I am looking for thoughts in general with IMR powder. On top of general, I was wondering about IMR 4064 and 4350 as substitutes for Varget and H4350, respectively. Both IMR powders have become available to me. I am recently getting really comfortable reloading my 308. But according to my calculation, i only have about 900 or so rounds left in my 8lb, which i may go through by the end of the year. 8lb goes faster than I thought.

I'm only familiar with Ramshot Tac, RL15, Varget and H4350; with the vast majority of my reloading knowledge is the varget in 308. I'm just looking for reasonable alternatives. By far, the 308 with a 175-180gr is the main target. If the same powder is good for heavier 223 and/or potential 6.5x47 in the future, then I'd love some suggestions. I wanna stock up. I'd rather not wait until November.

Use 4451 for 4350 its temp stable as well as 4166 for varget.

I shoot a lot of IMR 4064, not the best as far as temp stable powders but shoots very well. Shoot it at 40 degrees and at 100 degrees, things will be different. Load at 100 degrees-shoot at-40 you are ok. Load at 40- shoot at 100- probably an issue.

My bad luck I’ve never been able to get any IMR powder to do what I wanted. I know that’s just me but it’s been my luck. A lot of people went to the 4451 when H4350 was scarce. Many of those have went back to paying for the H.

170-180g .308 has always shot best for me with plenty of Varget behind it.

Although it is suppose to be temp sensitive I have had really good luck with IMR 4350 in a hunting gun. No I never shot it long range, but it did just fine for hunting and plinking.

Thanks for the info. I guess now I'm gonna look for some 4166. Varget replacement is my main goal. I just found the article below. interesting read.
https://precisionrifleblog.com/2016/06/19/powder-temp-stability-hodgdon-extreme-vs-imr-enduron/

I think I'm going look out for this 4166 and maybe try to stick to this Enduron line of powders.

Another question: I read someone claiming that xm118 long range with the 175smk is loaded with specifically IMR 4064 powder. Can anyone confirm or deny this claim?

Has Varget gotten hard to find or are you just wanting to try something new?

Rl16 is another good option in your burn rate area.

I’ve loaded a whole lot of accurate ammo with 4064 in 223, 308, and 30-06 (and probably some others that I don’t remember). My only problem is that it doesn’t meter very well. If they made it in a short cut I’d probably never buy anything else.

4064 is versatile. Been using it for might near 40 years in 30-06, 308, 243 and others. IMR8208xbr is my go to powder for 223.

Papalote

Actually yes. If anyone knows some within like an hour of Houston then let me know. I'll take a website too depending on hazmat fee and shipping.

I got an 8lb jug a few years ago and thought I had a life's supply. WRONG. it's maybe a year. I feel like I plowed through the first 400rds with ease.

I use to load my first 308 with 4064 and it did well. IMR 4350 is a great powder and I still use it personally in my 270 ammo. For a basic powder for plinking and hunting, it will do perfect. Match shooting would also be ok.

As usual, thanks for the reply chad. Your confidence I think is enough for me to take a chance on 8lbs of 4166. I like what else i am reading and hearing about 4166 and Powder Valley has it for pretty reasonable price shipped to my door.

I supposed I should have mentioned my aim is for match type shooting. I've never shot in one but the mental goal is to be able to do that so this particular conversation is about making the best 308 ammo I can to shoot all year long, hoping to participate in a match by like this fall.

I have used IMR 4350 for many years in 5 different calibers...not perfect for everything, but very versatile. It is quite temperature sensitive, which makes it a bit tricky for long range shooting at different temperatures, but just fine for most hunting. I have begun to substitute H4350 and IMR 4451, both of which are less temperature sensitive, but not "insensitive." IMR 4451 meters a little better, because the granules are slightly smaller. Velocities can be higher or lower, depending on the caliber.

If it were me I would pick-up a one pounder first to check your particular bullet/rifle combo then order the 8lb of 4166.
Other good options are IMR8208XBR and the Shooters World Precision Rifle which was made as a competitor to Varget and there are articles comparing them.
Reloder 16 is a great option to replace H4350