IMR 7383 useful?

[DHall_37]

Hey guys Gibrass has some IMR 7383 in stock for about $10 a pound. I’d like to get some to try out. He states to use IMR 4831 data and reduce by 15% to start.

I’d just like it to play around with some surplus calibers mostly 7.62x54R and 8x57 and the 6.5 Carcano and maybe just maybe my 25-06 AI. From what I’ve heard it doesn’t give the best velocity and is kinda a “grumpy” powder.

 

[Kurz]

This is a copy of the information as written on Jeff's website:

IMR7383 This is a slow burning stick powder originally used for the Cal. .50
M48A2 Spotter/Tracer round. This is not the same case as that known as
the .50 Browning Machine Gun cartridge. This powder is NOT recommended
for the .50 BMG round. It is a very bulky, extruded propellant, developed
in the 1970s to replace IMR4831 which had been used in the M48A1 round.
It has about the same propellant energy as IMR4831 when compared in equal
volume, not by weight. IMR4831 data can be used, but charge weights must
be reduced by about 15%.

There were three (3)different lot numbers of IMR7383 released as surplus by
the military. There is quite a difference in burn rate between these three
lot numbers. When sharing data or info on IMR7383, be SURE to reference lot number.
This is new powder, not pulldown.
$70/7# jug IN STOCK

 

[DHall_37]

This is a copy of the information as written on Jeff's website:

IMR7383 This is a slow burning stick powder originally used for the Cal. .50
M48A2 Spotter/Tracer round. This is not the same case as that known as
the .50 Browning Machine Gun cartridge. This powder is NOT recommended
for the .50 BMG round. It is a very bulky, extruded propellant, developed
in the 1970s to replace IMR4831 which had been used in the M48A1 round.
It has about the same propellant energy as IMR4831 when compared in equal
volume, not by weight. IMR4831 data can be used, but charge weights must
be reduced by about 15%.

There were three (3)different lot numbers of IMR7383 released as surplus by
the military. There is quite a difference in burn rate between these three
lot numbers. When sharing data or info on IMR7383, be SURE to reference lot number.
This is new powder, not pulldown.
$70/7# jug IN STOCK

Yep, he’s who I want to buy it off of. I’m just looking to see if anyone here has any experience with it.

 

[Frankm]

We got some for economical shooting. Used it in a 22 Creedmoor and it provided sub moa accuracy with an 88 gr Eldm. Found that the accuracy was down lower in charge weight. About 15% under IMR 4831 shot great. (2950 fps) We attempted going up a half grain at a time and it showed its temperamental nature. Groups went to 2 moa and pressure got erratic…. To the pt of blanking a primer and we weren’t to imr4831 charge weight levels.

If you don’t try to hot rod it and are happy shooting a couple hundred fps slower than other powders it worked fine. Just be cautious, conservative and as someone else mentioned “ know which lot of powder you have”.

 

[DHall_37]

Thanks for the advice, not trying to hot rod, just looking for something to cheaply shoot the military guns and not burn up all my 4895 and 4064. I’ve heard this is quite a grumpy powder!

 

[Frankm]

Keep velocity and pressure down and you ll do fine. Don’t remember if it was Bartletts site or where but somewhere I read this powder was developed for military non-flash use AND if an application where pressures would be 40-45K…. Might be why it’s “grumpy” when loaded to higher pressures!

 

[Loudenboomer]

I was told on another site to start low and as soon as it burns clean go no higher. It is supposed to be able to go from mild to Bat Crap Crazy real quick.

 

[LandmanCPL]

FYI, I just used 7383 in a load for my 5.56/2.23. Tried 22.4 & 22.6 grains as recommended but had ALL sorts of unburned powder in the barrel. Then as per the 7383 label.. I tried 23 grains... BEWARE, this puts the load at 100% or a very slight bit compacted. Made 3 shots with the 23 grain load and a 62 grain bullet... achieved a CLEAN BURN and had good accuracy.

 

[LandmanCPL]

FURTHER, I tried it in my 30-30 with 31 all the way up to 31.6 grains with a 150 grain Flat nosed bullet. The load was very accurate BUT VERY dirty. Lots of unburned powder in the round. I did not find anyone having success with 7383 in the 30-30 so I have put this one down as a NO GO powder for that caliber until I hear otherwise.

 

[LandmanCPL]

Finally, Will be experimenting with a 30-06 load for same, as I understand 7383 does very well with this caliber. Have several to try, 47 gr. and 53.5 to 54 grains. Will post results when done.

 

[Sniperhandle]

FYI, I just used 7383 in a load for my 5.56/2.23. Tried 22.4 & 22.6 grains as recommended but had ALL sorts of unburned powder in the barrel. Then as per the 7383 label.. I tried 23 grains... BEWARE, this puts the load at 100% or a very slight bit compacted. Made 3 shots with the 23 grain load and a 62 grain bullet... achieved a CLEAN BURN and had good accuracy.

That powder is way to slow of a powder to be using in small cases with light bullets. This powder has a similar burn rate to 4831, 4831 would never be used in .223 you would have case overfill and un-burnt powder also.

It would benefit you to study burn rate charts and learn which powders would work for the calibers you are reloading, Experimenting with surplus powders without knowing what you are doing could be dangerous. Here is a link to a powder burn rate chart.

https://hodgdon.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/burn-rate-color.pdf