Powder choices for 30 Carbine

[USGI]

My understanding regarding these powders being exactly the same is that in recent years, that's true. Previously, they were different and that's why you see differences when looking in the older reloading manuals. The same goes for HP-38 and Win W-231 - used to be different, but now identical. - Bob

[WarPig1976]

Varget and IMR4895 are also very, very close too.

[TDH]

And try to find 231. Also add H4895 to the Varget and IMR. they are like 7 spots different on the burn chart

[toolness1]

I use 2400 and it works great. (I use bulk Armscor 110 FMJ's or Sierra SP 110's) My dad uses it as well, and has been loading for the M1 carbine for 20+ years.

I also was lucky enough to get a pound of WC820 surplus pulldown powder out of the very last batch from gibrass.com (original .30 carbine military powder)

The WC820 gives me the most consistent velocities in .30 Carbine and 7.62x25 out of several different powders I have tried to work up loads with. It also meters like water, it is some super fine stuff.

[USGI]

I've only tried a few loads with the Armscor bullets, but noted the accuracy was very good. I missed out on the WC820, but continue to look for it at Gunshows. Are you using 13.0 grains of it with your loads? Thanks! - Bob

[toolness1]

I have tried 12.5 and 13 gr and both did well. My batch was supposedly closest to H110 speed. Now I am wishing I had bought two of them!

I have seen people who claim they use this powder in cast rifle loads, but I don't think I'll be trying that. I mostly use 2400 for that.

[enfield303t]

My Hornady manual shows the same thing. However the two Speer manuals I have shows the max charge to be a grain different. I've seen data from other sources that show a difference as well.

I have several reloading manuals and all show different min/max loads for the identical powder/bullet. Look at a older manual and it usually is a much higher max. load than a newer manual, why?? Personally think that companies have serious liability concerns and who knows if their lawyers get involved.

I have discussed this issue with friends that reload and we believe liability must have something to do with it.

[USGI]

I agree about liability being a concern, but the powders now are not identical to what they were earlier, even though their names are the same. Need to look too, as to the difference in brands of cases, primers, bullets, and OAL the provider of the manual used in their test loads. I believe that may have been covered earlier in the thread. - Bob

[JasonA]

My area is swamped with IMR 4227. I'm shooting a little over 12 grains cleanly and accurately in my Winchester. If you are interested in the exact load, I can look tonight. I can't remember off the top of my head since I am stuck at work right now. If you are interested PM me.

[Brian Dick]

I've been shooting 15 grains of WW296 for 30 years using 110 grain FMJ of various manufacture and 100 grain Speer plinkers. It's clean, meters perfectly, is reliable and accurate.