SW4350 Temp Stability

[tydaws]

I'm sure it has been discussed, but I can't find it anywhere... Does anyone know if SW4350 is temp stable? Say along the lines of H4350? I'd be interested in first hand experience and write ups with data driven results. Thanks

 

[Veteran]

Its a much faster burn rate than H4350.....not really thst close and I dont think it makes any claim as to temp stability either.

IMR 4350 is very very close to H4350 on burn rate, but probably only performs well in moderate temps because it is not temp insensitive either.

 

[Pdyson]

Its a much faster burn rate than H4350.....not really thst close and I dont think it makes any claim as to temp stability either.

IMR 4350 is very very close to H4350 on burn rate, but probably only performs well in moderate temps because it is not temp insensitive either.

I found it much slower burn rate when I was working up loads in my 6 &6.5 creed. Shooters world documentation says it's the slowest of all the 4340 powders. But it's funny they also claim H4350 to be the fastest. I thought IMR was the fastest. They make no temperature sensitivity claims and have not answered when asked about it on line. Anyway, I loaded up some test rounds using the same charge weight as my favorite Hodgedon loads and the SW4350 velocities were approximately 175 to 200fps slower.

See below Shooters World product info cut and pasted from their website:

SW4350 is the slowest of all the 4350 derivatives. As such, it has broad capabilities in moderate calibers where other 4350 derivatives cannot reach 100% loading density. It also has enhanced capabilities in larger magnum calibers, where other 4350 derivatives cannot reach.
If you seek accuracy, one of the
keys is to find a propellant that can "fill the case and seek maximum velocity". Several shooters have found this relationship to be true with SW4350, and are impressed with its performance. But please understand, SW4350 is not exactly the same propellant as H4350. Ranked in fastest to slowest of the 4350 deriva- tives: H4350, IMR4350, Accurate 4350, SW4350

 

[tydaws]

Thanks guys, looking for temp stability data from someone that has tested it, be it publication or forum member. If no one has, I will, whenever I can find the time.

 

[Veteran]

I misspoke above. Sorry, I was thinking of something else......Here are the real numbers and SW4350 is slower than H4350 as shown.

For Temp stability, the closest thing may be IMR 4955 or Reloader 16 if its temp stable I don't know if it is. IMR 4955 is an Enduron powder and is temp stable. Closest in burn rate is IMR 4350.

I don't go by charts for reasons that have been well covered here on LRH

Burn rates in descending order.

IMR 4451	0.575​
win 6.5 stabill	0.54​
imr 4350	0.515​
h4350	0.513​
Reloader16	0.4955​
IMR 4955	0.49​
rl-17	0.47​
N160	0.466​
norma 204	0.46​
SW4350	0.451​
RL-19	0.45​
IMR 4831	0.4421​
acc4350	0.381​

 

[Pdyson]

I've read that RL16 is very temp stable. TTAG tested it against H4350 back in 2017 it in his tests it bested H4350.

Powder Review: Alliant RL-16 - The Truth About Guns

Next Post▶ When I first dipped a toe in the reloading pond, I started by concentrating solely on rifles, specifically bolt guns. At this point, I see no reason to stray as I don’t shoot the volume to justify a handgun- or shotgun-loading habit, and my accuracy in both categories certainly...

www.thetruthaboutguns.com

 

[Veteran]

Well then RL 16 may be the best overall substitute for H4350 based on close burn rate and temp insensitivity.......but its no easier to find and maybe harder.

 

[Mike Matteson]

You should be able to go to Hodgdon and get a Extreme Rifle Powder Chart. Show how the different powder react to temperatures> It doesn't have them all, but it will give you some ideas on how powder reacts to temperature.