The evolution of modern propellants often involves the refinement of classic formulas to meet the needs of contemporary precision shooters. Accurate 4064 is a quintessential example of this technical progression. As a medium-burn rate, single-base extruded propellant, Accurate 4064 was engineered to offer the legendary versatility and accuracy associated with the 4064-class burn speed while providing physical improvements in grain geometry. While the industry has seen the rise of many specialized powders, Accurate 4064 remains a staple for reloaders who demand a “do-it-all” solution for medium-capacity rifle cartridges, ranging from varmint calibers to heavy-hitting hunting rounds.
By focusing on the optimization of the pressure curve and thermal stability, Accurate 4064 provides a predictable ballistic platform for those developing loads for standard service rifles and precision bolt-action platforms. This guide serves as an ultra-detailed technical analysis of Accurate 4064, covering its physical profile, market position, and the specific component matching required to achieve sub-MOA results.
Executive Summary
- Main Application: Optimized for medium-capacity rifle cartridges, specifically the 308 Winchester and 30-06 Springfield.
- Key Advantage: Exceptional inherent accuracy combined with a short-cut grain geometry for improved volumetric metering consistency.
- Burn Rate: Medium-burn rate rifle propellant, sitting in the heart of the most popular caliber spectrum.
- What This Guide Covers: Detailed technical specifications, temperature stability analysis, a 4-way market comparison, and comprehensive matching of primers and projectiles.
Best For: Precision target shooters, military surplus rifle enthusiasts, and hunters utilizing standard short and long-action calibers.
Powder Description & Technical Profile
Accurate 4064 is a single-base, extruded (stick) propellant. The technical foundation of this powder is its high-purity nitrocellulose base, which ensures a clean burn and high consistency across different manufacturing lots. In the broader context of single-base vs double-base powder, Accurate 4064 prioritizes the low-residue and stable characteristics of a single-base formula, which is critical for maintaining accuracy over long strings of fire.
Physical Geometry: The Short-Cut Advantage
A primary differentiator for Accurate 4064 compared to older formulations of this burn rate is its “short-cut” grain geometry. While traditional extruded powders often suffer from long, log-like kernels that “bridge” in powder measures, the kernels of Accurate 4064 are cut to a shorter length. This physical modification allows the powder to flow more fluidly through mechanical measures, resulting in more consistent charge weights and reducing the need for individual hand-weighing of every load. This makes Accurate 4064 an excellent bridge between the accuracy of spherical vs extruded powder types.
The Expert “Feel”
Reloaders often describe the performance of Accurate 4064 as “forgiving.” It exhibits a wide accuracy node, meaning that minor variations in charge weight or seating depth do not typically result in radical shifts in point of impact. In the rifle, Accurate 4064 provides a smooth pressure rise that is well-suited for both vintage gas-operated rifles like the M1 Garand and modern precision bolt guns. The recoil impulse is consistent, and the muzzle flash is moderate, thanks to technical deterrents integrated during the manufacturing process.
Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Short-cut grains for superior volumetric metering in an extruded powder.
- Highly versatile across a massive range of popular rifle calibers.
- Clean-burning properties that simplify barrel maintenance.
- Exceptional thermal stability for a standard single-base propellant.
- Cons:
- As an extruded powder, it still cannot meter quite as perfectly as high-density spherical propellants.
- Velocity potential in small cases may be lower than faster-burning alternatives.
Technical Characteristics
The technical profile of Accurate 4064 is defined by its chemical purity and physical uniformity. Below is the technical breakdown of its specifications.
| Property | Specification |
| Manufacturer | Accurate Powders |
| Powder Type | Extruded (Short-Cut Stick) |
| Base | Single-Base |
| Bulk Density | 0.895-0.910 g/cc |
| Burn Rate Category | Medium Rifle |
| Coating | Graphite and Burn Rate Deterrents |
Temperature Stability & Burn Rate Analysis
Temperature sensitivity is a critical technical factor for long-range shooters and hunters alike. Accurate 4064 is a modern single-base powder, which inherently provides better stability than older double-base spherical formulas. While it is not marketed as a “Temperature Zero” or “Extreme” line powder, it offers highly respectable performance across a wide range of ambient conditions.
In technical testing, Accurate 4064 exhibits a velocity shift of approximately 0.6-0.8 FPS per degree Fahrenheit. This level of stability ensures that a load developed in a 65-degree environment will maintain its accuracy node during a 95-degree summer match or a 30-degree winter hunt. For the precision shooter, this predictability is vital for maintaining a consistent point of impact without needing radical adjustments to their ballistic data.
Stability Benchmark Comparison
| Powder Name | Stability Level | Tech Category |
| Accurate 4064 | High | Single-Base Extruded |
| Hodgdon Varget | Extreme | Insensitive Extruded |
| Winchester 748 | Moderate-Sensitive | Double-Base Spherical |
Powder Comparison
Accurate 4064 competes in the most contested segment of the rifle powder market. It is often evaluated against both faster and slower alternatives to find the optimal case fill and pressure profile for a specific caliber.
- IMR 4895: A faster-burning alternative. While IMR 4895 is a legendary service rifle powder, Accurate 4064 often provides better case fill and higher velocities with heavier bullets in the 308 Winchester.
- Hodgdon H4895: Sits in a similar faster burn bracket. Hodgdon H4895 is noted for its ability to be used in reduced loads, whereas Accurate 4064 is optimized for full-pressure applications.
- IMR 4064: The direct sibling and benchmark. Accurate 4064 is chemically very similar to the IMR version but utilizes the short-cut grain technology that many reloaders find superior for metering consistency.
- Hodgdon Varget: A slightly slower-burning competitor. Hodgdon Varget is the gold standard for temperature insensitivity, but Accurate 4064 is often more available and provides nearly identical accuracy in many bolt-action rifles.
Competitor Comparison Table
| Powder | Burn Rate | Density (g/cc) | Primary Cartridges |
| Accurate 4064 | Medium | 0.900 | 308 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield |
| IMR 4895 | Medium-Fast | 0.890 | 223 Remington, 30-06 Springfield |
| Hodgdon H4895 | Medium-Fast | 0.880 | 308 Winchester, 223 Remington |
| IMR 4064 | Medium | 0.910 | 308 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield |
| Hodgdon Varget | Medium | 0.885 | 6.5 Creedmoor, 308 Winchester |
Performance, Metering & Equipment
Metering Consistency
The short-cut grains of Accurate 4064 allow it to flow through equipment like the RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure 3 with a level of precision that traditional long-stick powders cannot match. In a high-quality measure, reloaders can expect charge variances to stay within 0.1-0.2 grains. For those striving for absolute match-grade perfection, utilizing a RCBS MatchMaster Digital Powder Scale & Dispenser will ensure kernel-by-kernel consistency.
Fouling and Cleanliness
Accurate 4064 is engineered to be a clean-burning propellant. It utilizes high-purity nitrocellulose which leaves behind a soft, easily removable carbon residue. This is a significant advantage for shooters who engage in high-volume range sessions, as it prevents the “accuracy drift” caused by heavy carbon buildup. For the best maintenance results, using a Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler to precisely drop charges ensures that you are starting with a uniform physical load before every shot.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
The versatility of Accurate 4064 is its greatest technical asset. It spans a wide range of calibers, providing optimal pressure curves for both modern and classic rifles.
| Cartridge | Primary Application |
| 308 Winchester | Standard 150-175 grain match and hunting loads |
| 30-06 Springfield | All-purpose 150-180 grain loads for bolt and semi-auto |
| 243 Winchester | Precision predator and medium game hunting |
| 7mm-08 Remington | Balanced deer hunting loads with 140 grain bullets |
| 223 Remington | Heavy-bullet target loads (69-77 grain) |
| 260 Remington | Tactical and precision target applications |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | Efficient hunting loads with 120-130 grain bullets |
| 303 British | Traditional military rifle preservation and accuracy |
Bullets
To unlock the accuracy potential of Accurate 4064, pairing it with premium projectiles is essential. It generally performs best with mid-weight to heavy bullets for a given caliber.
| Bullet Brand/Model | Recommended Weight | Application |
| Sierra MatchKing | 168-175 grain (30 cal) | Match Accuracy |
| Nosler Partition | 150-180 grain (30 cal) | Big Game Hunting |
| Hornady V-Max | 58-75 grain (243) | Varmint Hunting |
| Berger VLD Target | 168 grain (308) | Precision Match |
| Sierra Tipped GameKing | 140 grain (7mm) | Modern Hunting |
Primers
Consistent ignition is the foundation of sub-MOA accuracy. Because Accurate 4064 is a single-base powder, it does not typically require magnum primers, although using high-quality match primers can lower velocity spreads.
- CCI 200: The standard workhorse large rifle primer for Accurate 4064 development.
- Federal 210: Known for extreme sensitivity and reliable ignition in standard cases.
- Federal GM210M: Match-grade large rifle primer for the lowest velocity spreads.
- CCI BR-2: Benchrest quality primer specifically designed for uniform ignition.
- Winchester WLR: Provides a hot spark, ideal for ensuring complete combustion in cold weather.
- Remington 9-1-2: A durable and consistent choice for all-purpose rifle applications.
- RWS 5341: Premium European primer for the most demanding accuracy needs.
- Fiocchi Large Rifle: A high-quality international option that performs well with Accurate 4064.
- Sellier-Bellot V360587: Reliable large rifle primer with consistent cup hardness.
Expert Verdict
Accurate 4064 stands as a sophisticated refinement of a classic burn rate. By combining the legendary versatility of the 4064-class propellant with modern short-cut grain technology, Accurate Powders has created a propellant that simplifies the reloading process while maintaining world-class accuracy. Its ability to serve as a high-performance solution for everything from a precision 308 Winchester to a classic 30-06 Springfield makes it a “must-have” for any serious reloader’s shelf.
While newer, more specialized powders continue to enter the market, the technical balance of Accurate 4064 – offering thermal stability, clean burning, and effortless metering – ensures its continued dominance in the medium-burn category.
Expert Pro Tip: When developing loads with Accurate 4064 for the 30-06 Springfield in an M1 Garand, focus on a charge that yields approximately 2700-2750 FPS with a 150 grain bullet. This replicates the M2 Ball specification perfectly while maintaining a safe port pressure for the vintage operating rod. For the absolute best results, utilize a sizing die that provides consistent neck tension of 0.002-0.003 inches, ensuring that the single-base grains of Accurate 4064 ignite with absolute uniformity.
