Differences between target, light, medim duty and magnum

[Pat73]

I see in my S&W manual target and mid-range load. Then, in 2022 Hodgdon manual i see, target, light duty, medium duty and magnum.

What is the difference berween those denominations?

Could you tell what is the dirrences?

Thank you.

 

[Blue68f100]

Target loads are very light for BE competition where they are shooting 1 handed. Normally velocity is <700 fps. A fast burn powder is normally used since it can operate a simi-auto with std springs some times. A lot of times these loads are below min starting charge weights so you need to work the load down to see what works in your gun. As you go up in charge the velocity increases, higher pressure is generate more recoil. Light target and Medium duty may use a med burn powder. Mag normally use a heavier bullet with slow burn powders. If a powder is running in a pressure range it likes it will have a more complete burn. A lot of powders require near max pressure to burn cleanly.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

It’s not a SAAMI specification so, that sounds like a great question for Hodgdon customer support.

 

[Rule3]

It is a basic guide as to what powder would be good for those types of loads. Based on relative burn rates

An example would be HP 38 for the 38special versus H110 for the 357 Magnum both using a 158 gr bullet.

Usually the faster burn rates are for non magnum handgun loads,

But then slower powders can be used for 9mm and 40 SW which are higher pressure than say the 38 special.

https://hodgdonpowderco.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/updatedburnrateschart-1.pdf

 

[reddog81]

The scale goes from lightest load to hottest loads. It's just a general guide for which powders are appropriate for which types of loads.

A Target load would be something like a .38 Special wadcutter load around 10,000 PSI. A Magnum load would be a max full strength load. The loads in between would probably be normal .38 Special load with Medium duty being a .38 Special +P load or light maybe a .357 Magnum load. At least that's how I would read it.

 

[Pat73]

It’s not a SAAMI specification so, that sounds like a great question for Hodgdon customer support.

I am waiting for the answer.