6.5 Creedmoor and IMR4451 ??

[Dan Boone]

I'm having a heck of a time finding H4350 locally, but I picked up 3 pounds of IMR4451 recently. Is anyone loading this powder in their 6.5 CM with 140 grain or even 130 grain bullets? I can find ample load data, but haven't heard any positive results reported yet.

Thanks for the info.

 

[shoot4fun]

While I have enough RL17 and H4350 to keep my 6.5CM fed I have tried IMR4451 in my 7MM08 and can say all the results are positive. It seems to be able to provide stable results and low SD/ES numbers plus providing enough velocity to keep things moving. I would just use the data from Hodgdon's web site as a guide and go from there. Let us know what you get.

 

[Dan Boone]

Good to hear about the 7-08 because we are loading for one of those also (but using 4064). I'll post the findings on the Creed in a couple of weeks. Thanks again.

 

[NortexDM]

I run it in 6mm creed with great results and have recently started using it in 7mm-08 Ackley.

 

[Laurie]

I found it slightly slower burning than H4350 in 6.5 Creedmoor - needs + 1gn to achieve similar MVs with 140s. I got good results but not as good as H4350 with the 140gn A-Max.

 

[Dan Boone]

It is supposed to be "less fouling" than H4350. If I can get the same accuracy and it is cleaner I won't mind giving up 100 fps or so since this is a hunting rifle.

 

[Laurie]

You get a couple of absolutely black patches out using Bore-Tek 'Eliminator', then the barrel is effectively clean. It does seem to reduce copper fouling as claimed. Cases-neck exterior surfaces are less fouled than those loaded and fired with Hodgdon extruded grades such as VarGet and H4350.

I'd expect to get the same MVs as H4350, but it does need a little more powder to achieve them.

 

[Deton8tor]

I am by no means as talented as a lot of shooter's here, but have been shooting and reloading for a long time for enjoyments sake. I recently tried the new IMR 4451 in a friends 6.5CM. With a very similar charge to the H stuff the velocity was off by 43 or so FPS, which is really no big deal. I could still move up some. I did notice that the powder seemed to be a bit more prone to static than the H powders. I wiped everything down twice with anti static cloth, bounce; but still had some issues with it. Further testing is coming, but it seems promising as far as accuracy/consistency goes. I will have chrono information as I move up.

 

[rardoin]

You get a couple of absolutely black patches out using Bore-Tek 'Eliminator', then the barrel is effectively clean. It does seem to reduce copper fouling as claimed. Cases-neck exterior surfaces are less fouled than those loaded and fired with Hodgdon extruded grades such as VarGet and H4350.

I'd expect to get the same MVs as H4350, but it does need a little more powder to achieve them.

I found the same result, needed about 1 to a 1 1/4 grain more than H4350 to get the same velocity with 4451 using Berger 140 Hybrids CCI BR-2's. I was preparing for an alternative to H4350 as i could not find any more and I was less than 4lbs in my inventory. I have switched to Lapua 6.5 (.308) brass that has a water capacity of 49.9gr versus Hornady brass at 52.9gr...a difference of over 3.5gr. This reduced capacity will not allow me to get the velocity I need for 140gr bullets in the new brass. I was running about a 102% compressed load in the H brass seating my bullets to 2.914 OAL. I have since picked up 16lbs of H4350 so development with the 4451 has stopped.

 

[chevytruck_83]

I also switched from 4350 to the 4451 because I couldn't get 4350 in an 8lb container. My results match the data I found online. I can get the same velocities I was getting with 4350 though it takes an extra grain of powder. Even though I'm running an extra grain to get there I'm not seeing the occasional sign of pressure from the 4451 like I was with the 4350. Slight ejector marks. I read that the 4451 is better in regards to temperature change and lot numbers but that is only what I've read. Not my own findings.

 

[ab_bentley]

I also switched from 4350 to the 4451 because I couldn't get 4350 in an 8lb container. My results match the data I found online. I can get the same velocities I was getting with 4350 though it takes an extra grain of powder. Even though I'm running an extra grain to get there I'm not seeing the occasional sign of pressure from the 4451 like I was with the 4350. Slight ejector marks. I read that the 4451 is better in regards to temperature change and lot numbers but that is only what I've read. Not my own findings.

I'm running 2721 from a 20" barrel with 140s. 43gr of the black stuff and a mag primer.

Adam

 

[flatlander]

I've been using 4451 in 6x47 Lapua, 6XC, 6.5x47L, & 260 Imp 30* for the past couple of years. Haven't had any H4350 to compare it to, but did run quite a bit of IMR 4350. Not a huge difference in accuracy or velocity, but in every case, in all four of these cartridges, 4451 was slightly superior to the IMR 4350, and way better when it came to temp sensitivity.

 

[rardoin]

I've been using 4451 in 6x47 Lapua, 6XC, 6.5x47L, & 260 Imp 30* for the past couple of years. Haven't had any H4350 to compare it to, but did run quite a bit of IMR 4350. Not a huge difference in accuracy or velocity, but in every case, in all four of these cartridges, 4451 was slightly superior to the IMR 4350, and way better when it came to temp sensitivity.

What bullets are you running in the 6.5x47? I ask because the case capacity in my Lapua (.308) 6.5 Creedmoor brass is 49gr and should be close to the Lapua. I have not tired 4451 in the L cases, only Hornady cases. The increase in charge weight to get the velocity need would likely get me into compressed loads, which I would like to avoid greater than 100% cap charge weights. With the Berger 140 hybrids, the shoot best at .070 OTL in my Creed so it reduces the capacity to the point that 4451 is a no go. With BC 141VLD I can seat at 0.010 and get a little more capacity. I guess I just need to answer my own question and give it a try in the Lapua cases.

 

[flatlander]

I run Lapua 123, Berger 140 LRBT & Hybrids w/4451 in my practical/tactical rifle, which has a 26" bbl. Running the 123s at 2880fps, 140s at 2780fps.

 

[rardoin]

I run Lapua 123, Berger 140 LRBT & Hybrids w/4451 in my practical/tactical rifle, which has a 26" bbl. Running the 123s at 2880fps, 140s at 2780fps.

Thanks Dennis

 

[Deton8tor]

This past weekend I finally settled on a load for the CM I have been working with. 42.5 IMR 4451 gives me 2820 (28" barrel) with 5 sd and 16es. Took it to 800 with no problems. Once I got the pressures up a bit the barrel cleaned in three patches. I still see more static with this powder than others I have tried. I am considering a ground rod . I think this load would be in line with H 4350 in a 26 inch barrel, some may be a bit faster or slower. So far, I think 4451 is a good alternative.