IMR 4895 a "dirty" powder?

[Ken14]

Just picked up a pound of IMR 4895 to use in my .308. After 18 to 20 rounds whis is the norm for my load development sessions, I came back home and started to clean rifles. To my surprise the 4895 loads turn the patches MUCH blacker than the loads I use withe RE-15 or Varget...also seems to take more "elbow" grease to get the job done. Anyone else notice this ??

[Rocky Raab]

Well, IMR 4895 has been around for a long time. Some of those older powders used more deterrent, anti-flash and other coatings than newer ones. So it's really no surprise that they might also be "dirtier" than some others.

Powders that were developed for military use (like 4895) might have properties that were less important to us than to the Army. And other attributes that the Army was less concerned about than we might be. Cleaning ease might be one of the latter.

That said, 4895 has a lot going for it. It's a single-base powder that is very consistent and predictable as pressure go up during load workup. I burn a lot of it for just that reason.

[Catfish]

Ken,
Rocky gave you you the just of the story, but I would like to add , that all that black you see in your barrel has no effect on accuracy. Bullseye is one of the dirtiest powders on the market, but there has probibly been more of it at handgun compitation shoots than all other powders put together.

[Cal Sibley]

I use IMR4895 in 4 different rifles and really like it. I've never noticed it being dirtier than most other powders. I find it produces excellent accuracy and well worth an extra cleaning patch or two. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

[Gil Martin]

I agree with these fine folks. IMR4895 is one of my preferred powders and use it in a lot of different cartridges. Never noticed it being overly dirty. I just really like it. All the best...
Gil

[Rabid Rich]

Okay, now you've done it!!!
Reading all the replies about IMR4895 got me down in the dumps !! I recall buying it back in the early '60's for $.50 a pound.
It was "Military surplus" of course and we went thru it like a dose of "salts". I have used it in every centerfire I have and ever had with good to WOWSER results. Hum, come to think of it, I might just have to try it me Jeep@.......Gasoline prices what they are..........Hummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm