Published: 2026 | Last updated: May 2026
Accurate 2495 is a medium-fast-burning, single-base short-cut extruded powder from Western Powders, developed as a functional equivalent to IMR 4895 with one specific practical improvement: the short-cut grain geometry that meters more consistently than the original IMR 4895 long-stick format. It sits in the same burn rate class as Hodgdon H4895 and IMR 4895 – the medium-fast class that defines 308 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, and 223 Remington heavy-bullet service rifle loading.
Its most documented specific application is the M1 Garand and M14/M1A service rifle platform – large-capacity semi-automatic actions where the pressure curve characteristics of 4895-class powders are specifically appropriate and where the gas port pressure timing matters as much as muzzle velocity. The “progressive push” pressure profile of single-base extruded chemistry produces the gas port characteristics that keep vintage operating rods from taking the battering that sharp-peaking magnum-class powders can cause.
The honest picture: Accurate 2495 is a capable medium-fast single-base powder without modern temperature-stabilizing additives. At 0.5-0.8 fps per degree Fahrenheit, it is substantially more stable than double-base ball powders like Winchester 748 but does not match the Extreme series performance of Hodgdon H4895 (~0.3 fps/°F) or Hodgdon Varget. For service rifle competition and hunting, this is fully manageable. For year-round ELR precision, the Extreme series alternatives provide better seasonal consistency.
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 2495 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 2495 is a single-base, short-cut extruded cylindrical powder manufactured at General Dynamics Valleyfield in Canada. The single-base formulation – nitrocellulose without nitroglycerin – is the chemical basis for the clean-burning behavior and moderate temperature stability the powder is known for.
The short-cut grain geometry is the defining practical improvement over the long-stick IMR 4895 it was designed to approximate. Shorter grains bridge less in measure drum apertures, shear less during cycling, and pack more uniformly into the case. On quality volumetric equipment, Accurate 2495 produces ±0.1-0.2 grain charge-to-charge variance – better than traditional long-stick 4895 alternatives, making it more practical for high-volume service rifle and hunting ammunition production.
The powder is treated with a flash suppressant – a practical consideration for tactical and competition shooters loading 308 Winchester for low-light use. The flash suppressant reduces the visible muzzle signature without affecting the internal ballistics profile meaningfully.
Bulk density is approximately 0.895-0.910 g/cc – in the typical range for short-cut extruded powders at this burn rate. In 308 Winchester with 168-175 grain match bullets at working charge weights, case fill runs 88-96%, adequate for consistent ignition without compression in standard loads.
Strengths:
- Short-cut geometry meters at ±0.1-0.2 grains – meaningfully better than long-stick IMR 4895 for production and progressive loading
- Flash suppressant treatment – useful for tactical and low-light competition applications
- M1 Garand / M14 gas system optimization – the 4895-class pressure curve is specifically appropriate for vintage semi-automatic operating rod mechanisms
- Single-base moderate temperature stability (0.5-0.8 fps/°F) – better than double-base ball alternatives at the same burn rate
- Clean burning at working pressures – carbon fouling is manageable and typical of single-base extruded powders at the upper pressure range
- Published data for major service rifle cartridges – 308 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, 223 Remington heavily documented
Limitations:
- Temperature sensitivity (0.5-0.8 fps/°F) – standard single-base performance without Extreme series additives; approximately 2-3x more sensitive than Hodgdon H4895 or Hodgdon Varget
- Metering is better than long-stick but not at ball powder levels – ±0.1-0.2 grain is good for extruded, but Accurate 2520’s ball geometry achieves ±0.04-0.07 grains
- Slightly lower top-end velocity than double-base alternatives – Alliant Reloder 15 produces more fps at the same pressure from its double-base energy content
- Small reduction loads burn dirtier – as with most single-base slow powders, loading significantly below 80% of maximum produces more carbon residue from incomplete combustion
Technical Characteristics
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Accurate Powders (General Dynamics Valleyfield) |
| Type | Single-Base Short-Cut Extruded |
| Bulk Density (g/cc) | ~0.895 – 0.910 |
| Grain Shape | Short-Cut Cylindrical |
| Coating | Flash Suppressant Treated |
| Burn Rate Category | Medium-Fast Rifle |
| Temperature Sensitivity | ~0.5-0.8 fps / °F |
The M1 Garand Application – Why Gas Port Pressure Matters
The original article’s “Expert Pro Tip” on M1 Garand loading deserves expanded treatment because it addresses one of the most misunderstood aspects of service rifle reloading.
The M1 Garand uses a fixed gas port in the barrel that taps propellant gas to cycle the operating rod. Unlike adjustable gas systems, the M1’s fixed port means the gas port pressure at the moment the bullet passes the port determines the cycling impulse. Two failure modes exist:
Under-gassing: Slow-burning powders that haven’t fully combusted when the bullet reaches the port provide insufficient gas volume to cycle the action – failures to eject, short-cycling, and feeding malfunctions.
Over-gassing: Fast-peaking powders that create maximum pressure well before the bullet reaches the port subject the operating rod to a violent spike rather than a progressive push – the mechanism behind the notorious “bending operating rods” problem with commercial ammunition loaded with inappropriate powders.
The 4895-class burn rate – including Accurate 2495 – was developed specifically in the context of the 30-06 Springfield military cartridge and the M1 Garand’s gas system. The progressive single-base pressure curve of Accurate 2495 provides adequate gas port pressure for reliable cycling while avoiding the spike that damages the mechanism.
Practical M1 Garand loading guidance:
- Use CCI 34 or a similarly hard-cup mil-spec primer to prevent slam-fire from the floating firing pin
- Target muzzle velocity of 2,700-2,750 fps with 150 grain bullets to replicate M2 Ball pressure specifications
- A moderate crimp (roll or taper) prevents bullet setback during semi-automatic feeding
- Develop loads at the highest temperature the rifle will be fired at to ensure the gas port pressure profile stays within the operating rod’s tolerance
Temperature Stability Comparison
0.5-0.8 fps per degree Fahrenheit places Accurate 2495 in the moderate stability tier – better than double-base ball alternatives in the same burn rate range but clearly behind the Extreme series:
| Powder | Stability | 60°F Swing | At 500 yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon H4895 | ~0.3 fps/°F | ~18 fps | <1″ |
| Hodgdon Varget | <0.5 fps/°F | ~25 fps | ~1″ |
| Accurate 2495 | 0.5-0.8 fps/°F | ~39 fps | ~1.5-2″ |
| IMR 4895 | ~0.8-1.2 fps/°F | ~60 fps | ~2.5″ |
| Alliant Reloder 15 | ~1.0 fps/°F | ~60 fps | ~2.5″ |
| Winchester 748 | ~1.5-2.0 fps/°F | ~105 fps | ~4.5″ |
For service rifle competition and hunting at 0-400 yards, Accurate 2495’s 39 fps seasonal variation over a 60°F swing produces less than 2 inches of vertical at 500 yards – manageable with a season-specific zero verification. For NRA High Power service rifle competition where competitors shoot in highly variable conditions across a season, the Extreme series alternative (Hodgdon H4895) provides meaningfully better seasonal consistency.
Burn Rate Comparison and Competing Powders
| Powder | Type | Density (g/cc) | Key Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon H4895 | Single-Base Extruded | 0.880 | Extreme series – benchmark for 308 Win |
| Hodgdon Varget | Single-Base Short-Cut | 0.910 | Slightly Slower – Extreme, precision 308 |
| IMR 4895 | Single-Base Extruded | 0.890 | Similar – traditional long-cut |
| Accurate 2495 | Single-Base Short-Cut | 0.900 | Reference – short-cut, flash suppressed |
| Alliant Reloder 15 | Double-Base Extruded | 0.920 | Slightly Slower – higher velocity |
| Accurate 2520 | Double-Base Spherical | 0.970 | Similar – ball metering, Camp Perry |
| Hodgdon BL-C(2) | Double-Base Spherical | 0.990 | Similar – ball metering, 308 Win |
vs. Hodgdon H4895: The primary comparison. H4895 is the Extreme series powder at the same burn rate position – ~0.3 fps/°F stability versus Accurate 2495’s 0.5-0.8 fps/°F. It is the standard for high-pressure service rifle applications and NRA competition. Accurate 2495 sometimes offers better availability and comparable metering from its short-cut geometry. For a shooter who values year-round consistency above all, H4895 is the more seasonally stable choice. For a shooter who values the flash suppressant treatment and can manage seasonal variation, Accurate 2495 is fully capable.
vs. IMR 4895: IMR 4895 is the original 4895-class long-cut extruded powder with a deeper published data library in North American manuals. Its long-cut geometry meters less consistently than Accurate 2495’s short-cut grains. Accurate 2495 was specifically developed to improve on IMR 4895 metering. The ballistic results at equivalent charge weights in the same cartridges are comparable – approximately 1-2% more Accurate 2495 charge is typically needed to match IMR 4895 velocity. Charge weights are not directly interchangeable; develop each from its own published data.
vs. Accurate 2520: Accurate 2520 is the double-base ball powder sibling in the Accurate lineup – often called the “Camp Perry Powder” for its NRA High Power Service Rifle competition use. It meters with ball powder precision (±0.04-0.07 grain) but is more temperature-sensitive (double-base chemistry). For high-volume progressive press production of 308 Winchester service rifle ammunition, 2520’s ball geometry is the metering advantage. For single-stage precision loading where the flash suppressant and slightly better seasonal stability matter, Accurate 2495 is more appropriate.
vs. Hodgdon Varget: Varget burns slightly slower and is the Extreme series benchmark for 308 Winchester precision bolt-action loading. Accurate 2495 is slightly faster – better matched to 30-06 Springfield gas-operated loads and 308 Winchester with lighter 150-165 grain bullets at standard pressures. Varget is better matched for 308 Winchester with 168-175 grain match bullets where the slightly slower burn produces better velocity at appropriate pressure. The two are complementary rather than directly competitive.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
Accurate 2495 serves the medium-fast burn rate application range with specific strength in semi-automatic gas-operated platforms.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 308 Winchester | 150-175 gr | Service rifle and bolt-action hunting |
| 30-06 Springfield | 150-180 gr | M1 Garand primary application |
| 223 Remington | 69-77 gr | Heavy match bullets |
| 303 British | 150-180 gr | Vintage military and hunting |
| 7.62x39mm | 123-125 gr | Bolt-action precision |
| 222 Remington | 50-55 gr | Verify data – burn rate is fast for 222 |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | 120-143 gr | Verify data – burn rate may be slightly fast |
30-06 Springfield M1 Garand is the most important specific application for Accurate 2495. The powder’s burn rate, single-base progressive pressure curve, and flash suppressant treatment are specifically suited to this platform. The M2 Ball velocity specification (approximately 2,740 fps with 150 grain bullet from a 24-inch barrel) serves as the gas system pressure calibration reference for M1 Garand loads.
308 Winchester service rifle competition is the second core application. With 168-grain Sierra MatchKing or Hornady Match bullets, Accurate 2495 in 308 Winchester produces the gas port pressure appropriate for M1A/M14 cycling while maintaining accuracy competitive with bolt-action loads.
223 Remington with heavy 69-77 grain match bullets is documented in published data – the burn rate is appropriate for these longer, heavier bullets in the 223 Remington case where lighter 55-grain loads would use faster powders.
6.5 Creedmoor note: Accurate 2495’s burn rate is slightly fast for 6.5 Creedmoor with standard 140-143 grain match bullets where Hodgdon H4350 or IMR 4451 Enduron are better matched. If published Western Powders data exists for your specific 6.5 Creedmoor bullet weight, verify it rather than assuming it is a primary application.
Bullets
Accurate 2495 performs best with medium-to-heavy-for-caliber bullets in the primary bore sizes where the burn rate produces efficient pressure development.
| Brand | Model | Weight | Cartridge | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra | MatchKing | 168-175 gr | 308 Win | Service Rifle Competition |
| Sierra | Tipped MatchKing | 150-168 gr | 308 Win | Match and Hunting |
| Hornady | Match | 168-175 gr | 308 Win | Competition |
| Nosler | Partition | 150-180 gr | 30-06 / 308 Win | Big Game Hunting |
| Nosler | AccuBond | 150-180 gr | 30-06 / 308 Win | Bonded Hunting |
| Sierra | GameKing | 150-180 gr | 30-06 / 308 Win | Traditional Hunting |
| Hornady | ELD-X | 143-168 gr | 6.5 CM / 308 Win | Long-Range Hunting |
| Hornady | V-MAX | 50-55 gr | 223 Rem | Varmint |
| Sierra | Tipped GameKing | 150-165 gr | 30-06 / 308 Win | Modern Hunting |
| Barnes | TTSX | 130-168 gr | 30-06 / 308 Win | Lead-Free Hunting |
Have you loaded Accurate 2495? Your practical data on charge weights, M1 Garand cycling reliability, accuracy nodes, or temperature behavior helps other reloaders more than any spec sheet. Leave a comment below.
Primers
Accurate 2495 as a single-base short-cut powder ignites reliably from standard large rifle primers in most standard-capacity rifle applications. Magnum primers are not required for general 308 Winchester and 30-06 Springfield loads. For semi-automatic platforms with free-floating firing pins (M1 Garand, M1A/M14, AR-10), a hard-cup military-spec primer is required to prevent slam-fire.
| Primer | Type | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Federal GM210M | Large Rifle Match | Competition precision – gold standard |
| CCI BR-2 | Large Rifle Benchrest | Competition lowest SD |
| CCI 200 | Large Rifle Standard | General load development |
| Federal 210 | Large Rifle Standard | Consistent general use |
| Winchester WLR | Large Rifle Standard | Hunting loads general use |
| Remington 9-1/2 | Large Rifle Standard | Traditional standard primer |
| CCI No. 34 | Large Rifle Magnum (Mil-Spec) | Required for M1 Garand, M1A/M14 |
| CCI 250 | Large Rifle Magnum | Cold weather below 0°F |
| Federal GM205M | Small Rifle Match | 223 Remington precision |
| CCI 400 | Small Rifle Standard | 223 Remington general |
| Fiocchi Large Rifle | Large Rifle Standard | Consistent European alternative |
| Sellier & Bellot V360587 | Large Rifle Standard | Consistent international option |
| RWS 5341 | Large Rifle | Premium European precision option |
CCI No. 34 for M1 Garand and M14/M1A is not optional. The hard mil-spec cup resists the inertia of the free-floating firing pin during bolt-carrier group slamming. Standard primers can detonate from firing pin impact alone in gas-operated semi-automatic military-pattern rifles – this produces an out-of-battery discharge. The CCI No. 34 is the specific primer designed to prevent this.
Metering and Equipment Compatibility
Accurate 2495’s short-cut geometry produces meaningfully better metering than traditional long-stick extruded powders. On quality volumetric equipment, ±0.1-0.2 grain variance is consistently achievable – adequate for service rifle and hunting production loading.
For high-volume M1 Garand and service rifle production on a Dillon XL 750 or Hornady Lock-N-Load AP, Accurate 2495 handles progressive cycling with less variance than long-cut IMR 4895. The short-cut grains do not bridge in standard caliber drop tubes the way long-grain alternatives can.
For precision single-stage bolt-action or service rifle competition loading, the RCBS ChargeMaster Supreme or hand-weigh/trickle workflow with a Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler and RCBS MatchMaster produces ±0.02 grain consistency regardless of the volumetric variance.
Reloading Safety Notes
All charge weights must come from current published Western Powders / Accurate load data for Accurate 2495 specifically. Do not substitute Hodgdon H4895, IMR 4895, or Hodgdon Varget charge weights without independent verification. The note in the original article that Accurate 2495 typically requires approximately 1-2% more charge weight than IMR 4895 to achieve the same velocity is a useful calibration, but it is not a substitution formula – always start from Accurate 2495’s own published minimum and work up.
M1 Garand semi-automatic loading requires specific attention:
- Use CCI No. 34 or equivalent hard-cup mil-spec primer
- Target M2 Ball velocity specification (~2,700-2,750 fps with 150 gr from 24″ barrel) to stay within the gas system’s operating pressure window
- Apply a moderate crimp to prevent bullet setback during magazine-fed chambering cycles
Temperature protocol: develop maximum charge at the highest expected firing temperature.
Start 10% below the listed maximum and work up in 0.3-grain increments. Watch for flattened primers, stiff bolt lift, and ejector marks.
See the overpressure in reloading guide for systematic pressure sign identification.
FAQ
Is Accurate 2495 the same burn rate as Hodgdon H4895?
Both are in the 4895 burn rate class and serve the same primary cartridges. H4895 belongs to the Extreme series with ~0.3 fps/°F stability – approximately 2-3x better than Accurate 2495’s 0.5-0.8 fps/°F. Charge weights are not directly interchangeable. Accurate 2495 typically requires slightly more charge weight than H4895 for the same velocity in the same cartridge. Always develop from each powder’s own published data.
What makes Accurate 2495 better than IMR 4895 for the M1 Garand?
The primary advantage is metering consistency – Accurate 2495’s short-cut geometry meters at ±0.1-0.2 grain versus IMR 4895’s long-stick ±0.3-0.5 grain variance. For high-volume M1 Garand loading, this metering improvement matters. The flash suppressant treatment is also specifically useful for tactical and competition use. The ballistic performance in M1 Garand loads is comparable between the two.
Can Accurate 2495 be used in AR-15 rifles chambered in 308 Winchester (AR-10 / .308 AR)?
Yes – 308 Winchester loads with Accurate 2495 function in AR-10 pattern rifles. Use the CCI No. 34 hard-cup mil-spec primer to prevent slam-fire from the free-floating firing pin in any semi-automatic gas-operated platform. Verify gas system compatibility with your specific AR-10 build as adjustable gas blocks may require different load development than fixed-port systems like the M1 Garand.
Conclusion
Accurate 2495 occupies a well-defined and useful position in the medium-fast rifle powder market. It delivers 4895-class ballistics with better metering than the long-cut original, a flash suppressant that has genuine tactical value, and a single-base progressive pressure curve that is specifically appropriate for M1 Garand and M14/M1A gas system cycling.
The temperature sensitivity (0.5-0.8 fps/°F) is the honest limitation – better than double-base ball alternatives at the same burn rate, but not at Extreme series levels. For service rifle competition, hunting, and M1 Garand use, this is fully manageable. For year-round precision competition at long range where seasonal zero consistency is critical, Hodgdon H4895 provides better seasonal stability.
Choose Accurate 2495 if you load 30-06 Springfield for the M1 Garand, 308 Winchester for M14/M1A service rifle competition, or standard hunting applications in these cartridges, and want short-cut metering improvement over long-stick IMR 4895 with flash suppressant treatment. Choose Hodgdon H4895 if Extreme series year-round temperature stability is the priority. Choose Hodgdon Varget if 308 Winchester bolt-action precision with 168-175 grain match bullets and year-round seasonal consistency are the requirements. Choose Accurate 2520 if you load 308 Winchester at high volume on a progressive press and ball powder metering efficiency is the priority.
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 2495, share your results in the comments.
Editorial note: Originally published 2026, revised May 2026. The revision added the M1 Garand gas system section explaining the under-gassing/over-gassing mechanism and why 4895-class burn rates are specifically appropriate for vintage semi-automatic operating rods. Added the temperature stability comparison table with 500-yard impact figures. Added the CCI No. 34 slam-fire warning with specific explanation of the mechanism. Corrected the 6.5 Creedmoor application from primary to “verify data – burn rate may be fast.” Added the Accurate 2520, Hodgdon Varget, and Alliant Reloder 15 competitor comparisons. Extended the bullet and primer tables with full internal links. Added three community data disclaimer blocks in the correct blockquote format.
