H4198 in 30-30

[Twotone]

Hi all,
I have been using the Lyman 173 gn bullet with 18 gn IMR 4198 , great accuracy and nice plinking load. having run out now of the IMR I could only manage to get the H4198. I am using the starting load of the IMR at 18 gns and the guy in the local store said to use the same with the H4198 and see , its ok to do that in his opinion. he reckoned it was very similar and that it was safe at those loads. I Just wanted to know if anyone else had any experience in switching one for the other in 30-30?

[Abnermal]

WHOA! There is no such thing as "reckon" in hand loading ammunition. I am a loading manual junkie-I found no data using H4198 and a 173gr cast bullet. Were it me I'd back up and find data with another powder I had on hand or could get.

[Ojaileveraction]

For 170gr Sierra FN I see that Hodgdon list 22.5 grs of H4198 as a max load. 32600cup, 1918fps
Compare that to 160gr cast LFN over 17 gr of H4198 as a max load , at 20600cup, 1616 fps.

18 grs of H4198 under 173gr cast lead , I think the biggest danger is barrel leading .

From what I have observed is IMR4198 and H4198 are close to same weight for the same speed and pressure.

[Ojaileveraction]

I see that Lyman list 18grs of IMR4198 for 173gr cast as the minimum load.

If your concerned about the substitution I suggest backing off 10% or more and work up.

[Jdl447]

Call Hodgdon.

[ditto1958]

I have some 158 grain coated cast bullets. I load them with 17 grains of H4198. They’re fun plinkers.

[Steve51]

I would be very cautious about using the same amounts of IMR4198 and H4198. They are similar and close but not the same. The Lyman cast bullet manual does not list H4198 but does list IMR4198 as Ojaileveraction mentioned above.

I do not load for the .30-30 but do use H4198 in .45-70 loads. For some loads in this caliber, the start or max loads may vary by 2 grains between IMR4198 and H4198.

They are not identical powders.

[clovishound]

Call Hodgdon.

This!

[Twotone]

Thanks everyone for the input. This is why I asked the question. I will email Hodgdon and see what they say about it, the book the RFd had gave 18.2 gns of H4198 as an equivalent in speed and pressure to 18gns IMR 4198 but I just dont like loading something that is unpublished I have some unique and varget I can use , just that the IMR is working really well in my 94, now I cant get it anywhere!!

[Twotone]

Hi All
Had a great response from Mike at Hodgdon. He explained the differences very precisely and also gave me the OK for using the same load as the pressures were low either way. There would be a slight change in velocity and I will have to rejig things a little but other than that its ok.
He also kindly sent me a huge table of load data regarding 30-30 across their powders and different bullet weights.
I have to say, what a great response and first class service. Big thumbs up to Mike

[clovishound]

One of the things I like about Hodgdon powders is the amount of information they provide. I have called them before with a question and was pleased with the service from them.