IMR-4227 Powder Question

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  • Dr.Midnight

    Master
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    13   0   0
    Jul 24, 2011
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    Monroe County
    Is anyone familiar with this powder? I just started experimenting with it on some 44 magnum rounds, and I'm getting some very inconsistent powder throws. It's to the point where I am not comfortable unless every single charge gets weighed. Can anyone tell me if this IMR-4227 meters poorly, or do I have some equipment issues that I need to dig into? Thanks in advance for the help.
     

    17 squirrel

    Shooter
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    3   0   0
    May 15, 2013
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    What powder measure are you using ?
    Are you shearing off the powder when you operate your measure ?
    Does your measure lockup ?
    What is the variance you are seeing ?
     

    AmmoManAaron

    Master
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    37   0   0
    Feb 20, 2015
    3,334
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    I-get-around
    I use Lee scoops, and weigh .....

    This is the method I typically use. I've used this powder for .44 Mag, .45 LC, and lead bullet .30-40 Krag. A bit smokey and leaves a little bit of unburned powder, but I like using it. When loading the .30-40 Krag I used the Lee Perfect Powder Measure and didn't have any trouble with inconsistent charge weights; most were right on the money and the others were + or - 0.1 grains.
     

    Dr.Midnight

    Master
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    Jul 24, 2011
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    Monroe County
    I'm using a Lee Perfect Powder measure that I have had for years. It's never given me trouble before, so there's something not quite right. I just need to track it down. It's currently set to throw 20.4 grains, but on the first pass through the die, I'll get 21 grains and some change. If I immediately dump that back in the powder measure and run the case up in the die again, I get the 20.4 grains I'm looking for. It's the damnedest thing I've run across in a while. I may switch back over and load up some 38 Specials just to see if I still have any issues.
     

    Leadeye

    Grandmaster
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    4   0   0
    Jan 19, 2009
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    .
    I've had good results with this powder except with the Model 29, small unburned pieces would get underneath the ejector and make rotation drag.
     

    Steelworker

    Marksman
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    2   0   0
    Aug 14, 2010
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    Allen County
    Thats strange. I've had only great luck with 4227. It is my favorite powder for 44 mag. I would try taking apart the powder measure and rub a used dryer sheet over all the parts. You might also try putting some graphite in between the rotor and the measure's body.
     

    mac45

    Expert
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    0   0   0
    Feb 17, 2008
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    Haven't used much lately, but have used a fair bit in .38 Specials, and the .22 Hornet.
    It doesn't meter as well as say Titegroup, but I don't recall any major issues with any of my powder measures.

    One thing that MAY help.
    After cleaning as above, fill the hopper to the top, and cycle 1/3 to 1/2 thru it before you start to measure.
    Helps the powder settle in the hopper, and the coating on the powder helps lube the measure.
    Not a sure fire method by any stretch, but sometimes helps.
     

    Sniper 79

    Master
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    19   0   0
    Oct 7, 2012
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    My RCBS powder dispenser is on the money with 4227.

    I actually thought it was broke it was throwing so perfect.

    So far so good in 300BLK although there are better powders out there for it. I also loaded a handful of .357 mags and liked it. Sure there are better powders out there but 4227 made a nice overall working load.
     

    bulletsmith

    Master
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    11   0   0
    Apr 26, 2015
    2,050
    48
    Lake County
    Are you using the expander bushing with that dispenser? That would be the only difference, the bushing would be pushed a little farther the first time than the second. Not sure how that translates into your results though.

    I just noticed you said you are using the perfect powder measure. How are you actuating it? Isn't this the one what has the micrometer adjustments instead of the disks?
     
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