which powders went to war?

[ving-thorr]

Just curious. which reloading powders in common usage today began life in a military application?

the only one I know of is BL-C2

[JohndeFresno]

We can start with IMR 4895 (that's what immediately comes to mind).

IMR = "Improved Military Rifle"

Win 748 was "Chosen by U.S. Military for 5.56 mm and 223 Remington" per the Hodgdon site; but I don't know if it started out as a military rifle, per http://www.reloadammo.com/rel-powd.htm.

[ving-thorr]

We can start with IMR 4895 (that's what immediately comes to mind).

IMR = "Improved Military Rifle"

no kidding! I didn't know that's what IMR stood for. was it a .30-06 powder initially?

[adirondakjack]

Power Pistol started out as bulk military stock called "Bullseye 84", because it looks like Bullseye, and was designed in '84, for use in 9MM "NATO" pistols, including ours....

[JohndeFresno]

...was [IMR 4895] a .30-06 powder initially?

Yup! It is still an old favorite among many handloaders. Google it and you will see that it enjoys popularity in other calbiers, as well.

[JohndeFresno]

Reloder #7, #11, and #21 are derived from Hercules "Hi-Vel#2" of 1915 origin, designed for military use.
Here is one link that shows some of the "genealogy":
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hercules_Powder_Company

Hodgdon H335 was developed for the 5.56 NATO (.223 M-16)

I finally found IMR 3031 - I KNEW I had read something about it as a military powder (at least in development) for the .223. During development of the Armalite, it featured prominently. More at:
http://www.223reloads.com/home/223-5-56 ... -846-loads

[Cliff]

H-380 was used to load the .303 British ammunition. H-4831 was used for the 20MM cannon ammo, I believe 4350 is in there as well. There are several others which were used, but most of it was made in lots of 50K pounds and pressure tested to meet velocity and pressure specs for various types of ammo. Hodgon's got his start by buying up all the G.I. surplus powders he could get after WWII and Korea. Amazing thing it was stored in piles outside in open weather. I believe Hogdon's is responsible now days for all american made powders whatever the name it is sold under. Interesting history behind it all. ATB

[Chuck 100 yd]

4831 was one of the most popular surplus powders that
Hodgden sold after WW2. A friend sold me half of his half keg (about 12lb.) in the 70`s and I used it mostly in my .243 .
I almost cried when the last of it went into the powder measure. It was the most accurate lot of powder I ever used up until that point.
I have found others since that are as good if not better.

[earlmck]

4831 was one of the most popular surplus powders that Hodgden sold after WW2.

Yeah, as a college kid, buddies and I got 25# kegs of the stuff for $0.50/lb. Used it for virtually everything. Some things we'd heat it up a bit with some h4227 in the bottom of the case to bring it up to speed... (I may still have some of those old recipes around if anyone wants to give it a try )

[Terry Murbach]

DO NOT FORGET BULLSEYE [45ACP] AND H110 [ 30CARB].

[Buck Elliott]

H-110 is Hodgdon's name for Winchester 296, which descended from W-295HP but without some of 295's unfriendly quirks...

And don't forget Fg, FFg, FFFg, and FFFFg..... And 5010...

[junkbug]

Was IMR 3031 developed for the 30-40 Krag?

[JohndeFresno]

Was IMR 3031 developed for the 30-40 Krag?

My understanding is that IMR 3031 was developed around 1934 for .30-06 or similar .30 caliber rifles; many years after the introduction of the 30-40 Krag (just before 1900). Experts, correct me if I am wrong.

[Old Ironsights]

I'd say "Talcum" and "Corn Starch"...

[ving-thorr]

I'd say "Talcum" and "Corn Starch"...

HA! nice. Gold Bond these days.

[Sixgun]

Like Terry said, Bullseye. In some original factory sealed boxes of boxes of Span. A. W. 38 Long Colt and WW1 45 ACP, Bullseye is marked on the boxes. I also read where the standard load for smokeless 45 L. Colt was 6 grains of Bullseye.

On many boxes of military match ammo I have, IMR 4350 is so marked and yes, that went to war as it was standard issue to snipers in VN.--------------------Sixgun

[Old Ironsights]

And don't forget Fg, FFg, FFFg, and FFFFg..... And 5010...

Heh... I think most people misses this, so I will reiterate...


BLACK POWDER The military and sporting choice for 1200+ years...

[Washita]

The first rifle powder I ever bought was H4895, back in about 1960. It was surplus powder, and I split a keg with a friend that we bought from the Director of Civilian Marksmanship (DCM), the predecessor of today's CMP. I think it cost us 55 cents a pound. H4895 is still my favorite and most-used rifle powder.