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Posted: 3/4/2015 12:16:36 AM EDT
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It came up in this thread as perhaps a suitable replacement for Varget.
I searched AR15 and did not get many hits. After 30 minutes on google, I got a lot of "close to 4064- but" it seems it has some carbon/weird fouling and higher pressure issues (at least in the reviews I read) I like new tech ("copper fouling eliminator") but it is pricey and may have issues. Anyone with first hand accounts? Thanks 
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BP,
The one thing that IMR-4166 has going for it now is that it is available. In my limited testing, I think the burn rate slots right in between Varget and H4895 as indicated in the load data out there. The copper reducing seems to hold true, I haven't tested it's temp insensitivity yet/enough to say yay or nay. I did do a baseline test of 42grs under a 175gr bullet against my data for Varget and H4895. It slotted in between the two. Accuracy was good, I won't say better or worse than Varget/H4895, but not bad either. Usable. These bullets were tested at magazine length. My biggest gripe with this powder was/is the kernel size. It sounded like pebbles hitting the pan. I would say the kernels are on par with H1000/H4831sc sizewise. I think for normal loads it will be fine, but you mite run to a problem if you try to run a compressed load. For the time being I am running it under a 185gr moly bullet and it yields a little more velocity than Varget with a little less powder. So in that one instance I mite try using it in competition. As an FYI, I am not hurting for Varget or H4895, but only got into it for the data for other local competitors who don't have either powder, but want to keep shooting. Hope that helps. SY |
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Thanks for the reply,
Your information does help, and it fits right in with what I have been reading... I.E. accuracy is acceptable but pressure is a little higher at comparable velocities to other powders, It is not a short cut powder and can be difficult to meter, has a greater density then say Varget so you reach compressed loads quickly and run out of case room, etc. etc. It is available, so that is an advantage. It works and functions, another advantage. The bottom line is it is a good powder, but not a $180-$200 a jug powder. If it was a Varget beater I would embrace it. |
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