Lovex vs Accurate arms

[gazzar15]

Am I correct in stating that AA powders are now rebranded as Lovex powders in the UK ?

 

If that is indeed the case, what are the equivalent powders from one brand to the other is AA4350 = ?

in lovex.

[Laurie]

Yes, they're the same except that Lovex SO65 has appeared since the change and has no Accurate equivalent. Lovex powders are manufactured by Explosia a.s. in Semtin, Czech Republic. They used to make most of the 'Accurate Arms' propellant range both extruded and ball, but when Western Powders (which started with Ramshot powders) bought the US Accurate Arms operation, it stopped using the Czech products and sourced them from others. The old names continue but with different powders and they've been specified to be pretty similar.

 

If you look up the US Western Powders produced online data for Accurate powders, these are therefore the new versions and may not have identical loads to the older ones we're maybe familiar with.

 

Explosia powders are still available and still imported by Westlander Limited in West Yorks, but are now branded as 'Lovex' which is the name that the rest of Europe has known them by for many years.

 

So far as the main rifle powders go, here are the equivalents:

 

Extruded single-base

 

Lovex SO60 - AA-2015

Lovex SO62 - AA-4064

Lovex SO65 - no equivalent

Lovex SO70 - AA-4350

Lovex SO71 - AA-3100

 

Double Base

Lovex DO60 - AA-5744 specialised BPCR substitute & reduced loads

 

Ball Powders

Lovex DO63 - AA-1680

Lovex DO73.4 - AA-2230

Lovex DO73.5 - AA-2460

Lovex DO73.6 - AA-2520

 

The company's descriptions and loads data are available at:

 

http://www.explosia.cz/en/streliviny/download/reloading_EN.pdf

 

 

These are excellent powders, especially the single-base extruded versions IMO, and are cheaper than Hodgdon / IMR at ~£38 / 500g bottle or £34.50 / lb. SO70 is an excellent alternative to H4350 given the latter's absence and likely continued shortage although it shouldn't be treated as a 100% like for like replacement when it comes to maximum safe loads. It is longer grained though than the Hodgdon sc powders so doesn't meter as well in powder measures. SO62 is an excellent .308 Win powder with 155-175gn bullets and SO65 is claimed to have the same burning rate as H.Varget, although I reckon it's a bit slower burning and bulkier.

[gazzar15]

Many thanks Laurie, exactly the answer I was hoping for .

Over the years I have used AA extensively and have some particularly good combinations worked up in several calibres. I note what you say about like for like, but I at least don't have to start over.

Thanks again

[Brillo]

Lovex/AA powders crop up frequently on this forum. It sounds like worth giving a try. Does anyone know who is the closest supplier to my location?

[dannywayoflife]

Laurie I love residing your posts! I wish I had your knowledge

[Elwood]

Laurie, I did some initial testing for Alan Wey when S065 was first introduced. I tested it though a 6.5x47 and I agree with you, it is basically a slower Varget or RL15 equivalent.

 

I managed to find my old post on the testing.

 

http://ukvarminting.com/forums/topic/14057-lovex-propellants/

[Hatzi]

Lovex/AA powders crop up frequently on this forum. It sounds like worth giving a try. Does anyone know who is the closest supplier to my location?

Give Westlander a ring, I did this morning for some info and Mike there was most helpful. 01422 885885

[Brillo]

Give Westlander a ring, I did this morning for some info and Mike there was most helpful. 01422 885885

Many thanks. I was hoping for somewhere nearer Gloucestershire but I'll call them on the off-chance they can post.