Published: 2026 | Last updated: May 2026
Accurate 2015 is a medium-fast-burning, single-base short-cut extruded powder distributed by Western Powders. It sits in the burn rate position between Alliant Reloder 7 / Hodgdon H4198 (faster) and IMR 3031 (slower), covering the small-to-medium capacity case range where single-base extruded chemistry produces clean, consistent burning with better metering than traditional long-grain stick powders.
The powder’s defining practical characteristic is the short-cut grain geometry – grains that are significantly shorter than IMR 3031 or IMR 4064 long sticks, producing metering variance of approximately ±0.1-0.15 grains on quality equipment. This positions Accurate 2015 closer to ball powder metering performance than most extruded alternatives at this burn rate, which is its primary practical advantage over the longer-grain competitors it competes with in 222 Remington, 30-30 Winchester, and 45-70 Government applications.
The honest context: Accurate 2015 is a solid, versatile fast-rifle powder without the Extreme series temperature stability of Hodgdon H4198 or the Enduron technology of modern IMR formulations. Its temperature sensitivity (approximately 0.6-1.0 fps per degree Fahrenheit) is better than double-base ball powders in the same burn rate class and comparable to other traditional single-base extruded powders. For the applications where it performs best, this sensitivity is manageable.
This article is based on published manufacturer specifications, established load data, and documented field reports. Specifications and performance figures can vary between lots, rifles, and conditions. If you have loaded Accurate 2015 in practice – leave a comment below: real-world experience from the reloading bench is what separates verified data from manufacturer claims.
Powder Description and Technical Profile
Accurate 2015 is a single-base, short-cut cylindrical extruded powder manufactured for Western Powders (Accurate Powder) by General Dynamics Valleyfield in Canada. The single-base formulation – nitrocellulose without nitroglycerin – is the chemical basis for its clean-burning behavior and moderate temperature stability.
The short-cut grain geometry is the design choice that differentiates Accurate 2015 from IMR 3031 and IMR 4064 at comparable burn rates. Each kernel is cut to significantly shorter lengths than traditional long-stick extruded powders, reducing the bridging and shearing that long grains produce in measure drums. The result is metering behavior that approaches the consistency of ball powders while maintaining the combustion advantages of extruded single-base chemistry.
Bulk density is approximately 0.880-0.910 g/cc – comparable to IMR 3031 and similar single-base extruded alternatives at this burn rate position. In primary small-capacity applications (222 Remington, 223 Remington with light bullets), case fill at working charge weights runs 88-96%, adequate for consistent ignition.
The powder is not rated for Extreme series or Enduron temperature stability. Single-base chemistry without modern stabilizer additives produces approximately 0.6-1.0 fps per degree Fahrenheit sensitivity – better than conventional double-base ball powders but not at the 10-20 fps per 60°F performance of Hodgdon H4198. For the varmint hunting, 30-30 Winchester deer hunting, and 45-70 Government applications where it is most used, this sensitivity is manageable with appropriate seasonal protocols.
Strengths:
- Short-cut metering at ±0.1-0.15 grains – the defining practical advantage; significantly better than IMR 3031 and IMR 4064 at comparable burn rates
- Single-base clean burning – less carbon residue than double-base ball powders at the same burn rate; particularly useful in high-volume AR-15 barrels
- Versatile application range – covers 222 Remington benchrest through 45-70 Government hunting loads from a single powder
- Single-base temperature stability – better than double-base alternatives at the same burn rate class
- Good lot-to-lot consistency from General Dynamics Valleyfield manufacturing
Limitations:
- Temperature sensitivity of 0.6-1.0 fps/°F – not at Extreme series or Enduron levels; Hodgdon H4198 produces approximately 3-5x better seasonal consistency in overlapping applications
- Short-cut extruded still not at ball powder metering levels – ±0.1-0.15 grains is good for extruded, but Accurate 1680 at ±0.04-0.07 grains or Accurate 2230 ball powder metering surpasses it for high-volume progressive production
- 30-30 Winchester application is with lighter bullets – the burn rate is slightly fast for standard 150-170 grain lever-action deer loads; IMR 3031 is better matched for that specific application
- 45-70 Government pressure tier awareness required – same three-tier safety framework applies as with any fast powder in the large-case 45-70 Gov’t
Technical Characteristics
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Accurate Powders (General Dynamics Valleyfield) |
| Type | Single-Base Short-Cut Extruded |
| Bulk Density (g/cc) | ~0.880 – 0.910 |
| Grain Shape | Short-Cut Cylindrical |
| Coating | Graphite Surface |
| Burn Rate Category | Medium-Fast Rifle |
| Temperature Sensitivity | ~0.6-1.0 fps / °F |
Where Accurate 2015 Fits – Burn Rate Positioning
Accurate 2015 occupies a well-defined but somewhat crowded burn rate neighborhood with several well-established competitors:
| Powder | Type | Density (g/cc) | Burn Rate Position | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon H4198 | SB Short-Cut | 0.865 | Faster | Extreme series |
| Alliant Reloder 7 | SB Extruded | 0.880 | Slightly Faster | Standard |
| Accurate 2015 | SB Short-Cut | 0.895 | Reference | Standard |
| IMR 3031 | SB Long-Cut | 0.895 | Slightly Slower | Standard |
| Hodgdon H4895 | SB Extruded | 0.880 | Slower | Extreme series |
| IMR 4064 | SB Extruded | 0.890 | Slower | Standard |
The key observation from this table: Accurate 2015 occupies the same approximate burn rate position as IMR 3031 but with better metering from its short-cut geometry. The functional differentiation is metering convenience rather than ballistic advantage – both produce comparable results in the same cartridges at equivalent charge weights.
Temperature Stability – Contextual Assessment
0.6-1.0 fps per degree Fahrenheit places Accurate 2015 in the moderate stability range – better than double-base ball powders like Accurate 1680 (1.0-1.5 fps/°F) and comparable to other standard single-base extruded powders without modern stabilizer additives.
The comparison that matters most for Accurate 2015 users is with Hodgdon H4198, which overlaps in several applications:
A 60°F temperature swing (typical morning-to-afternoon varmint hunting day):
- Accurate 2015 at 0.8 fps/°F: 60°F x 0.8 = 48 fps variation
- Hodgdon H4198 (Extreme series): 60°F = 10-20 fps variation
At 400 yards on a prairie dog (4-inch target), 48 fps produces approximately 1-1.5 inches of vertical shift across the day. H4198 produces less than half an inch. For varmint hunting at 200-300 yards, Accurate 2015’s variation is manageable. For precision 400+ yard varmint work where the Extreme series stability is specifically valued, H4198 is the more appropriate choice.
| Powder | 60°F Swing | At 300 yards | At 500 yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon H4198 | 10-20 fps | <0.5″ | <1″ |
| Accurate 2015 | ~48 fps | ~1″ | ~2″ |
| IMR 3031 | ~48-72 fps | ~1-1.5″ | ~2-3″ |
| Accurate 1680 | ~60-90 fps | ~1.5″ | ~3″ |
Burn Rate Comparison and Competing Powders
vs. Hodgdon H4198: The most direct overlapping comparison. H4198 burns slightly faster and carries Extreme series temperature stability – approximately 3-5x better seasonal consistency than Accurate 2015. Accurate 2015 meters comparably from its short-cut geometry. For applications where both powders are documented, H4198 is the more seasonally stable choice; Accurate 2015 is the more versatile choice covering a slightly broader application range. The choice between them often comes down to whether the Extreme series stability premium is worth the narrower cartridge coverage.
vs. Alliant Reloder 7: Reloder 7 burns slightly faster and is the natural choice for the smallest capacity cases (22 Hornet, 221 Fireball) and light-bullet 45-70 Government applications where Accurate 2015’s burn rate is slightly slow. Accurate 2015 is better matched as case capacity increases toward 222 Remington and 30-30 Winchester with mid-weight bullets.
vs. IMR 3031: IMR 3031 burns at a comparable rate with long-cut geometry (±0.3-0.5 grain variance) versus Accurate 2015’s short-cut (±0.1-0.15 grain variance). The ballistic results at the same charge weight in the same cartridge are similar. The metering improvement of Accurate 2015 is the practical differentiator. For a reloader who hand-weighs every charge, IMR 3031 has the deeper 30-30 Winchester and 222 Remington data library. For a reloader who uses volumetric measures, Accurate 2015’s short-cut geometry is the practical choice.
vs. Accurate 2230: Accurate 2230 is a double-base ball powder at a comparable burn rate with superior ball geometry metering (±0.04-0.07 grain variance). Accurate 2015 is single-base with better temperature stability than 2230 and less carbon residue in high-round-count AR-15 barrels. For high-volume progressive press loading where metering efficiency is paramount, 2230 is the practical choice. For single-stage precision and applications where single-base cleanliness matters, Accurate 2015 is more appropriate.
vs. Hodgdon H4895: H4895 burns slightly slower, belongs to the Extreme series with ~0.3 fps/°F stability, and is better matched for 308 Winchester with standard 150-175 grain bullets. Accurate 2015 is better matched for the smaller-capacity cases (222 Remington, 223 Remington with light bullets) where H4895 is slightly too slow.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
Accurate 2015 is most effective in small-to-medium capacity cases where the medium-fast burn rate produces efficient pressure development.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 222 Remington | 40-55 gr | Primary benchrest and varmint |
| 223 Remington | 40-60 gr | Light-to-standard varmint and target |
| 22-250 Remington | 40-52 gr | Light varmint loads only |
| 45-70 Government | 300-405 gr | All pressure tiers – see note |
| 30-30 Winchester | 110-150 gr | Light-to-standard weight only |
| 6.8 SPC | 90-115 gr | Carbine applications – verify data |
| 6.5 Grendel | 90-100 gr | Light-bullet gas-gun applications |
| 308 Winchester | 110-130 gr | Very light bullets only |
30-30 Winchester note: The original article suggests Accurate 2015 with lighter 110-130 grain bullets in 30-30 Winchester. This is accurate – for standard 150-170 grain lever-action deer loads, Accurate 2015’s burn rate is slightly fast and IMR 3031 is typically a better burn rate match. Accurate 2015 in 30-30 Winchester is specifically for lighter bullet weights where the faster burn rate is appropriate.
45-70 Government pressure tier note: The three pressure tiers (Trapdoor ~14,000-20,000 PSI, lever-action ~28,000-40,000 PSI, modern single-shot ~50,000-60,000 PSI) each require published data developed for that specific tier. Do not use data developed for a higher-pressure tier in a lower-pressure rifle. The original article’s recommendation of Accurate 2015 for 45-70 Government with 300-350 grain bullets is valid for the appropriate pressure tier; verify from current Western Powders published data for the specific bullet weight and intended pressure level.
308 Winchester with standard 150-175 grain bullets: The burn rate of Accurate 2015 is too fast for efficient combustion at these standard bullet weights. Hodgdon H4895, Hodgdon Varget, or IMR 4064 are the appropriate choices there.
Bullets
Accurate 2015 produces best results with light-to-standard weight varmint and target bullets in small-bore calibers and standard hunting bullets in large-bore straight-wall cases.
| Brand | Model | Weight | Cartridge | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady | V-MAX | 40-55 gr | 222 Rem / 223 Rem | Varmint Hunting |
| Sierra | BlitzKing | 40-55 gr | 222 Rem / 22-250 | Precision Varmint |
| Nosler | Ballistic Tip | 40-55 gr | 222 Rem / 22-250 | Long-Range Varmint |
| Berger | Varmint Explosive | 40-52 gr | 222 Rem | Match Varmint |
| Sierra | MatchKing | 52-69 gr | 222 Rem / 223 Rem | Precision Target |
| Hornady | NTX | 32-35 gr | 22-250 / 223 Rem | Lead-Free Varmint |
| Barnes | TTSX | 45-55 gr | 223 Rem | Lead-Free Hunting |
| Hornady | InterLock FP | 300-405 gr | 45-70 Gov’t | Lever-Action Hunting |
| Nosler | Partition | 300-350 gr | 45-70 Gov’t | Big Game |
| Speer | TNT | 40-55 gr | 222 Rem / 22-250 | Varmint Explosive |
Have you loaded Accurate 2015? Your practical data on charge weights, 222 Remington benchrest results, 45-70 Government performance, or temperature behavior helps other reloaders more than any spec sheet. Leave a comment below.
Primers
Accurate 2015 as a single-base short-cut powder responds well to standard small rifle primers in small-bore applications and standard large rifle primers for 45-70 Government and 308 Winchester light-bullet applications.
| Primer | Type | Application |
|---|---|---|
| CCI BR-4 | Small Rifle Benchrest | 222 Rem benchrest – lowest SD |
| Federal GM205M | Small Rifle Match | Competition precision |
| CCI 400 | Small Rifle Standard | 223 Rem, 222 Rem general |
| Federal 205 | Small Rifle Standard | Consistent small case ignition |
| Remington 7-1/2 | Small Rifle Bench Rest | 222 Rem classic benchrest |
| Winchester WSR | Small Rifle Standard | General small rifle use |
| CCI No. 41 | Small Rifle Magnum (Mil-Spec) | AR-15 semi-auto 223 Rem |
| CCI 200 | Large Rifle Standard | 45-70 Gov’t, 308 Win (light) |
| Federal 210 | Large Rifle Standard | 45-70 Gov’t general use |
| Winchester WLR | Large Rifle Standard | 45-70 Gov’t, general |
| RWS 4033 | Small Rifle | Premium European precision |
| Ginex Small Rifle | Small Rifle Standard | Cost-effective general use |
| Fiocchi Small Rifle | Small Rifle Standard | Volume production alternative |
For AR-15 semi-automatic 223 Remington platforms, the CCI No. 41 mil-spec cup primer prevents slam-fire from a free-floating firing pin.
Metering and Equipment Compatibility
Accurate 2015’s short-cut grain geometry is the defining practical advantage over traditional long-cut alternatives at the same burn rate. On quality volumetric equipment, ±0.1-0.15 grain variance is consistently achievable at normal cycling speeds.
For progressive press 223 Remington and light varmint production on a Dillon XL 750 or Hornady Lock-N-Load AP, Accurate 2015 handles progressive cycling speeds with less variance than IMR 3031 or IMR 4064 long-cut alternatives. The metering improvement is specifically most visible at progressive press cycling speeds where long-grain bridging is more pronounced.
For precision single-stage benchrest loading, the Redding Competition BR-30 and Redding Competition 10X produce consistent charges with Accurate 2015’s short-cut grains. Auto-dispensers including the RCBS MatchMaster and Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper 2.0 handle the fine grains efficiently.
Reloading Safety Notes
All charge weights must come from current published Western Powders / Accurate load data for Accurate 2015 specifically. Hodgdon’s online data tool covers Western Powders products. Do not substitute IMR 3031, Hodgdon H4198, or Alliant Reloder 7 charge weights without independent verification.
[45-70 Government] pressure tier matching is mandatory. Always verify which pressure level the published data was developed for and whether that matches your rifle. Trapdoor Springfield loads are not appropriate for modern single-shot rifles and vice versa.
[223 Remington] in AR-15 semi-automatic platforms requires the CCI No. 41 mil-spec cup primer. Standard primers in dense powder charges in semi-automatic platforms carry slam-fire risk.
Start 10% below the listed maximum and work up in 0.2-grain increments for small cases, 0.3-grain increments for larger applications. Progressive pressure curve – watch for flattened primers, stiff bolt lift, ejector marks.
See the overpressure in reloading guide.
FAQ
Is Accurate 2015 better than IMR 3031 for 30-30 Winchester?
For standard 150-170 grain flat-nose lever-action deer loads, IMR 3031 is historically the better burn rate match – deeper documented data for this specific application and slightly better pressure development with heavier bullets. Accurate 2015 has the metering advantage. If you hand-weigh every charge, IMR 3031 may be marginally better matched; if you use a volumetric measure, Accurate 2015’s short-cut geometry is the practical advantage. For lighter 110-130 grain 30-30 Winchester loads, Accurate 2015 is specifically appropriate.
How does Accurate 2015 compare to H4198 for 222 Remington?
H4198 carries Extreme series temperature stability (10-20 fps per 60°F) vs Accurate 2015’s ~48 fps per 60°F. For year-round varmint hunting where consistent POI across seasons matters, H4198 is the more seasonally stable choice. Both produce accurate 222 Remington loads. For a varmint hunter primarily shooting in single-season conditions, both are appropriate.
Can Accurate 2015 be used for 308 Winchester standard loads?
No – the burn rate is too fast for efficient combustion in 308 Winchester with standard 150-175 grain precision loads. Hodgdon Varget, Hodgdon H4895, or IMR 4064 are the appropriate choices for standard 308 Winchester loads. Accurate 2015 in 308 Winchester is only appropriate for very light 110-130 grain bullet loads.
Conclusion
Accurate 2015 occupies a well-defined and useful position: a single-base short-cut extruded powder that delivers the accuracy advantages of extruded chemistry with metering performance meaningfully better than long-grain alternatives in its burn rate class. For a reloader who loads 222 Remington precision work, light-bullet 223 Remington varmint loads, and 45-70 Government hunting rounds from a single powder supply with better progressive press metering than IMR 3031 allows, Accurate 2015 delivers on that brief.
Choose Accurate 2015 if you load 222 Remington, 223 Remington with light bullets, or 45-70 Government and want single-base extruded accuracy with better metering consistency than IMR 3031 or Alliant Reloder 7 long-cut alternatives. Choose Hodgdon H4198 if Extreme series year-round temperature stability is the priority and 222 Remington or 221 Fireball are primary applications. Choose IMR 3031 if 30-30 Winchester with standard 150-170 grain bullets is the primary application and you hand-weigh every charge. Choose Accurate 2230 if you load 223 Remington at high volume on a progressive press and ball powder metering efficiency is the primary requirement.
Editor’s note: Published load data and manufacturer specifications are the starting point – not the final word. Field experience from reloaders who have actually worked with this powder is the most reliable guide to what it does in practice. If you have used Accurate 2015, share your results in the comments.
Editorial note: Originally published 2026, revised May 2026. The revision added the burn rate positioning table showing Accurate 2015’s relationship to adjacent powders with stability column, corrected the 30-30 Winchester application to specify lighter 110-150 grain bullets (standard 150-170 gr deer loads are better matched to IMR 3031), added the 308 Winchester warning that standard loads require slower powders, added the 45-70 Government three-pressure-tier safety framework, added the temperature stability comparison table with 300/500-yard impact figures, added the AR-15 slam-fire primer cup note for semi-auto 223 Remington, added the Accurate 2230 competitor comparison, extended the bullet and primer tables with full internal links, and added three community data disclaimer blocks in the correct blockquote format.
