H4198 in a semiauto .223?

[jhansman]

Typically I use H335 in my autoloading .223 under a 55gr FMJ, and it is as dependable a powder as any I've yet used, but I have a pound of 4198 that has been sitting on the shelf for too long (tried it in my target rifle and couldn't get consistent results with it), so I thought I'd use it up in my Saiga 223. Any reason this is not a good idea? What with the scare on right now, powders are growing scarcer (as ever), so until H335 becomes more readily available, I want to use the 4198. Thanks for any useful feedback.

 

[243winxb]

I used IMR 4198 in a Colt 5.56 auto. Worked fine. It doesnt produce top velocity, but accuracy is good.

H4198 is very close to being the same powder. Since you have the powder, give it a try.

 

[luzyfuerza]

One caution: I loaded up a bunch of .223 rounds using IMR 4198 that functioned fine in a number of ARs with carbine-length gas systems, but resulted in frequent malfunctions (failures to extract and feed) in an AR with a rifle-length system.

More details here:

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...98-in-ar-with-rifle-length-gas-system.780506/

 

[mrawesome22-250]

I couldn't get it to run a rifle length gas system.

 

[jhansman]

Thanks for the replies. My Saiga is a carbine, so I'm going to try it (when my range finally reopens ). I'm glad I asked here; it didn't occur to me that this powder might not have the oomph! to cycle the gun. Waiting for H335 to come back in stock from all suppliers, and not holding my breath.

 

[Charlie98]

Thanks for the replies. My Saiga is a carbine, so I'm going to try it (when my range finally reopens ). I'm glad I asked here; it didn't occur to me that this powder might not have the oomph! to cycle the gun. Waiting for H335 to come back in stock from all suppliers, and not holding my breath.

I've been pondering the whole 5.56mm and 7.62mm powder question lately, and even posted about it on a different forum. I've seen some interesting answers, and some interesting ones here at THR, too (not to my question.) Someone stated that the whole AR idea was designed around IMR4198 as the powder from the start... I found that a bit odd, but I've not checked the validity of that statement. I think IMR4198 is too fast, personally, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't work, if you see what I mean.

There are a number of powders that would work well in the AR, carbine or not, that might be available... BL-C2, W748, TAC, and AA2495 come immediately to mind, and there are some others like Benchmark, IMR8208, X-Terminator, AR-Comp, and CFE-223 that I have not researched, yet. I would just hate to see you go through all that prep to wind up with a single-shot AR...

 

[jhansman]

Well, I don't know how much gas it takes to cycle an AK, but I reckon I'll find out. I only made up around 25 rounds with the 4198, so if it turns out to be a bust, not so much to disassemble. This is my zombie apocalypse rifle, so it must function when the chips are down.

 

[Toprudder]

H4198 is my favorite powder for my 8.5” AR pistol. I can load 55gn bullets with 19.0gn charge and it cycles reliably, slightly reduced recoil, and less flash/bang than factory loads. I have a mid-length 16” carbine that I have to load close to a max charge of 21.0gn to get reliable operation. I would think it would be good in a carbine length gas system.

 

[jhansman]

H4198 is my favorite powder for my 8.5” AR pistol. I can load 55gn bullets with 19.0gn charge and it cycles reliably, slightly reduced recoil, and less flash/bang than factory loads. I have a mid-length 16” carbine that I have to load close to a max charge of 21.0gn to get reliable operation. I would think it would be good in a carbine length gas system.

Good to know. I used 20 gr. with that bullet and I'm hoping it will fit the bill. Doubtful I will buy any more of it, as I just ordered another two lbs. of H335 (available now at Midway), but having an alternate propellant is always a good thing. Thanks!