Published: 2026 | Last updated: May 2026
IMR 4064 is a medium-burning, single-base long-cut extruded powder with one of the longest documented accuracy records of any commercial propellant in the North American market. Originally developed by DuPont and now distributed by Hodgdon as part of the IMR lineup, it has served as a benchmark for medium-speed rifle performance since the mid-20th century – the powder against which other medium-burn powders are commonly measured in 308 Winchester and 30-06 Springfield load development.
The powder’s technical identity is straightforward: a single-base long-cut nitrocellulose extruded stick that burns progressively and predictably, produces a wide accuracy node in medium-capacity cases, and leaves a clean, manageable carbon residue. It does not have Extreme series temperature stability. It does not meter as consistently as short-cut or ball alternatives. What it has – and what has sustained its reputation for decades – is a forgiving, progressive pressure curve that produces the wide accuracy nodes and low shot-to-shot velocity standard deviations that precision and benchrest shooters have documented repeatedly across 308 Winchester and 30-06 Springfield.
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 IMR 4064 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
IMR 4064 is a single-base, long-cut cylindrical extruded powder. The single-base formulation – nitrocellulose without nitroglycerin – is the chemical basis for its clean-burning behavior and the moderate temperature stability that single-base extruded powders consistently deliver.
The long-cut grain geometry is the defining practical limitation at the bench. Long cylindrical sticks bridge across measure drum apertures, shear during metering cycles, and pack inconsistently in the case. Charge-to-charge variance of ±0.3-0.5 grains is typical in standard volumetric measures. The Pro Tip in the original article about using a trickler with a digital scale is correct methodology – but the mechanism is grain shearing, not “vibratory” action. A vibratory trickler is a powder trickler that uses vibration to move individual grains down the tube; the correct workflow is to throw slightly light with the measure and trickle to exact weight. Shearing long grains by cycling the measure drum produces inconsistent grain fragments that burn at a slightly different rate than intact grains.
Bulk density is approximately 0.890-0.910 g/cc – the original article’s 0.910 g/cc is at the upper end of the realistic range for this long-cut single-base powder. At 0.890-0.910 g/cc, 308 Winchester with 168-175 grain match bullets at working charge weights produces case fill of 88-96%.
The progressive linear pressure curve is the property most consistently cited in the context of IMR 4064’s accuracy reputation. Pressure builds gradually through the charge range, providing early warning signs before approaching dangerous territory and producing the wide accuracy nodes – typically 0.5-0.8 grain windows where group size and standard deviation are both minimized – that precision shooters rely on.
Strengths:
- Widest documented accuracy nodes in the medium-burn class for 308 Winchester and 30-06 Springfield – the specific practical reason for its enduring reputation
- Progressive linear pressure curve – forgiving load development; pressure signs appear gradually; small charge weight variations rarely produce radical accuracy changes
- Single-base clean burning – less carbon residue than double-base alternatives at equivalent pressures; manageable fouling in sustained high-round-count sessions
- Very deep published data library – more load data coverage across North American manuals than virtually any medium-burn competitor; useful for historical, unusual, and vintage cartridges
- Excellent ignition from standard large rifle primers without magnum primer requirements
Limitations:
- Long-grain geometry produces ±0.3-0.5 grain volumetric variance – hand-weighing or auto-dispensing required for any precision application
- Temperature sensitivity of ~0.6-0.9 fps/°F – standard single-base extruded performance without Extreme series additives; meaningful for year-round precision competition but manageable for hunting
- Lower energy density than double-base alternatives – Alliant Reloder 15 produces more velocity at the same pressure from double-base chemistry
- Not appropriate for semi-automatic gas-operated platforms where 4895-class powders produce better gas port pressure timing
Technical Characteristics
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | IMR Powder (Hodgdon Powder Company) |
| Heritage | DuPont original formulation |
| Type | Single-Base Long-Cut Extruded |
| Bulk Density (g/cc) | ~0.890 – 0.910 |
| Grain Shape | Long Cylindrical |
| Coating | Technical Graphite |
| Burn Rate Category | Medium Rifle |
| Temperature Sensitivity | ~0.6-0.9 fps / °F |
Temperature Stability – Practical Assessment
0.6-0.9 fps per degree Fahrenheit places IMR 4064 in the moderate stability tier – better than many double-base alternatives (1.0-2.0 fps/°F) and comparable to other traditional single-base extruded powders. It is meaningfully more sensitive than Hodgdon Varget or Hodgdon H4895 (Extreme series ~0.3 fps/°F) but better than double-base alternatives like Alliant Reloder 15 (~1.0 fps/°F).
A 308 Winchester 168-grain load at 2,650 fps developed at 65°F will produce approximately:
- At 95°F (+30°F summer match): 2,668-2,677 fps – 18-27 fps faster
- At 20°F (-45°F cold weather): 2,617-2,623 fps – 27-33 fps slower
At 600 yards (NRA High Power 600-yard stage), this variation produces approximately 1-1.5 inches of vertical shift versus summer zero – meaningful for competitive use and manageable with a seasonal load verification.
| Powder | 75°F Swing | At 400 yards | At 600 yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon Varget | ~23-38 fps | <0.5″ | ~1″ |
| Hodgdon H4895 | ~23 fps | <0.5″ | <1″ |
| IMR 4064 | ~45-68 fps | ~1″ | ~1.5″ |
| Alliant Reloder 15 | ~75 fps | ~1.5″ | ~2.5″ |
Burn Rate Comparison and Competing Powders
| Powder | Type | Density (g/cc) | Key Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon H4895 | Single-Base Extruded | 0.880 | Faster – Extreme, M1 Garand |
| IMR 4895 | Single-Base Extruded | 0.890 | Faster – M1 Garand, 30-06 |
| Accurate 2495 | Single-Base Short-Cut | 0.900 | Faster – 4895 class, flash suppressed |
| IMR 4064 | Single-Base Long-Cut | 0.900 | Reference – accuracy benchmark |
| Hodgdon Varget | Single-Base Short-Cut | 0.910 | Slightly Slower – Extreme stability |
| Alliant Reloder 15 | Double-Base Extruded | 0.920 | Similar – higher velocity, 2x sensitivity |
| Accurate 4064 | Single-Base Short-Cut | 0.895 | Similar – improved metering |
| IMR 3031 | Single-Base Long-Cut | 0.895 | Faster – 30-30 Win specialist |
vs. Hodgdon Varget: The central competition for 308 Winchester precision use. Varget is Extreme series at ~<0.5 fps/°F – approximately 2x better seasonal stability – and meters better from its short-cut geometry. Many shooters find IMR 4064 produces tighter groups in specific 308 Winchester bolt-action rifles from the progressive linear pressure curve producing broader accuracy nodes. Neither is universally better – the specific barrel is the deciding factor. For year-round competition where seasonal consistency matters, Varget is the more stable choice. For precision bolt-action work where the reloader hand-weighs every charge and can manage seasonal variation, IMR 4064 remains competitive.
vs. IMR 4895: IMR 4895 burns slightly faster and is the traditional 30-06 Springfield / M1 Garand powder. IMR 4064 is better matched for 308 Winchester with standard 150-175 grain match bullets and for bolt-action precision generally. For gas-operated semi-automatic platforms where port pressure timing matters, IMR 4895 is more specifically appropriate.
vs. Alliant Reloder 15: Alliant Reloder 15 is a double-base powder that produces higher velocity from nitroglycerin energy content at the same pressure – typically 20-40 fps more than IMR 4064 in the same cartridge. Its temperature sensitivity (~1.0 fps/°F) is approximately twice that of IMR 4064. For maximum velocity with accepted seasonal protocol, Reloder 15 is the velocity-priority alternative. For the forgiving pressure curve and wide accuracy nodes that define IMR 4064’s reputation, the single-base original is more appropriate.
vs. Accurate 4064: Accurate 4064 is specifically developed to approximate IMR 4064’s burn rate with improved short-cut grain geometry that meters more consistently (±0.1-0.15 grain vs ±0.3-0.5 grain). For reloaders who want the IMR 4064 burn rate position with better progressive press production metering, Accurate 4064 is a legitimate modern alternative. For single-stage hand-weighed precision loading where the metering advantage is eliminated by workflow, the original IMR 4064 retains its historical accuracy documentation advantage.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
IMR 4064 covers an impressive range of medium-capacity cases, and its deep data library is the specific advantage for historical and unusual cartridges.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 308 Winchester | 150-175 gr | Primary bolt-action precision application |
| 30-06 Springfield | 150-180 gr | All-purpose hunting and target |
| 22-250 Remington | 50-60 gr | Precision varmint |
| 243 Winchester | 80-105 gr | Deer hunting and target |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | 120-130 gr | Light bullet applications – see note |
| 7mm-08 Remington | 140-154 gr | Standard deer hunting |
| 223 Remington | 69-77 gr | Heavy match bullets only |
| 7.62x54R | 150-174 gr | Boxer-primed cases only |
| 303 British | 150-180 gr | Bolt-action hunting |
| 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser | 140-160 gr | Hunting and target |
308 Winchester with 150-175 grain bullets in bolt-action rifles is the application that established IMR 4064’s benchrest reputation. The progressive pressure curve produces accuracy nodes that have been documented at sub-0.25 MOA in multiple competition rifles across decades of benchrest and NRA High Power use. This is not a statistical artifact – the wide charge weight window where both group size and extreme spread are minimized is a repeatable phenomenon with this powder in 308 Winchester.
6.5 Creedmoor note: The original article includes 6.5 Creedmoor as a primary application. IMR 4064 data exists for 6.5 Creedmoor and it works – but the burn rate is slightly fast for the standard 140-143 grain match bullets where Hodgdon H4350 is specifically optimized. For lighter 120-130 grain 6.5 Creedmoor bullets, IMR 4064 is more appropriate.
7.62x54R note: Only Boxer-primed cases accept reloaded primers. Military surplus 7.62x54R brass is predominantly Berdan-primed and cannot be reloaded with standard equipment. Verify primer type before preparing cases. See the 7.62x54R complete guide for case identification guidance.
30-06 Springfield bolt-action vs M1 Garand: For bolt-action 30-06 Springfield, IMR 4064 produces accurate loads at 150-180 grain weights. For the M1 Garand, IMR 4895 or Hodgdon H4895 are more appropriate choices that match the gas system’s operating window. Do not use IMR 4064 as a primary M1 Garand powder without verifying gas port pressure compatibility.
Practical Loading with Long-Cut Grains
The metering challenge of IMR 4064 requires one of two production workflows:
For single-stage precision loading (recommended):
- Set a quality volumetric measure to throw approximately 0.3-0.5 grains below target weight
- Trickle to exact weight using a Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler on a high-resolution scale like the RCBS MatchMaster or Lyman Gen 6 Compact
- This achieves ±0.02 grain charge consistency – the precision floor for sub-MOA accuracy work
For auto-dispenser loading: The RCBS ChargeMaster Supreme and Hornady Auto-Charge Pro handle long extruded powders by weight. Trickle time per charge is longer than with short-cut or ball alternatives, but the resulting charge accuracy is equivalent.
Avoid heavy cycling with a standard drum measure – this shears the long grains at the drum edge, producing irregular grain fragments that burn at a slightly different rate than intact grains and elevate extreme spread.
Bullets
IMR 4064 pairs best with medium-to-heavy hunting and precision match bullets in the primary bore sizes where the progressive pressure curve provides consistent acceleration through the full weight range.
| Brand | Model | Weight | Cartridge | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra | MatchKing | 168-175 gr | 308 Win | Precision Competition |
| Hornady | ELD-M | 168-178 gr | 308 Win | Long-Range Match |
| Nosler | Partition | 165-180 gr | 30-06 / 308 Win | Classic Big Game |
| Nosler | AccuBond | 150-180 gr | 30-06 / 308 Win | Bonded Long-Range |
| Sierra | Tipped GameKing | 150-165 gr | 30-06 / 308 Win | Modern Hunting |
| Hornady | V-MAX | 50-55 gr | 22-250 Rem | Varmint |
| Barnes | TTSX | 130-168 gr | 308 Win / 30-06 | Lead-Free Hunting |
| Sierra | GameKing | 100-168 gr | 243 Win / 308 Win | Traditional Hunting |
| Berger | Hybrid Target | 155-185 gr | 308 Win | ELR Competition |
| Federal | Trophy Bonded | 165-180 gr | 30-06 / 308 Win | Premium Hunting |
Have you loaded IMR 4064? Your practical data on charge weights, accuracy nodes in 308 Winchester, temperature behavior, or comparison with Varget helps other reloaders more than any spec sheet. Leave a comment below.
Primers
IMR 4064 as a single-base medium-speed extruded powder ignites reliably from standard large rifle primers in most standard-capacity applications. Magnum primers are not required for general 308 Winchester and 30-06 Springfield loads, though they improve consistency in cold conditions below 0°F.
| 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 | 308 Win general development |
| Federal 210 | Large Rifle Standard | Consistent general use |
| Winchester WLR | Large Rifle Standard | Hunting loads |
| Remington 9-1/2 | Large Rifle Standard | Traditional pairing |
| CCI 250 | Large Rifle Magnum | Cold weather below 0°F |
| Federal 215 | Large Rifle Magnum | Maximum cold ignition |
| RWS 5341 | Large Rifle | Premium European precision |
| Fiocchi Large Rifle | Large Rifle Standard | Consistent European alternative |
| Ginex Large Rifle | Large Rifle Standard | Cost-effective general use |
| Sellier & Bellot V360587 | Large Rifle Standard | Consistent international option |
Reloading Safety Notes
All charge weights must come from current published IMR/Hodgdon load data for IMR 4064 specifically. Do not substitute Hodgdon Varget, Alliant Reloder 15, or Accurate 4064 charge weights without independent verification.
Avoid shearing long grains in the powder measure drum – heavy or rapid cycling cuts grains at the drum edge. The resulting fragments produce elevated extreme spread. Use the throw-light-and-trickle workflow.
Temperature protocol: develop maximum charges at the highest expected firing temperature. At 0.6-0.9 fps/°F, a near-maximum summer load may show pressure signs at an outdoor match in extreme heat.
Start 10% below the listed maximum and work up in 0.3-grain increments. The progressive pressure curve provides gradual feedback – watch for flattened primers, stiff bolt lift, ejector marks.
See the overpressure in reloading guide for systematic pressure sign identification.
FAQ
Is IMR 4064 better than Hodgdon Varget for 308 Winchester?
The question does not have a universal answer – it depends on the specific rifle. Many precision shooters have found that IMR 4064’s progressive pressure curve produces wider accuracy nodes in specific 308 Winchester bolt-action platforms than Varget. Varget is approximately 2x more seasonally stable and meters better from short-cut geometry. For year-round competition where seasonal consistency is the priority, Varget is the more appropriate choice. For precision bolt-action work where the reloader hand-weighs charges and can manage seasonal variation, IMR 4064 is competitive and sometimes superior in the specific barrel.
Why does IMR 4064 need to be hand-weighed?
The long-cut grain geometry produces ±0.3-0.5 grain charge-to-charge variance in standard volumetric measures from bridging and grain shearing. At 308 Winchester working charge weights (40-46 grains), a 0.5-grain variance represents over 1% of the charge – enough to shift muzzle velocity by 15-30 fps and meaningfully affect extreme spread. Hand-weighing or auto-dispensing eliminates this variance and allows the powder’s inherent accuracy potential to be realized.
Is IMR 4064 appropriate for the 375 H&H Magnum?
The original article mentions “.375 H&H Magnum” as a caliber covered by IMR 4064’s versatility. The burn rate is at the faster end for the very large 375 H&H Magnum case – slower powders in the Hodgdon H4831SC to Hodgdon H1000 class are typically better matched for heavy-bullet maximum loads. If published IMR data exists for 375 H&H Magnum with specific bullet weights, verify from current Hodgdon online data before loading.
Conclusion
IMR 4064 has earned its place in North American reloading not through marketing but through results: decades of documented accuracy in 308 Winchester and 30-06 Springfield bolt-action rifles, the deepest published data library in its burn rate class, and a progressive linear pressure curve that produces the wide accuracy nodes that precision shooters exploit.
The long-grain metering limitation and the standard (non-Extreme) temperature sensitivity are the honest trade-offs. Both are manageable with appropriate technique and seasonal protocol.
Choose IMR 4064 if you load 308 Winchester or 30-06 Springfield in bolt-action rifles for precision work, hand-weigh every charge, and want the powder with the deepest documented accuracy record in this burn rate class. Choose Hodgdon Varget if year-round Extreme series seasonal consistency is the priority with the same cartridges and short-cut metering is acceptable. Choose Accurate 4064 if the IMR 4064 burn rate position with improved progressive press metering from short-cut geometry is worth developing fresh loads. Choose Alliant Reloder 15 if maximum velocity in 308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor with accepted higher temperature sensitivity 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 IMR 4064, share your results in the comments.
Editorial note: Originally published 2026, revised May 2026. The revision corrected the original density figure (0.910 g/cc to ~0.890-0.910 g/cc) and the Varget density comparison value. Corrected the Pro Tip – the original described a “vibratory powder trickler” which creates an incorrect impression of the process; the correct mechanism is grain shearing from drum cycling. Added the M1 Garand caution with an explicit note to use IMR 4895 or H4895. Added the 7.62x54R Berdan vs Boxer primer identification note. Added the 6.5 Creedmoor clarification noting H4350 is better matched for standard 140-143 grain loads. Added the grain shearing mechanism explanation in the practical loading section. Added the temperature stability table with 400/600-yard impact figures. Extended the competitor comparisons to include Accurate 4064 and Accurate 2495. Extended the bullet and primer tables with full internal links. Added three community data disclaimer blocks in the correct blockquote format.
