With the shortage of smokeless gun powder, many people have resorted to using what is available for their reloading needs. I was lucky enough to score an 8 pound jug of Alliant Power Pro 2000-R a few months ago. Using "light" loads I am able to make good plinking rounds out to 100 yards with just 21 grains of powder.

Doing some math, that works out to roughly 2600+ rounds assuming some waste. Figuring I would eventually run out of it, I checked what I could find from my usual sources. I came across IMR4064 as a possible substitute. IMR claims it is one of their more versatile powders for .223 and .308. Here is some information that may be helpful if you are considering this powder:

• It's extruded powder
• It's low volume

Right off the bat, any reloaders using progressive presses may not even want to try the 4064 as extruded powders just do not meter well. The amount provided by your powder drop may vary significantly using this or any other extruded powder.

It's a low volume powder meaning you will need 25-26 grains to get a decent velocity if you are using standard 55 gr bullets. Packing the cases that tight my require you to change your bullet seating depth or crimp to compensate for increased pressures.

So who is this powder good for? Hand loaders using an automated power machine or scale that are loading .308 or .223 with heavier bullets. IMR suggests other uses such as .243 Win and even .338 Win Mag.


To date, my favorite powder for .223 is Hodgdon H335 which is a really nice ball powder that was more accurate (for me at least) than the 2000-R.