IMR 4451 in the 6.5x47 Lapua

[kyreloader]

I shoot 140g Hybrids with 40.2g of H4350 in my 26" barreled 6.5x47 Lapua. That has been my go-to load in the two barrels that I have had chambered in this caliber. I ordered some IMR 4451 powder to see if it may be a good substitute if I ever run out of H4350. Therefore, I loaded a comparison loading from 39.3g to 40.5g of each powder. Here are my results.

H4350
39.3g , 2768 fps, ES 5, 0.245 group size
39.6g, 2781 fps, ES 4, 0.689 group
39.9g, 2806 fps, ES 25, 0.490 group
40.2g, 2833 fps, ES 13, 0.120 group
40.5g, 2865 fps, ES 15, 0.300 group

IMR 4451
39.3g, 2799 fps, ES 8, 0.287
39.6g, 2826 fps, ES 21, 0.345
39.9g, 2858 fps, ES 24, 0.875
40.2g, 2897 fps, ES 13, 0.845
40.5 was not shot due to pressure with 40.2 grains.

In my experience, the 140g Hybrids likes the velocity of 2800-2830 fps to shoot the best in my barrels. Therefore, this test confirms that experience. 40-40.3g is where my barrel shoots the best with H4350 and IMR 4451 is 39.3-39.7g. From my test, IMR 4451 needs 0.6-0.7 less powder than the same load with H4350.

I plan to load up more rounds with both of the above load (40.2g H4350 and 39.4g IMR 4451) and plan to shoot at longer distance when I get time.

I plan to try this powder in my Dasher with 105s as well, going to try to load around 1 grain less than my H4350 load (36.4g).

Hope this helps someone.

 

[buddha]

My experience with 4451 with the 6.5x47 has been successful. I had settled on Varget because I could not get velocities I wanted with H4350, but bought a jug of 4451 because I could not find more Varget. The powder performs well with 140 bergers and hornadys, with approx. 40 grains, getting velocities similar to Varget.

I will be interested in how it performs for you in the the Dasher. Please keep us posted.

 

[Ringostar]

I've thought about giving it a try also. Have you tried any accuracy tests yet?

 

[Ringostar]

Anymore info here? I picked up a pound to try this weekend. I shot a ladder test today. I started at 38.3 up to 41.6. BR4 primer and 140 A max. Primers all looked fine, no flattening. I was only able to shoot at 200 yds today, so didn't get much vertical separation. Having a 3 grain change gave less than 1 moa of variation. With 40.1-40.7 being the tightest.

 

[CaptainMal]

Be interested to see what it might do in a Dasher. I tried 4166 and it took about .8 of a grain LESS than Varget. Now what the 4451 will do really interests because I, unlike you, cannot get enough H4350 in the case without pushing up the bullet.

 

[Ringostar]

According to Hodgdons burn rate chart, it is right between IMR 4350 and H4350. I'm going to try group testing this weekend.

 

[Boxcar77]

I was at the reloading shop a few months ago looking at 4451 and 4166.

I ended up buying the 4166 for my 6.5x47. But with both powders being so new and so little load data available for the 6.5L I emailed Hodgdon/IMR several times, matter of fact I resent the same email every other day for over a month. It was never responded too, upsetting to say the least.

I found 1 charge weight for the 4166 in the 6.5L I reduced the charge and ran a pressure test. I was able to get over 3000fps before I seen pressure with a 130VLD. So the results were promising I just haven't had time lately too run an OCW or chrony the loads too see if my SD/ES were acceptable.

Thinking back I should of bought the 4451, I'm a fan of H4350 but supplies are running low.

Thanks for taking the time too post your results, kyreloader

 

[kyreloader]

Be interested to see what it might do in a Dasher. I tried 4166 and it took about .8 of a grain LESS than Varget. Now what the 4451 will do really interests because I, unlike you, cannot get enough H4350 in the case without pushing up the bullet.

In my Dasher, CaptainMal, my node with 4451 at 600 yards is 35.2-35.6g with the 105 Hybrids. I have more loaded to shoot over the Chrony and for more groups. I loaded up to 36.2 grains with just a hint of primer flattening. I think 36.4 or so would be max in my rifle/chamber. My rifle opened up with vertical after 35.8g. With the 35.2-35.6g node, each group had about 1 inch of vertical at 600 yards each being a 5-shot group at each charge of 35.2, 35.4 and 35.6. The 35.4g charge had about 0.5" of vertical (I know one 5 shot group does not tell the whole story, but a good start). I have more loaded at 35.4g to shoot at 600 yards over the chrony working with my tuner to see if it shoots as well as my Varget load (32.6g).

I will try to post back after I get a chance to shoot again.

 

[KMart]

I am interested in how dense the 4451 is compared to H4350 in the 6.5x47. Which powder fills the case the most at about 40 gr not using a drop tube.

 

[Ringostar]

The 4451 and H4350 are very close on density. I tried 3 shot groups yesterday. Mostly testing for vertical, I didn't have proper wind flags to hold horizontal. With other matches being held at our club, I could only shoot 200 yds. 40.7gn gave me 5/16" vertical. With one shot drifting an inch right in the wind. 41.0gn was next best with 1/2" of vertical with a 5/8" total group. Higher and lower loads started opening up more. I will try 5 shot groups next within this range. I don't have a crono that I trust, to test velocity.

 

[Sundog]

Reading the information posted above by kyreloader made me think about antelope. So much so that I did a quick test (3-shots per load, 100 yards) of my 6.5 x 47L using IMR4451, CCI 450, Hornady 129 SST.

38.0 gr gave a mostly upward string an inch long
38.5 gr, no vertical, .625 horizontal
39.0 gr, no vertical, .375 horizontal
39.5 gr, no vertical, .312 horizontal

This is the best bullet/powder combination tested so far. Rifle is fairly new Win 70 short action, Bartlein 8.5 twist, Manners MCS-EH3 stock. Next test will be at 200 yards and then 300 yards prone with Atlas bipod. There appears to be a lot more to be said about IMR 4451 and hunting with the 6.5 x 47L.
The info on this site is extremely helpful.

Thanks. Sundog

 

[Eric Leonard]

I tried it today and as I was told I am gonna have to get my bolt bushed for the small firing pin,,I started getting a little nipple on my primers at 39.5 so backed down to 38.5 with 130 VLD and shot 3 shots at 100 yards,,

 

[flatlander]

Haven't tried 4451 in my Dashers yet, but have been using it in 6x47L, 6XC, 6.5x47L, and 260 Imp 30*, with good results in all. Don't have any H4350 to compare it to, but it's not temp sensitive at all, especially compared to IMR4350.

 

[tac284]

Old thread, kinda hate to resurrect it but just about to sit down tonight and do some loading of 4451 in my freshly chambered 6.5x47. loading 140 hybrids. Did any of you guys settle on a load? Bullet seating depth?