IMR 4198 Smokeless Gun Powder

Production of IMR powders dates back over 200 years when the company was originally founded by E.I DuPont. Available for use in many reloading applications, the IMR series of powder is trusted by reloaders all across the globe.

IMR 4198 is a fast burning rifle powder that gives outstanding performance in cartridges like the 222 Remington, 221 Fireball, 45-70, and 450 Marlin. Varmint shooters with small-bore cartridges love it. Proven metering and necessary elements were added to make it extremely insensitive to hot/cold temperatures. IMR 4198 is outstanding in cartridges like the 222 Remington, 444 Marlin and 7.62 X 39.

Fast Burn, Accurate Results

IMR 4198 is a fast-burning rifle powder prized by reloaders for crisp ignition and dependable velocities in a surprising variety of cartridges. It shines in small-bore, high-velocity varmint rounds and also finds use in larger, straight-wall and big-bore cases where reduced or specialty loads are required. IMR 4198’s burn characteristics help produce tight groups and predictable performance when you’ve worked up the load correctly.

Where It Works Best Popular Cartridges & Uses

This propellant is commonly recommended for cartridges like the .222 Remington, .221 Fireball, .223/5.56 (light bullets), .22-250 varmint loads, and even larger straight-wall rounds such as .45-70 and .450 Marlin in appropriate recipes. It’s also a popular choice for creating reduced-velocity or specialized loads in classic cartridges because of its versatility and predictable behavior. Always consult current load data before use.

Cleaner Metering & Practical Reloading

Although IMR 4198 is an extruded (stick) powder, its formulation meters smoothly and performs reliably on both single-stage and progressive presses a practical advantage for reloaders who make everything from a few experimental rounds to dozens of practice cartridges. Its consistent lot-to-lot behavior helps streamline load development.

Temperature Behaviour & Notes for Reloaders

IMR 4198 sits on the faster end of many burn-rate charts and is not the same as Hodgdon’s “H4198” extreme-temperature formulation; treat it according to published data and expect typical extruded-powder temperature behavior. Use manufacturer load tables (Hodgdon/IMR) for safe, tested starting points and never exceed recommended pressures during development.

Important Information:

• Do not exceed the loads displayed in the reloaders guide.
• Never mix any two powders regardless of type, brand, or source.
• Never substitute any smokeless powder for Black Powder or any Black Powder substitute.