What is most comparable powder to Alliant AR-Comp Powder

[lazyengineer]

From my research - H4895 and AR Comp are very close. Indeed. I run ARComp in a Garand, and it runs good.

[StoneHendge]

From my research - H4895 and AR Comp are very close. Indeed. I run ARComp in a Garand, and it runs good.

I could only get H4895 to within 100 fps of AR Comp - same bullet (123 scenar) barrel (22" JP), brass (Lapua) and primer (GM210MAR). AR-Comp is going to be a lot more available than H4895 moving forward. Sweden is back to work while Australia resembles a prison camp.

[Lemonaid]

[Klem]

I could only get H4895 to within 100 fps of AR Comp - same bullet (123 scenar) barrel (22" JP), brass (Lapua) and primer (GM210MAR). AR-Comp is going to be a lot more available than H4895 moving forward. Sweden is back to work while Australia resembles a prison camp.

SH,

That makes more sense than others believing the two powders are similar. AR-Comp is a reformulation of RL15 which is a double-based powder. H4895 is AR2206H which is a single-based powder. Double-based powders are more energetic for longer, meaning they will provide more velocity for the same bulk. The downside is they tend to be more temperature sensitive and are less stable in long term storage.

As for the second sentence; you do not know the relative volumetric output of those two powders - do you? My advice, check your political persuasion at the door to where your computer is. Outside the 2A venting thread lets stick to what we know.

[StoneHendge]

Klem, I have no idea what the volumetric production comparison between H4895 and AR Comp is. What I do know, however, is that Sweden has lifted all restrictions related to the Chinese Virus while Australia continues to impose draconian lockdowns upon it's citizens (that's not a political statement - it's a fact). The factory where AR Comp is made should therefore be operating at full capacity*. The demand for ADI powders exceeds supply. If ADI's factory is in fact operating at the capacity that it's plant and equipment allow it to operate at, please let us know and provide verifyable evidence that could withstand media scrutiny. Because that would indeed become an extremely political argument if it is indeed true. I'd gladly take it "upstairs" to the 2A Forum, but frankly, there are far more pressing issues related to government tyranny here at home for me. I do, however, believe that powder shortages from specific manufacturers are very pertinent to a discussion of "Ammunition and Reloading", as are the factors that create such shortages. It simply business and unfortunately, the line between business and politics keeps getting thinner and thinner.

The OP is looking for a substitute for AR Comp. I personally would not recommend anyone develop or replace a load with an ADI powder since I believe that the shortages of it will outlast all other powders. ADI powders were the last to become regularly available during the last shortage, and that was without the Chinese Virus. Although a lot of hearsay and opinion is tossed about on the internet, I strive to make statements based only upon personal supportable experience or verifiable fact.

Therefore, my point made in my own personal style (which can often grate those who disagree with me as much as President Trump's ) is that AR Comp will be far more available in the future than H4895. I'd be willing to bet 4 pounds of H4350 on that. I'd accept any stick rifle powder in return. That's what I have left. I say that because I personally have been seeking alternatives to ADI powders and am now in the camp that believes Shooters World Precision is better than Varget. I have better accuracy, lower SDs, no practical difference in temp sensitivity, and it's much easier to meter. And it's available. And I also have it very close to getting 123 Scenars working with it in my 22" 6.5 CM barrel in my PRS rifle at 2900 which has no meaningful ballistic differences from the 2760 I've been doing with Berger 130 gr hybrids and H4350. Benchmark is my last worry and thus far, IMR 3031 seems like it will work for my applications, and it almost seems like the Canadians might be working a little bit of overtime given how much Canadian powder continues to pop up on the US market. Thankfully, the Loonie is in the dumps.

* I assume that "full capacity" in Sweden involves a 35 hour work week. I hope that isn't deemed to be a political statement!

[Klem]

Politicization of powder availability is getting in the way of facts. 'Draconian' for example is politically-charged hyperbole. As useless to this discussion as an ashtray on a motor bike. Sweden tried the herd immunity strategy early in the Pandemic and has realized the cost in sickness. If anything, community sickness has as much potential to hinder powder production as a country with enhanced border control.

The Mulwala plant in NSW operates 24/7 (stated on their website) making fillers for Australia and a few other Pacific nations' military. Civilian supply is also part of what they do. It is considered an 'essential service' so continues to operate during Lockdowns. As you say, who knows how much the Swedes produce relative to the Aussies, and without hard facts related to cause-and-effect opinions about how two different countries' pandemic strategies influence powder production is just speculation.

I put it to you that availability of powder has more to do with your country's heightened demand for powder than it does with the Australian government's strategies for fighting the Pandemic. Demand is the big influencer here, not supply. Stop buying it in bulk and it will be on the shelves.

[LR1955]

Guys:

Enough of the political attacks please.

LR55

[grayfox]

Been waiting for more H4895 for a loooonnnng while now.
It has not appeared anywhere since the beginning of the current unpleasantness.
I will grant that Klem might know more about Aus, as we do about USA... so will leave it there, but sure wish some of that H4895 would show up.
I have begun to look for alternatives for any H-powders that have remained unobtanium... the H4895 among them.
Once I get comfortable with those, I might not look back.

[Former Cav]

so what is the difference between H4895 and IMR4895 ??

[Klem]

so what is the difference between H4895 and IMR4895 ??

Cav,

Made by different manufacturers in different countries using different techniques. But both trying to produce to the same specs.

I have not used IMR4895 but I read it is slightly more forgiving in pressure than H4895. So, to achieve the same velocity as IMR you get slightly higher pressure with H4895. This is an issue if loading on the raggedy edge.

[Oso Polaris]

I think the other difference between these two powders is IMR4895 is temperature sensitive and H4895 is temperature stable.

[EastTNHunter]

[grayfox]

Midsouth has AR comp in stock right now, 1# and 8# both. as per discord.

[DIANEB]

I'm having very good luck with Accurate 2520...

[Restomod]

Midsouth has AR comp in stock right now, 1# and 8# both. as per discord.

It was gone almost immediately!
They must not be getting much at a time.