I know, for example, that the prefix IMR is an abbreviation for Improved Military Rifle, H stands for Hogdon, etc., but what do the numbers, such as 3031 in IMR-3031, H-4350, etc. mean, if anything? It seems hard to believe they would be completely random.
Significance of number assigned to powder, if any
- Thread starter orpington
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Potatohead
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Somebody mentioned on here the other day, the higher the number, the more recent the powder was introduced, at least with imr. I'm a bit curious myself.
ArchAngelCD
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As for 3031, I'm told it's because they were originally loading 31gr of powder in the 30 Cal cartridge (30 WCF later 30-30) so it was named 3031.
For H380, Bruce Hodgdon developed a powder for the then wildcat 22 cal cartridge which became the 22-250. He was loading 38.0gr of this powder in that wildcat cartridge so he named the powder H380.
There are a bunch of other but I can't remember them right now and I'm sure many of the powder names have nothing to do with loading specs too.
For H380, Bruce Hodgdon developed a powder for the then wildcat 22 cal cartridge which became the 22-250. He was loading 38.0gr of this powder in that wildcat cartridge so he named the powder H380.
There are a bunch of other but I can't remember them right now and I'm sure many of the powder names have nothing to do with loading specs too.
amlevin
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What you'll probably find is that the "Marketing Department" got drunk one night and picked some numbers.
Smokey Joe
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Powder numbers...
Orpington--Powder numbers have the same degree of sensibility and consistency as do the names of car models, or S&W pistol models. Likewise predictability. As noted above, some are numbered for a reason, like 2400, however...
ETA--Also, some powders have names, not numbers. Marketing dept. hoo-hah. "Retumbo," "Green Dot," and "Trail Boss" come to mind. (Trail Boss could be named, "Fluffy" instead, but it doesn't have the same ring to it...)
Powder numbers serve to identify a particular powder. You need to know the manufacturer, too, as AA-4350, H-4350, and IMR-4350 (for example) are similar but the loading data are not, repeat, NOT interchangeable.
But that's all you need for reloading purposes. Sure, there are cute stories about some powders. Big fat WHO CARES!
As a reloader, you need a recipe from a reliable source, and clearly identified components as per that recipe. Having secured these, get your loading equipment lined up and start cranking out ammo.
If you want to have fun with names, you could name your ammo, e. g. "Orpington's Death to Hogs Rounds."
Orpington--Powder numbers have the same degree of sensibility and consistency as do the names of car models, or S&W pistol models. Likewise predictability. As noted above, some are numbered for a reason, like 2400, however...
ETA--Also, some powders have names, not numbers. Marketing dept. hoo-hah. "Retumbo," "Green Dot," and "Trail Boss" come to mind. (Trail Boss could be named, "Fluffy" instead, but it doesn't have the same ring to it...)
Powder numbers serve to identify a particular powder. You need to know the manufacturer, too, as AA-4350, H-4350, and IMR-4350 (for example) are similar but the loading data are not, repeat, NOT interchangeable.
But that's all you need for reloading purposes. Sure, there are cute stories about some powders. Big fat WHO CARES!
As a reloader, you need a recipe from a reliable source, and clearly identified components as per that recipe. Having secured these, get your loading equipment lined up and start cranking out ammo.
If you want to have fun with names, you could name your ammo, e. g. "Orpington's Death to Hogs Rounds."
Last edited:
Sunray
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Marketing, period. Nothing to do with introduction dates. IMR means Improved Military Rifle. First one was IMR4198.
Stole this from Hodgdon. "...In 1942, IMR4831 was developed for 20mm cannons..." IMR4895 was 1941. IMR powders had nothing to do with Hodgdon until 2003. Prior to then, the only thing Hodgdon about 'em was marketing surplus powders.
Stole this from Hodgdon. "...In 1942, IMR4831 was developed for 20mm cannons..." IMR4895 was 1941. IMR powders had nothing to do with Hodgdon until 2003. Prior to then, the only thing Hodgdon about 'em was marketing surplus powders.
dickttx
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They are a name. And no more rational than how your or my Mama and Daddy named us.
tightgroup tiger
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or just got back from bingo.
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