.223 loads for H380 anybody?

[stargeezer]

Hi guys. I was given a great deal of h380 powder (30lbs) and while I can find starting loads for 22-250 & 308, it seems 223 is not list in any of m books or on the Hodgden website.

Has anybody worked this powder up for 223?

 

[243winxb]

steves pages has it for some bullet weights . http://stevespages.com/page8a.htm 55 gr bullets - H-380 From 26.5 grains to 28.5 grains. I have not used H380 in 223. If i did, i would use a magnum primer.

 

[stargeezer]

Thanks. I didn't even have a starting point. I'll bookmark that site, lot's of good info there.

 

[Grassman]

That's a great page, I'm bookmarking too. Thanks!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Usually when a powder manufacturer doesn't list a powder for loading a cartridge there's a very good reason. That powder is on the slow side for loading the .223, slower than other powders listed in all the manuals I looked at. Hodgdon lists H380 for over 65 cartridges but not for the .223, I would pay attention to that fact.

Getting 30 lbs of any powder is a score but if it were me I would use it where it's best suited.

 

[243winxb]

223 Rem. - H380

Archangel makes a good point. H380 is not a perfect choice for the 223 rem. The 222 Rem Mag. used H380 in old Speer manuals. But 222 Rem. Mag's case capacity is a tiny bit larger then the 223, but not my much. When measuring head to base of neck, the mag. is .0289" longer. A magnum prime must be used. I have not tried H380 in 223 or the 222 Rem. mag. I would load 3 rounds with the starting load, mag primer, 55gr bullets as a test. Will it work in an auto? I dont know?

 

[mljdeckard]

It is my understanding, that the reason you don't want to use it in .223 is that most of them are ARs, and gas operated. H380 burns too slow, and will be spitting fire back through the DI system. Would it make any difference if one were to use it strictly in bolt rifles?

 

[243winxb]

Load data H380 & 223 Rem.

H380 data from Hodgen Manual #24, printed 1983.

Sperical H380. This number fills a gap between 4320 & 4350. It is excellent in .22/250, 220 Swift, the 6mm's, .257 & .30/06

40gr Start 27.0 = 3001fps @ 323,300cpu Max 29.0 = 3120 @ 34,200
45gr Start 27.0 = 3054 @ 27,600 Max 29.0 = 3121 @ 34,800
50gr Start 27.0 = 3031 @ 28,800 Max 29.0 = 3111 @ 35,400
52-53gr Start 26.5 = 2853 @ 29,400 Max 28.5 = 3133 @ 37,200
55gr Start 26.5 = 2821 @ 29,400 Max 28.5 = 3082 @ 37,800
60-63gr Start 26.0 = 2710 @ 30,000 Max 28.0 = 2983 @ 38,400
70gr Start 26.0 = 2614 @ 33,300 Max 27.0 = 2742 @ 41,800

The whole thread is here > http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/reloading/60614-hodgdon-h380-powder-question.html

 

[sellersm]

Hodgdon has moved to H335 for the .223. However, H380 used to be listed for the .223:

From Hornady #7

50 Hornady V-Max , SPSX or SP, Hodgdon H-380 25.3gr 2,900fps Start
50 Hornady V-Max, SPSX or SP, Hodgdon H-380 29.0gr 3,300fps Max.

H380, for 55 gr bullets.........

H-380 From 26.5 grains to 28.5 grains
Remington 7-1/2 Primer