Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles IMR-4451 in 7mm-08

Has anyone tried IMR-4451 in your 7mm-08 using 139/140 grain bullets?

I loaded a few to try, hopefully tomorrow. It is supposed to be close to H-4350 so I don't see why it wouldn't work. We shall see if it likes Hornady 139 BTSPs.

I have used 4451 with 139 Hornady interbonds. WLR primer, Rem case and 48 grains 4451. This is a max load in my rifle so work up.. 2880 fps with 3/4" groups from a 22" Rem. Mtn. rifle barrel.

Stop at around 2800fps from a 22”. May take around 48 grains. IMR4451 isn’t the absolute fastest, but was very accurate in my rifle; worst group during work up was 1-1/4”, best were 1/2”.

Hi. Any update from the OP or anyone else. I have some 4451 and will give it a try, but want to see how it's doing for others.

The initial load was not bad, but not great.I haven’t had time to adjust and re-shoot yet.

Is Big Game available in your area?

Big game is like most other powders. Around here, I haven't seen it on the shelves for more than a year. If the op only has IMR4451, I don't see anything wrong with using it. Barnsness loves the chidt.. I'm fortunate to have bought 4 pounds of big game a couple weeks ago from a friend. Its great powder and works well in the 7mm08. Its not the only powder that works in said cartridge though..

I’ve loaded the Hornady 139 BTSP and 140TSX with 4451 in my son’s M77 and been very happy with it. Good accuracy and velocity.

Have used it as a substitute for H4350 in numerous cartridges, with mixed results. But it was money in that particular 708.

IMR 4451 is so close in burn rate to H4350 that Hodgdon recommends it as a replacement in a pinch.

I’ve gotten great accuracy and single digit SD’s out of loads. It’s worth noting that H4350 is the Extreme powder so it’s more temperature stable. I think either the PRS blog or Gavintube did a comparison of the Enduron line against the extreme line and there is a difference.

For hunting, I use it with confidence in my own 7mm-08 topped with some variant of Nosler bullet, preferably the 120 BT if I can find them.