Lee Loader

Has anyone had experience with this powder. I read mixed reports. I want to try it in the 8mm at 20 grains which QL shows should give me about 1500 fps.

Okay made up some loads and hope to get them tried this week. I am also going to try in 357 magnum.

I have had four pounds of H4227 on the shelf for about a decade or better and not found a use for it. Last year, I started using it with my 38 Spl in an effort to expend it. Accuracy is good but velocities are way behind other powders. Max pressure 38 Spl +P loads with H110 delivered 850 FPS from my Rossi 351 revolver using my 125-grain cast bullet. H4227 max loads yielded 635 FPS. This mirrors everything I've tried it with.

H4227 did come up in the QuickLoad query results as a powder with acceptable performance for my Rem 600 chambered in 35 Rem using the Hornady 200-grain spire point when running the cartridge at 358 Win pressure levels. I plan on giving it a try in that application.

I originally bought the H4227 for use with the 375 Win, did work there either. Velocity really behind others for the same pressure.

Funny you should mention 35 Remington. I was looking at some plinking loads using 158 grain jacketed or hard cast pistol bullets. After doing some research I figured around 25-27 grains of IMR 4227 might be the ticket. I still have about 400 204 grain hard cast checked bullets that I could use for a more powerful load. This is in a Rem 760 which is a pretty strong action for 35 Rem. pressures.

I bought a back issue of Handloader from the '80s that featured heavy 35 Rem loads with the rifle of interest the 760. I will get it scanned and email you a copy. H or IMR 4227 was not mentioned though, that came from QuickLoad.

Ranch Dog wrote:I bought a back issue of Handloader from the '80s that featured heavy 35 Rem loads with the rifle of interest the 760. I will get it scanned and email you a copy. H or IMR 4227 was not mentioned though, that came from QuickLoad.

Thanks RD. I ran a QL check on the 158 pistol bullet (Hornady FP) load and it looked good at ~1900 fps. I have some plated 158's but not sure if they would take that velocity.

While waiting for the 158 grain pistol bullets to be delivered I decided to make up some rounds for my 35 Rem. 760 using my favourate, a 204-5 grain hard cast RNFP. After reading through manuals and web articles I decided to use 20.0 to 24.0 grains of IMR4227 in 1 grain increments with an OAL of 2.40. I took this opportunity to use both CCI-250 and CCI-200 primers to see if it makes any significant difference. I have read that IMR4227 burns more consistently with magnum primers when used in reduced loads. Cases are filled from 60-71% and crimped with a FCD just enough to take out the slight mouth flair. Quickload predicts 1,560-1,812 fps for a 220 grain bullet so I am expecting a bit above that with the 205 grain one. Pressures for the heavier bullet are predicted to be 67% of the CIP MAP for the 35 Remington at a charge of 24.0 grains so I have a good safety margin. I believe I can safely go with a higher charge and my final goal would be to equal the approximately 2,100 fps I get with IMR3031. This has proven to be an excellent hunting round. The Rem. 760 is also a strong action and that provides additional comfort.

As an aside, the powder dropped from my Perfect Powder Measure very consistently. I always drop low, usually by several tenths and trickle up. I was able to dial it down just one grain and only once had to remove a few kernels of powder to get the correct amount. This looks good for the .357 mag loading on the turret press.

Looking forward to the results. Did you get those Handloader pages I emailed you?

Ranch Dog wrote:Looking forward to the results. Did you get those Handloader pages I emailed you?

No I didn't. Please try again.

Sent again, might check your spam folder.