Loading HS-6 for .38 Spec suggestions

[Thomasss]

I would probably go with the Winchester recommendation from the 15th Ed: 4.7-5.2gr. Seat to the crimp groove if it has one. That’s a max 16kpsi load so you shouldn’t be touching +P territory.

I tried that and it shot pretty mild with lot of unburned powder and sooty cases with the HS-6. That load is really for a 148 grain HBWC. I was hoping someone would know a little bit better load. I haven't made up my mind yet, but the local gun shop has some 231 which be a lot nicer for .38 loads and my brother said he would like to try some HS-6 for 20 gauge skeet loads. He could down load to 1200 fps to his liking.

By the way, I did email Hodgdon and asked them the same question and as usual I'm still waiting for an answer. Bet I don't get one.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I tried that and it shot pretty mild with lot of unburned powder and sooty cases with the HS-6. That load is really for a 148 grain HBWC. I was hoping someone would know a little bit better load. I haven't made up my mind yet, but the local gun shop has some 231 which be a lot nicer for .38 loads and my brother said he would like to try some HS-6 for 20 gauge skeet loads. He could down load to 1200 fps to his liking.

By the way, I did email Hodgdon and asked them the same question and as usual I'm still waiting for an answer. Bet I don't get one.

Winchester listed that load for a BBWC - bevel base is solid, not hollow.

I ran a 110gr jacketed into +P territory with small rifle primers in .38Spl cases and it was still dirty. Not quite as many yellow beads as standard pressure but not any less grey dust either.

Sorry. Tried to help. Switch to W231.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

HS-6 likes pressure. It can generate excellent accuracy in loads that generate chamber pressures in the 33,000 psi range, for 9x19, 357M and others. But standard loads for 38Spcl are about half that.

Just based on the title of this thread, the powder combustion will not be efficient. You'll proabably end up with nasty, black, sooty chamber and cases. This will leave you with a mess to clean up and very poor accuracy.

On the left is my best standard pressure load for AutoComp; on the right the best standard pressure HS-6 load. 25yds, standing, unsupported, double action, Mdl 64-3.

Yes, it is dirty.

My poor Smith. It looks like it’s blued.

 

[Thomasss]

You absolutely must start low and work up to just below max published with this (or any) powder. Jumping straight to the highest max load is not safe and skips a whole bunch of potentially most-efficient loads. Bad juju.

I'm sorry if you misconstrued what I said. I am concerned that I am finding substantial differences in HS-6 loads between different powder manuals more than usual. In the past I have used a variety of manuals to determine the best, safest loads to use. I've been reloading since I was 12 years old and am aware of some of the strange differences in powder manuals. If I combine my recent experience of HS-6 with the sooty guns, cases and unburned powder, I'm not so sure I want to continue with HS-6. I'm up to almost max with my 148, WC and I'm not sure that is the best way to go. I did find some 231 and latched onto a pound. As soon as I can get out again, I'll give it a try. I also shot some 140 grn. XTP with both HS-6 and Longshot in .357 mag. Longshot is a much better, cleaner powder with concise, easy to understand loads. For now, I am still wondering whether I care to continue with HS-6. I might still use it for 9mm. On the other hand, powder is becoming hard to come by again and if my brother can use HS-6 for 20 gauge, I might pass it off to him.
And thanks Random 8 for the heads up on Recob. I've done a lot of business with them in the past and will check out their inventory tomorrow.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I'm sorry if you misconstrued what I said. I am concerned that I am finding substantial differences in HS-6 loads between different powder manuals more than usual. In the past I have used a variety of manuals to determine the best, safest loads to use. I've been reloading since I was 12 years old and am aware of some of the strange differences in powder manuals. If I combine my recent experience of HS-6 with the sooty guns, cases and unburned powder, I'm not so sure I want to continue with HS-6. I'm up to almost max with my 148, WC and I'm not sure that is the best way to go. I did find some 231 and latched onto a pound. As soon as I can get out again, I'll give it a try. I also shot some 140 grn. XTP with both HS-6 and Longshot in .357 mag. Longshot is a much better, cleaner powder with concise, easy to understand loads. For now, I am still wondering whether I care to continue with HS-6. I might still use it for 9mm. On the other hand, powder is becoming hard to come by again and if my brother can use HS-6 for 20 gauge, I might pass it off to him.
And thanks Random 8 for the heads up on Recob. I've done a lot of business with them in the past and will check out their inventory tomorrow.

Makes perfect sense.

 

[AJC1]

I'm sorry if you misconstrued what I said. I am concerned that I am finding substantial differences in HS-6 loads between different powder manuals more than usual. In the past I have used a variety of manuals to determine the best, safest loads to use. I've been reloading since I was 12 years old and am aware of some of the strange differences in powder manuals. If I combine my recent experience of HS-6 with the sooty guns, cases and unburned powder, I'm not so sure I want to continue with HS-6. I'm up to almost max with my 148, WC and I'm not sure that is the best way to go. I did find some 231 and latched onto a pound. As soon as I can get out again, I'll give it a try. I also shot some 140 grn. XTP with both HS-6 and Longshot in .357 mag. Longshot is a much better, cleaner powder with concise, easy to understand loads. For now, I am still wondering whether I care to continue with HS-6. I might still use it for 9mm. On the other hand, powder is becoming hard to come by again and if my brother can use HS-6 for 20 gauge, I might pass it off to him.
And thanks Random 8 for the heads up on Recob. I've done a lot of business with them in the past and will check out their inventory tomorrow.

Some powders need pressure to thrive... 4227 sucks at low pressure but is great at higher pressure. I haven't invested in that powder yet to see what makes it tic but it appears outwardly to like 20+k psi. Silhouette is good at full pressure 38 and above

 

[Howland937]

I have a couple lbs of HS-6 and I like it alright for 9mm. It actually ran pretty clean when I got it upward of max in 9mm and 38 Super both. Loads also seemed to get better accuracy and more consistent velocities at the high end. If you load 9mm and don't have plenty of powder on hand, it's a pretty ok option. Might as well keep it.

 

[Soonerpesek]

Some powders need pressure to thrive... 4227 sucks at low pressure but is great at higher pressure. I haven't invested in that powder yet to see what makes it tic but it appears outwardly to like 20+k psi

Are you speaking of 4227 or HS-6.........?

 

[AJC1]

Are you speaking of 4227 or HS-6.........?

Both....

 

[Soonerpesek]

Are you speaking of 4227 or HS-6.........?

Both....

Reason I was asking:
I am playing with some sub 45-70 rounds with IMR 4227 and was interested in your statement about the low pressure…
I may PM you if you don’t mind…?

 

[Thomasss]

I shot some more .38 Special and 9mm with HS-6 today and things improved dramatically. First, I think HS-6 is better suited for jacketed bullets. Second, My kids should be the next to decide if they want it. My 9mm shots were very clean, POI wasn't terrible but there is a harder recoil there. There is plenty of room to tone those down a little. I was shooting 140 grain XTP at 1100 fps. I just picked up some 115 JHP HP and will try those next in 9mm. And I will also try HS-6 in .38 Special again. I have some Rem. 158 grn. JHP that might do the trick. This powder is opening up a whole area for me. Has anyone shot HS-6 with Acme or Hi-Tek bullets? I would be interested in either 9mm or .38 Spec recipes.

 

[Howland937]

Jeepers....140gr at 1100 in a 9mm. That is pretty stout.