Hodgdon Superformance (powder)

[Palladan44]

I've been on a search for some powder suitable to load 300 WSM and made a mistake. In doing some research, this powder comes recommended for the cartridge (which it isnt common to see a powder recommended for a not-so- common cartridge application as one of the primary cartridges its good for) so i made a bit of an assumption in that it would be good for most of your common bullet weights (like a lot of rifle powders), so when I finally came across it, I purchased a pound.

What I didn't realize is........ there is no data for 180gr Bullets, which are the ones I have on hand and would like to use up.
They are lubalox coated 180gr Winchester Ballistic tip. (New old stock)

I'm surprised how slow-burning this powder is and yet not suitable for the heavier bullets... perhaps load density/case capacity issue.

I know it's my fault for not checking, but here I am with the powder, and I have NO other use for the powder.

I use this for use at the range and occasional hunting out to 200 yds

 

[GooseGestapo]

Personally, I would look to the bullet manufacturers data.
I don’t have my Hornady manual handy. Superformance is sold primarily to them for use in their Superformance line of ammunition. They blend it to specific applications. Hodgdons sells a generic version and for some reason doesn’t go above 165gr bullets.
Nosler doesn’t list it for any weight that I saw.
I’ve always seen H4350 or RL17 listed as preferred powders. Reloader22 with heavier bullets.
I suggest taking it back to where you bought it and see if they’ll swap with you. Likely they might if container is still sealed.
It’s also possible to list it in the classifieds section. You might find someone close by to sell/swap it to.
Push comes to shove, you could use 165gr data; reduce the STARTING load by a further 5%.
Lastly, I’d email Hornady for their response.
I’ve used surplus powders which can vary considerably from lot# to lot#. By conservative following of standard practice, I’ve never had a problem.
For 0-200yds, a modest .300WSM load is still.30/06 level. Never had a problem with a .30/06 load with 180’s bouncing off critters!

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

It’s worth a call to Winchester to find out if they have tested it with the 180BT or have a recommendation. On the upside the Nosler 165BT is a good bullet. If you can find them.

These days hunting for components is the real challenge. The critters are much easier to find.

 

[Lennyjoe]

For my .300 WSM I’m going to try Superformance with 178 gr Hornady ELD-X and Hornady lists both as follows:
Minimum 59.3 gr @2700 fps
Maximum 69.9 gr @3100 fps
O.A.L. 2.840”

Why not give it a try by working up on the 178’s load above to see how it performs? I wouldn’t go much above 69.5 grains, keeping an eye out for overpressure signs.

 

[MarshallDodge]

For my .300 WSM I’m going to try Superformance with 178 gr Hornady ELD-X and Hornady lists both as follows:
Minimum 59.3 gr @2700 fps
Maximum 69.9 gr @3100 fps
O.A.L. 2.840”

Why not give it a try by working up on the 178’s load above to see how it performs? I wouldn’t go much above 69.5 grains, keeping an eye out for overpressure signs.

With two books giving starting data around 60 grains, this is where I would start.

 

[243winxb]

Get bullets that match Hodgdons load data. This is a 65,000 PSI rated cartridge.

Bullet construction & bearing surface has an effect on pressure. The lubalox coating, may reduce pressure?

Note: Magnum primers needed for ball powders. More so at starting/reduced loads.

 

[bigpower491]

For my .300 WSM I’m going to try Superformance with 178 gr Hornady ELD-X and Hornady lists both as follows:
Minimum 59.3 gr @2700 fps
Maximum 69.9 gr @3100 fps
O.A.L. 2.840”

Why not give it a try by working up on the 178’s load above to see how it performs? I wouldn’t go much above 69.5 grains, keeping an eye out for overpressure signs.

Yes I'd go this route myself, but I'd definitely not take it past 69gr. I'd work up .5 at a time until I found a good accurate load and leave it right there if I was within a couple grains of that max number

 

[Lennyjoe]

I also have IMR 4350 and for 180’s Hodgdons website calls for 65c grains max for a 180 gr bullet (or 64 gr depending on bullet) but Hornady’s website lists 62 g as max.

 

[Palladan44]

For my .300 WSM I’m going to try Superformance with 178 gr Hornady ELD-X and Hornady lists both as follows:
Minimum 59.3 gr @2700 fps
Maximum 69.9 gr @3100 fps
O.A.L. 2.840”

Why not give it a try by working up on the 178’s load above to see how it performs? I wouldn’t go much above 69.5 grains, keeping an eye out for overpressure signs.

Thank you for this. And, in case this means anything...not sure how ELD-x lengths compare to these, but here it is...

 

[Lennyjoe]

Thank you for this. And, in case this means anything...not sure how ELD-x lengths compare to these, but here it is...

I’ll throw them on a caliper when I get home and let you know.

 

[243winxb]

lengths compare

https://www.jbmballistics.com/ballistics/lengths/lengths.shtml

The Win bullet looks* like combined technology between Nosler & Win. Having a solid base? Solid base, more pressure?

Post 4 data should work?