I have been checking prices on pull down powder and [both 4895 and cmr 100] the price gap keeps narrowing. I figure for about 30 bucks more I can get a powder that keeps it's velocity at a wide range of temperatures and meters better.I figured I would run it buy you guys and see what you think

David,
Ok, I'll go ahead and ask the question, showing my ignorance---What is "Pull Down?" Gary T.

Powder from ammo that has been disassembled, usually military surplus rounds. Federal regs say that the military can't sell loaded ammo to civilians. Companies buy mil-surp ammo and disassemble it to sell the components.

David,
What caliber will you be using this powder in?
I use Varget in my .243 and it's not the same as either of the 4895's. I am also interested in some of the surplus powders but have heard that burn rates vary a bunch from lot to lot. Keep us posted.

I used to use pulldown 4895 years ago when it was REALLY cheap. The price was a real incentive to make it work somehow. I ended up shooting many, many pounds of it thru M14's with 168 Sierras back when everybody shot one caliber, one bullet and one powder at all yardlines. Those were the days, huh?

Since it's not the bargain it used to be I don't bother with it anymore but if you decide to, buy in large bunches if you can. This minimizes the lot-to-lot variations. The variances between lots are often larger than the differences between different powders! Expect some weirdness in its behavior too. Old 4895 often (for me) lost velocity quickly at temperatures below 50 degrees and showed fluctuations at all temperatures.

Like Steve said above, you get what you pay for. It may work for you in some applications, buuuuut .....

Redial

Thanks guys for the replys. I think once my supply runs out I'll go to Varget

David,
I think you'll like varget. I's worked well in several cases for me. Good luck.

[ 05-23-2003, 08:01: Message edited by: BigBob ]

The beauty of Varget is it's so good in a wide range of calibers. I use it in my .17Rem., .22-250Rem., .243Win., and .308Win. It shoots well in all four calibers. It burns cleanly and is
easy to meter from the hopper. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal