Thread: Help with powder choice.

Ok, here is the 'issue' I have.

I currently have four rifles to start reloading for being 303Brit, 308Win, 270 Win and 300WSM. I have a bunch of various powders accumulated over time through purchases or trades. I know some are not appropriate for the above calibres or perhaps not the ideal choice but can work. The powders I have are as follows:

IMR4895
AR2208
AR2209
AR2217
AR2219
H1000
AR2205

Here is where I need the collective to assist. What powders either not suitable at all or highly unlikely to be useful for the calibres I have?

My thinking is that for the 308 (largely a bush gun, but would like to push it out to 300m) is that IMR4895 and AR2208 will/should work fine.

For 270Win, AR2209 should be good.

For 303 AR2209 should be good.

For 300WSM, AR2209 should work and H1000 and AR2217 can also work but perhaps better suited to larger magnum cases.

As I understand it AR2205 is a pistol powder but can be used for .22 hornet? As for AR2219 I understand it is better suited for .223 rather than a 308.

Does the above seem about right?

Sure does. 2219 in 223 is handy,nice to load. Your powders for 308 may be useful in 270 as well.

I use 2219 in a short barrelled 308 with lightweight (125gn) projectiles - get better velocity. modelled in GRT and results checked with chrony. 2208 is better for 150gn and over. But in longer barreled 308, the 2208 was fine with the 125gn.

the 2219 can also be used for reduced loads (there's info on reduced loads with H322 which is the same powder). I've got a reduced load for the 30-40 Krag almost same as the 303, 165gn projectile doing 2400 fps with 2219.

IMR4895 also likely to be a versatile powder?

270 use 2213sc.with 110gr TTSX. Magic powder. 308 running 748 with 110gr TTSX. Brutal.Yet to load some 110gr Pro Hunter for the 270 purchased off a Forum member . His powder was 2209 for very good speed.

2208 for the first two

2217 for the last two


Easy choice

I use 2209 in my 303, and my neighbours 270 (although 2213sc looks a little better for that). I use 2208 in the 308 but I have used it in the 303 before too. I am yet to start loading for my 300 wsm but I will give 2209 a crack first as I already have it and it looks like it will work ok.

2217 will convert your 270 into a "magnum" with 145/150gn projectiles, 3000 fps is readily achievable with 22.5" plus. H1000 is the same powder.

2209 goes very well in the 300wsm and will work well in 270 as well.

2208 and imr 4895 are great for 308 win loads. There are better but these work really well, and will definitely work for your intended purpose.
Both of these are very versatile powders and can be used ito good effect n a wide variety of short action cartridges. 7mm08, 223 amongst others.
2217/h1000 is good for full length magnums, goes very well in 7mm rem mag. It will work in 270 but not idealas it is quite bulky. It seems to go better in more bottle necked cases like 6.5 PRC.

I don't have any experience with the others listed.

Everyone talks about 2213 in the 270, but ive found 2209 to be the quiet achiever. Velocities equal or better than 2213 and so so consistent.

Originally Posted by Tentman

2217 will convert your 270 into a "magnum" with 145/150gn projectiles, 3000 fps is readily achievable with 22.5" plus. H1000 is the same powder.

Better than 2213 with the heavies?

Yup. 3000 fps with 150s. Compressed so wouldnt work with fast twist barrels running 175s etc.

Originally Posted by Tentman

Yup. 3000 fps with 150s. Compressed so wouldnt work with fast twist barrels running 175s etc.

Test us what the recoil was. Not inconsiderable .

Personally.
First 3 2208, very common, good performance.
300WSM 2209, very common. There is better, but in a pinch, can be used in the first 3.

Originally Posted by Tentman

Yup. 3000 fps with 150s. Compressed so wouldnt work with fast twist barrels running 175s etc.

Interesting, will have to keep that in mind. My 270 is currently 20" but I do have a 24" barrel that can go on it once I build myself a bush gun.