IMR 4198 Smokeless Gun Powder
Clear Product Overview
IMR 4198 Smokeless Gun Powder is a legendary fast-burning extruded rifle propellant. Manufacturer IMR (Improved Military Rifle) Powder Company designed it to deliver exceptional ignition reliability and supreme accuracy in small-capacity rifle cartridges and straight-wall cases.
First, IMR 4198 has long been established as a benchmark powder for classic varmint cartridges and lever-action hunting rounds. Consequently, its relatively fast burn rate for a rifle powder ensures complete combustion and efficient energy transfer in short barrels and small cases. As a result, it is a top choice for target shooters and hunters reloading .222 Remington, .223 Remington with light bullets, .45-70 Government, .30-30 Winchester, and .22-250 Remington. Furthermore, its short-cut cylindrical grains provide excellent ignition qualities and group consistency. Therefore, it delivers match-grade precision across a wide range of small-bore and big-bore applications.
Relevant Specifications
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Brand: IMR Powder Company
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Product Line: Legendary IMR Series Smokeless Propellants
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Powder Name: IMR 4198
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Powder Type: Single-Base Extruded (Stick) Grain
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Burn Rate: Fast Rifle (Slightly faster than Hodgdon H4198 and Alliant Reloder 7)
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Primary Applications: Small-Capacity Rifle Cartridges (.222 Rem, .223 Rem, .22 Hornet) and Large Straight-Wall Cartridges (.45-70 Govt, .444 Marlin, .30-30 Win)
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Available Sizes: 1 lb Canister & 8 lb Container
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Country of Origin: Canada / Packaged in USA
Real-World Use Information
Handloaders select IMR 4198 for its outstanding performance in benchmark benchrest and target cartridges like the .222 Remington, as well as heavy lever-gun cartridges like the .45-70 Government. Consequently, it offers wide utility across both small varmint calibers and heavy big-game rounds.
Additionally, its fast burning speed makes it particularly suited for lower-pressure cast bullet loads in vintage rifles. Therefore, handloaders can produce accurate, comfortable shooting loads without stressing legacy actions. Furthermore, its short stick grain dimensions allow uniform feeding through volumetric powder measures during volume reloading sessions.
Compatibility & Requirements
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Application Use: Performs exceptionally in small-capacity bottleneck cartridges and large straight-wall rifle cases.
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Load Data: Always consult official Hodgdon/IMR reloading data manuals prior to charging cartridge brass.
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Storage: Keep this powder in its original sealed container in a cool, dry area away from direct heat sources.
Pros & Limitations
Pros:
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Superior Accuracy: Exceptional record in benchrest competition and precision varmint loads.
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Versatile Range: Functions equally well in tiny .22-caliber varmint rounds and massive .45-70 straight-wall cases.
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Easy Ignition: Fast burn characteristics ensure efficient propellant consumption even at lower pressures.
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Cast Bullet Friendly: Excellent propellant choice for cast lead bullet target loads in vintage or lever-action rifles.
Limitations:
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Not For Large Bottleneck Cases: Burn rate is far too fast for medium-to-large capacity cases like .308 Win, .30-06, or magnums.
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Extruded Geometry: While short-cut, stick grains still require periodic checks when metering through standard rotary drops.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I interchange IMR 4198 and Hodgdon H4198 load data?
A: No. Although IMR 4198 and H4198 have similar burn rates and names, they are produced in different facilities with distinct chemical compositions; always use specific load data for each powder.
Q: Is IMR 4198 good for .45-70 Government?
A: Yes! IMR 4198 is one of the most popular and effective powders for loading .45-70 Government, providing excellent velocity and accuracy with both jacketed and cast bullets.
Q: What light bullet weights work best with IMR 4198 in .223 Remington?
A: IMR 4198 excels in .223 Remington when loaded with lightweight projectiles ranging from 40 grains up to 52 grains.
Shipping & Delivery Information
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HazMat Fee: Requires a Federal HazMat shipping fee per order.
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Shipping Method: Ground shipping only across the USA.
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Restrictions: No air shipping, P.O. Boxes, or overseas orders.
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Return Policy: All powder sales are final due to safety rules.





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