. Then they switched suppliers and there was a notable color change. Same performance, pressures, data and velocities as the old stuff, just a different color now. Actually virtually all extruded tubular powders (that I've seen, anyway) are an off-white or buff color when they're being made, including when they are extruded and cut to length. The colors don't show up until the very final stages of manufacture when the deterent coatings are applied. These may include graphite, dinitrotoluene (DNT) or any of several other additives which adhere to the outside of the kernals, turning them the familar olive green or grey black color we're used to.
Just treat them as different powders, and go with the appropriate loading data for whichever one you're using at the time. After a while you'll find wehre there's some overlap of data, and you'll also see some points that are disticntly different. Nature of the game!
M-61 said:
A Hodgdon ballistician just gave me these comparisons: they're manufactured on two different continents, granular size is different, data is different, chemical composition is different, and burn speeds are different.
Looking at the ads below you would never know the difference:
H4198
This Extreme Extruded propellant has gone through some changes since its inception, all the time maintaining the same important burning speed of the past. The kernels were shortened for improved metering and necessary elements were added to make it extremely insensitive to hot/cold temperatures. H4198 is outstanding in cartridges like the 222 Remington, 444 Marlin and the 7.62 X 39. Available in 1 lb. & 8 lb. containers.
IMR 4198
This fast burning rifle powder gives outstanding performance in cartridges like the 222 Remington, 221 Fireball, 45-70, and 450 Marlin. Varmint shooters with small-bore cartridges love it. Proven metering and necessary elements were added to make it extremely insensitive to hot/cold temperatures. IMR 4198 is outstanding in cartridges like the 222 Remington, 444 Marlin and 7.62 X 39.
And, of course, they're both owned by Hodgdon Powder Company.
Thanks to all that replied. Greenish/gold is a perfect description of the H4198.
Here is the reason I asked. Purchased some powders a few months ago. One was H4198. When it came time to open the one pound container the inner seal on the top was half off. That ended my using any of that powder. Then when I went to my "old" IMR 4198 the color difference struck me. Now the wheels turned faster. I would never identify a powder by color,shape,smell or any way but my opening a SEALED container. Too far to drive to make a return to that store, but when a friend went to Cabela's in CT he bought powder for me. Interestingly enough Cabela's had an additional seal over each of the one pound containers. Maybe someone had a problem at one time.
Again thanks to those who took the time to send very informative answers.
Been doing this since 1963 and have always kept safety in my mind first.
Here is the reason I asked. Purchased some powders a few months ago. One was H4198. When it came time to open the one pound container the inner seal on the top was half off. That ended my using any of that powder. Then when I went to my "old" IMR 4198 the color difference struck me. Now the wheels turned faster. I would never identify a powder by color,shape,smell or any way but my opening a SEALED container. Too far to drive to make a return to that store, but when a friend went to Cabela's in CT he bought powder for me. Interestingly enough Cabela's had an additional seal over each of the one pound containers. Maybe someone had a problem at one time.
Again thanks to those who took the time to send very informative answers.
Been doing this since 1963 and have always kept safety in my mind first.
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