Powder

[yamoon]

Hello
I want to work up a hunting load for an 8x57 IR, useing 175 gr .318 bullet. I have been useing IMR 4320, but would like suggestions for other powders. IMR 4831 SC?
Thanks Mike

[sharps4590]

My experience is any of the medium burn rate powders work well. I'm mostly and IMR guy so my experience lies with them. 4064, 4895, 4320 you mentioned and about anything in that burn rate range. Just my opinion but even with the 175 gr. bullet I think 4831 would be a little slow. No doubt it will work, just perhaps not optimal.

[mike ford]

yamoon,
You should use whichever medium burn rate powder( per sharps4590 advice) you have the most of and confidence in. I have good luck with military "pull down" powder in several cartridges in the 8x57R class. First, I had good luck with it, then I bought a quantity of the powder. I agree that 4831 is too slow for 8mm, but it works well in smaller caliber cartridges with 57 mm cases. Sharps4590 and I both use "old school" powders, but some of the newer powders such as VV series or something in the "Reloader" series with a medium burn rate would fall right in with his advice, as well.
Mike