imr 4451 in 243 results

[MildBill]

Have not seen a lot of shared results with the new imr powders so...

I thought I would post results from a trial I did with imr 4451 in my 243

working on finding a good load for coyote calling.


rifle: tikka t3 stainless lite in 243
bullet: sierra 1515 80 grain btsp
brass: winchester- once fired and neck sized only
temperature: 32 F give or take a few degrees

did some initial tests with fed 210 match primers that showed a preference for 45 grains of powder. result was 7/8" group size at 100 yds

earlier testing with imr 4166 showed that it preferred cci 200's over fed 210 match primers in my rifle

so I put together some loads with 45.0 grains and used cci 200's, rem 9 1/2's and winchester large rifle. powder charges were dropped light and trickled up on my old usa made rcbs 10-10

shot three for group size with each and then 3 shot with the magneto-speed attached for velocity. so group size is without magneto speed bayonet on barrel

This rifle is not real fond of the magneto speed bayonet hanging on the end of the barrel.

barrel was allowed to cool down between groups

Rem 9 1/2 primer
group size: 1/2 inch

chrono:
3342
3335
3362
ave: 3346
sd: 14

CCI 200 primer
group size: 5/8 inch

chrono:
3324
3328
3326
ave: 3326
sd: 2

Winchester LR primer
group size: 5/8 inch

chrono:
3355
3353
3335- bayonet slipped forward a little ( 1.25" )during this shot, not sure of effect on reading
ave: 3347
sd: 11

 

[rain164845]

Good info. In a few
months I might have data on 4955 in 6mm SLR.

 

[BrandonK]

I know this is an older thread but I thought I'd check to see if anyone else has done anything with this combo? Was thinking of trying it in my tikka t3 with Berger 87gr hunting vlds. Any thoughts or experiences?

 

[243winxb]

Old post warning......

IMR 4451 IN 243 Winchester. Sierra 85gr hpbt #1530.

Rifle- Remington 600 Mohawk. 18" bbl.

Rem brass, Redding fl bushing die, no expander. .270" bushing.

CCI Br2 primer . Flash hole uniformed. Temperature 40 degrees. No wind.

100 yards IMR 4451 -44.0 GR 5 shots = .905" The first shot from clean barrel opened group. Just measuring the 4 =.482"

IMR 4451 - 44.5grs = 5 shots -.733"

Col 2.640" Sizing only 1/2 of the necks with the bushing.

Fired 1 round of each at 45.0 & 45.5grs to look for pressure. Seen no pressure signs.

I don't see any less copper fouling with this powder? Very old factory barrel. Many rounds fired.

I worked up from 37.5grs. because of Hodgdons 90gr bullet data for safety. It was a long road , working up.
I suggest working up using the Hodgdons/Sierra 80 gr data. Do so at your own risk. Be safe.

 

[243winxb]

The copper fouling eliminator in IMR 4451 doesn't seem to reduce copper, when compared to IMR 4350.

In fact 4451 seems to make more copper. Its a double base powder containing Nitroglycerin , where IMR 4350 is single base.
The Nitroglycerin powder may burn hotter, leaving more copper deposits?
I will be going back to 4350 when the 2 lbs of 4451 are used up.

 

[Zero333]

The Nitroglycerin powder may burn hotter, leaving more copper deposits?

Or maybe the Nitro burns more of the powder leaving less powder fowling covering the copper, thus allowing you to see the copper better ???

Just a thought.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

The 4451 is supposed to be a lot more temperature insensitive than the regular IMR 4350.

 

[243winxb]

see the copper better ???

No bore scope used. The Bismuth doesnt seem to be doing its job.
I go by the amount of green on the patches. Using old Hoppes bench rest solvent & regular #9.
Bought a case of #9 years ago. 1 qt left. Then i will try newer products, if i live that long. 75 now.

 

[243winxb]

Just finished the 1 pound of IMR 4451. Retested with 2 bullets.

My standard Sierra 85 gr hpbt #1530.

And new to me Speer 85 gr btsp #1213.

The Sierra is the better bullet.
The Speer appeared to be seconds. Some had a pressure ring, some did not.

There is a large price difference between the two. Speer being less expensive. 16 vs 24 cents each. (Ammoseek)

IMR 4350 is a more accurate powder for me. H4350 is good also.

 

[Evan]

Just finished the 1 pound of IMR 4451. Retested with 2 bullets.

My standard Sierra 85 gr hpbt #1530.

And new to me Speer 85 gr btsp #1213.

The Sierra is the better bullet.
The Speer appeared to be seconds. Some had a pressure ring, some did not.

There is a large price difference between the two. Speer being less expensive. 16 vs 24 cents each. (Ammoseek)

IMR 4350 is a more accurate powder for me. H4350 is good also.

IMR 4350 or IMR 4064 have shot the smallest groups in all my rifles. Really nice powders that seem to work well in most guns. I do have to chase the tune for temp swings (couple tenths in my 22BR will keep the tune when going from 60F in the morning to 90F at midday).

IMR 4451 didn't work very well in my 6.5 Creedmoor and I haven't bought any since. That gun liked almost every other powder I fed it, including IMR 4350.