IMR 4895 in a 223

[gene pool]

Gentlemen,

I have a 9 twist 700 Remington LTR in 223 caliber. It shoots 3's, 4's, and 5's with H335 and 55 grain Sierra Varminter HPBT's. I think that is more than acceptable for a production barrel. However when I get over 3000fps the accuracy starts to deteriorate. I would like to get the little 55 grain bullets up to 3200 or 3300 fps and still maintain accuracy.

I note that Sierra's manual lists H4895 as one of the powders, but not IMR 4895. I have IMR, but not the H4895 (it never fails). Anyway, I want to try some light loads with IMR 4895 and work up. Has anyone used IMR 4895 in 223 with good results? If so, what charges did you use? And what twist was your barrel?

Thank you,
Gene

 

[tbs]

Not sure if this will help you, I am using 25.2 gr. imr 4895 behind a 52 grain hpbt Sierra. This is 1 grain less than recommended max charge. I don't have Chrono data at this point but they are holding .6 groups at 100 for 5 shots in a light weight sporter.

 

[wapiti25]

I have shot both H335 and IMR4895 in 2 sporter factory barrels with 55gr Hornady SP bullets. H335 at 25gr was slightly more accurate but a casefull of IMR4895 shot well but I don't remember the weight. IMR4895 shot well useing mil 55gr FMJ's also for a plinking round. IMR4895 was not as fussy as to the charge weight and accuracy in my rifles as was H335.

 

[chino1969]

IMR 4895 is my go to powder for a .223 with 55 grn. bullets. Start at 24.5 grns. and work from there.

 

[KevinThomas]

Hi Gene,

There's really not too much difference between H and IMR where the two 4895s are concerned, which is why Sierra chose to show just one. The problem here is that 4895 (of either flavor) isn't really ideal for mid to light weight bullets in the 223. IMR 3031 is better suited, but is such a pain to work with that I'd recommend against it on that basis alone. For the mid range weights and Hodgdon powders, you'll be hard pressed to find a better powder than H322 or Benchmark. You might also try our V-V N133 or N135, both of which will also give outstanding results with this combination.

With the 1x9" twist, you have the ability to run some of the heavier bullets, at least up to the 69s or so. You might want to give these a try as well, depending on the application. Here, the 4895s will be a bit better suited, as will some other slightly slower powders, like Varget and RL-15.

 

[K22]

I have tried IMR 4895 with 50 and 55 grain bullets in my rifles which all have 12" twists.

Charge weight was 25.1 grains, straight out of the Sierra 50th Ed. Manual which is their accuracy load for 55 grain bullets.

It shot well in my rifles, around 1/2 moa or so with standard federal match primers.

However several years ago I went to Varget since it shoots cleaner, is more consistant in all my rifles, seems more temperature tolerate, and is very accurate out of all my rifles. Since I use it in my 308, it allows to minimize my powder inventory.

In my experience, Benchmark, H335, IMR 4895, H322, and Varget all work very well in the 223, all capable of producing 1/2 moa groups in accurate rifles but all my experinece has been with 12" twist rifles.