IMR SR4759 is really not that bulky

[Tech Ninja]

I have been working on making reduced recoil loads for .30-30.

After some research I found that Alliant 2400, IMR 4198 and Trail Boss are popular powders for reduced loads. A less popular powder is IMR SR4759. I lucked into getting a pound and bought it to see how it might work.

IMR says:

"This bulky handgun powder works great in the magnums, but really shines as a reduced load propellant for rifle cartridges. It's large grain size gives good loading density for reduced loads, enhancing velocity uniformity."

That seems like an ideal power for me. I like the idea of a bulky power that fills the case. When I measured a few loads of SR4759 I was surprised to find that it didn't seem bulky at all.

Here's a picture of all the powders. All the tubes have 10 grains of powder:

So yes, SR4759 is a bit bulkier than 4198 or 2400 but not by much. Certainly nothing like Trail Boss. I don't see any advantage of using SR4759 over the other powders. I will use it up but I doubt I will buy anymore. And IMR has announced that they are dropping SR4759 this year. There's nothing wrong with it and I'm sure it's geat for some uses.

 

[GLOOB]

In addition to being slightly bulkier than 2400, 4759 also has a slightly slower burn rate. I.e., you will typically use a little more of it, for similar loads. That makes a significant difference. As long as case fill is over 50% for my use, I'm satisfied.

Sometimes Trail Boss is too bulky and/or fast. It's only good for greatly reduced rifle loads. And it's a tad pricey.

 

[Walkalong]

SR4759 works well, but is supposed to be discontinued again. Pick some up while you can. Another very similar, but more expensive, powder is AA 5744.

 

[PO2Hammer]

For the 30-30 I use Trail Boss for light lead loads, but that's all Trail Boss will do. I find that 4759 works best for 'mid range' loads like 100 and 110 grain jacketed bullets in the 2,000 fps range.
Load density is only around 50%, but it burns completely and is accurate.

I'm going to try and find a few pounds before it goes extinct. I'm thinking it should also be just right for heavy .45 Colt loads in my carbine.