Hodgdon Powder Selection

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Hey all, I have been reloading for my .223 using H335. So far it is providing good results, but I still have some more testing to do. I have read in a few places that H335 can be temperature sensitive. I was planning on using it year round, but is there a powder that is better suited for use in all seasons? Some have mentioned varget....? I'd like to stick with Hodgdon brand simply for its availablility around my area. Is there such a thing as a "ratings chart" for temperature sensitivity?

On another note, I will soon be reloading for .243 and .30-06 as well. Is there a powder that will suit the .223 and .243, or the .243 and .30-06 and work well? I am trying to eliminate keeping a bunch of different powders, but if there is a definite winner for each caliber then its not really a big deal.

Info and links will be much appreciated.
 
well it depends on the bullet weights you plan on using. It is possible to use varget for all and that is a temp stable powder. BLC2 is another, but is more temp sensitive.

Go to the load data center on the hodgdon website and research each caliber. You will fine some common ground, but not all cartridges and not all guns run well with certain powders, so optimal results may not happen with one powder.
 
Lead Loader said:
Varget.......
Click to expand...

Another vote for Varget, the best 223 Rem and 308 Win powder for accuracy and trouble free behavior.
With 223 Rem and 308 Win and most bullets, you can load a case full of Varget and shoot it under any conditions with no safety issues (please don't try this!).

All Ball/Spherical propellants are temperature sensitive and should be loaded so that pressure is safe under all conditions (don't devellop a hot load in winter and shot it in summer ;) ).

Take a look at this:
http://www.hodgdon.com/smokeless/extreme/page2.php#top

Alex
 
243 and 30-06. If I could round it to a couple powders I would suggest IMR4350 or H4350. I cannot vouch for the 223.

In the 243 I have had good results from varget for light bullets (<70gr) and H4350 for heavier ones. H powders have proven to me to be stable and easy to tune. This is worth more to me in my books. IMR may need to be tweeked for temperature changes say over 10-15 degrees, but this old standard still works true in my rifles for a 100gr 243 or a 165gr 06'.

This is why I buy 8lb jugs of H4350 because I don't want to run out. So many cartridges and so many uses for this powder. Sure, it may not give the max velocity for a specific bullet. But stability and accuracy trumps all.

Now confound it....you really don't want this stuff so i can ensure I can get it when I need it.;)

My two bits.
 
Thansk for the replies so far. All my guns are bolt action. I'm not into the AR type stuff.
Looks like I will try to find some Varget around and try it out for the .223 and the .243. And maybe some H4350 for the 06.

If it makes much of a difference:

.223 : 50 or 55gr for coyotes, etc, and 69gr for target
.243 : likely around a 100gr bullet for deer hunting
.30-06 : likely around a 150gr bullet for deer and 180gr for moose/elk

I shoot the .223 most often as it is my target gun as well. Does varget generally work over a range of bullet weights?
 
With bullets 68gr and over I use Varget in my .223 and Benchmark for the lighter bullets.
 
A consideration for you may be how the powder meters through your own dispenser.
Run a search on ball vs extruded.. The H335 flows like a dream compared to some extruded powders.
 
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