waterman wrote on Dec 27^th, 2019 at 8:04am:

. . . The loading data for 5744 is much like the old & much-missed HiVel #2, except that you could load HiVel #2 in anything and it would work, probably be accurate.  5744 isn't like that.  It seems to get wonky at high pressures. . .

HiVel#2 and AA5744 are similar mostlly in that both are double-base extruded powders. The burning rates and intended uses are somewhat different.

HiVel#2 was a medium-burning rifle powder primarily intended for full-pressure loads in 20th century military and sporting smokeless cartridges. While certainly versatile, it was not really well-suited for reduced loads generating low pressure.

5744 is described at the distributor's website thus:


Quote:

"Accurate 5744 is an extremely fast burning, double-base, extruded powder. This unique powder can be used in a wide range of rifle calibers and magnum handguns. 5744 is characterized by excellent ignition and consistency over a very wide performance range. Low bulky density and superior ignition characteristics make 5744 an excellent choice for reduced loads in many rifle calibers and in large capacity black powder cartridges such as the 45-70 through 45-120 and 50-90 through 50-120."

Image below is from an Ideal Hand Book (predecessor to the Lyman manuals), showing several .30/40 Krag loads with HiVel#2 -

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