ReloadingThis forum section is about general reloading questions. If you have a specific question about reloading, please post it in one of these forum sections - Rifles, Handguns, Shotguns
Many years ago I loaded .223 ammunition for my MINI-14 with the HODGDON H380 ball powder. I remember it worked very well in the cartridge/rifle combination. I just bought a canister of H380 in hopes of loading up some .223 again.
For the life of me I simply CANNOT find ANY loading data for the .223 Remington using H380.
I want to use a 55 grain FMJBT bullet, which is what I used for the load years ago. I remember that the LEE dies I was using at that time HAD load data using the H380. My 'new' LEE dies however do not have this data.
Is'nt H380 used with .223 anymore? I hope I did not waste my money on this powder I can no longer use.
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I cannot find any info for use of that powder and .223, even on Hogdon's site. Sorry boss, looks like you are going to have to start fresh and develop the load yourself. I will ask a few buddies, but I am not sure any of them have .223......will let you know
I cannot find any info for use of that powder and .223, even on Hogdon's site. Sorry boss, looks like you are going to have to start fresh and develop the load yourself. I will ask a few buddies, but I am not sure any of them have .223......will let you know
I know it, I can't find any information for .223 using the H380 either. I have looked in manuals, on the Internet, and in my LEE pamphlet in my set of .223 dies. The dies I USED to have had the data. I don't understand why there is NO data published currently? I figure if the load worked 20 years ago, why won't it work now?How would I go about developing the load myself? That sounds kind of dangerous to me. I have no idea how much powder to use to even start out with.Thanks for your reply, I hope your buddies have some info available.
H-380 has a burn rate similar to 760. It is pretty slow for the 223, but it will work. You may not get the velocities you expect with a powder this slow burning.
Here is some data.
Thanks Guys, I really appreciate the help with this!
Now, can anyone tell me a more appropriate BALL powder to use with the .223?
H335 and hodgdon BL(C-2) Im sure theres others but I only use Hodgdon and alliant powders. You also may look at H4895 its a stick powder but seems to leave less carbon behind which is a plus IMO to keep gas systems clean.
H335 and hodgdon BL(C-2) Im sure theres others but I only use Hodgdon and alliant powders. You also may look at H4895 its a stick powder but seems to leave less carbon behind which is a plus IMO to keep gas systems clean.
I have been using both H4895, and IMR 4895 (both very similar powders, if not the same powder altogether, and both made by the same company of course..) and have been happy with them for the most part. I just thought it would be interesting to try a different powder for a change. I may also try the H335 or BL powders as well. I thought it would be interesting to see how other powders perform in the .223.Thanks again guys!
I have been using both H4895, and IMR 4895 (both very similar powders, if not the same powder altogether, and both made by the same company of course..) !
Hodgdon does not manufacture any powder. They purchase it from other sources, package it and sell it. Now that they own IMR I am told that one of the 4895's will go.
If you are looking for something new to try in your 223, give Ramshot XT and TAC a try.
From Ramshots site.
X-Terminator is a double-based, spherical powder that is designed for the high volume, .223 varmint hunter who demands a clean burning powder. X-Terminator will not bridge going into the small diameter necks of the .22 centerfire calibers and produces excellent velocities
Ramshot TAC is a versatile rifle powder that performs well in a number of different calibers. TAC has the ability to provide some of the industry's highest velocities for 80 grain bullets in the .223 caliber while maintaining SAAMI pressure guidelines. TAC is a double-based powder providing for ease of metering and consistent charge weights.
Im all for trying ramshot the much lower prices compared to other brands is very appealing, but no one in my area carries it If I was to order it once hazmat and shipping is added the appealing price becomes higher then what I get my hodgdon and alliant powders for locally.
Most of my 223 buddies use H335 with 50-55gr BT's. Others of us use 36-37gr of H-380 with 55BT's in .22-250.
As I understand it you're trying to utilize the H-380 you have for your 223?
I found an 1996 "H" manual. It shows H-380@28gr for 60-64 bullet in a 26" barrel in .223 while for the same bullet H-335 uses 25 gr.
You are in luck! Being the info geek/nerd that I am, I keep all sorts of useless info & books on hand. I found one load in the 3rd edition of the Metallic Cartridge Reloading manual. " 55grain .223 bullet: H380 26.5 grains =2821fps for mininum load & 28.5grains=3082fps for max load". Hope that helps, good luck.
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If I was to order it once hazmat and shipping is added the appealing price becomes higher then what I get my hodgdon and alliant powders for locally.
Get your hands on a hodgdon powder data manual#25 copyright-1987,it has lots of data for h380 in 223s.
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