Alternative Palma powder

[watercam]

Wondering who may have tried any alternatives to Varget/IMR 4064/4895/Reloader 15/8208/CFE223 in their Palma pursuits. Any Accurate powders?
Thanks,
Mike

 

[280man]

I haven't tried it yet but the western/accurate LT32 looks like it would work really well with 155's

 

[Erud]

Some good shooters are having good luck with AR Comp in my area. I've done a little testing with it in my Palma rifle, but not enough to be conclusive. Looks like about the perfect Palma powder in QuickLoad. I ended up finding more Varget so I haven't gotten back around to it. It's not super easy to find either, but i've seen 8# jugs of it and TAC in stock at a local store.

Good luck,
Erik

 

[watercam]

In talking with the folks at Accurate Powders, they are recommending 2520. It is a spherical powder which has not been a stellar performer for me in the past (H414 for example). Will have to break down and try a few...

 

[jonbearman]

AA2520 works well but not tolerant to high temps and you should work up a load in hot weather to use to avoid over pressure.I have also used h335 and blc-2 as well but have to drop a grain in high heat conditions.If you keep your ammo in a cooler and out of the chamber between shots you could be ok.

 

[watercam]

Thanks very much...

 

[rminut]

Mike,
talking with some guys that shot on the US Palma before Varget existed shows that IMR 4895, 4064 were the two most popular powders then. If they could shoot a 450 then, we can shoot one now. Half the '95 team shot 4895 and all the '92 ammo was loaded with 4895. That's what I have gone to with any of the 155's

 

[TrxR]

Arent the Europeans using N140 and N150?

Im going to try it here soon hopefully.

 

[wolley]

I tried ARcomp. High pressure with lower velocity than Varget. Accuracy was ok but I couldn't get it over 2950 behind the Berger 155H without substantial pressure issues.
2000MR is showing promise if you don't mind putting 48g of what looks like pistol powder in a 308 case.

 

[watercam]

Thanks Folks. The Vihtavouri powders sound great but are pricey for some of us. Just looking in case there is still no Varget when I get through my last 8 pounder. Then again it will probably be quite a bit more expensive as well. The Accurate powders I am looking at are made in Canada. Seems like it might be easier to come by rather than waiting for the Australia-to-New Zealand-to Seattle-to Kansas route.

 

[watercam]

Knowing me I would confuse it with H110 and blow myself all to hell...

 

[madderg]

You might also give Norma 203B a look...great powder!

 

[watercam]

Actually I DID look at 203B. If only it can be found!
Thanks for all the ideas....

 

[flatlander]

IMR4320 - if you can find it.

 

[Steve Blair]

IMR 8208 XBR with Berger Fullbores produces excellent results for me, either standard or Palma brass.

 

[Laurie]

IMR 8208 XBR with Berger Fullbores produces excellent results for me, either standard or Palma brass.

+ 1 on that combination.

However, despite the IMR branding, 8208 XBR is another ADI manufactured (Australian) powder, so is in the same supply boat (literally) as H4895, VarGet, H4350 etc. The only reason I picked up a season's supply recently is that very few GB F/TR or TR shooters have heard of it, so some of last year's deliveries remained unsold.

Arent the Europeans using N140 and N150?

Im going to try it here soon hopefully.

Yes, they're very widely used in the UK and continental Europe. N140 is a good combination with 155s in TR / Palma and gives most users the 2,950 or so fps they're looking for from a 30-32 inch barrel. N150 often gives superb results and low velocity spreads, but is a little slow burning for top velocities in .308/155 - high 2,800s to low 2,900s. It's an excellent choice for shorter distance loads with 155s and all distances with 175-200gn bullets.