Superformance powder

[Shagg]

Anyone use superformance powder? I bought a can a while back but found out it is not listed for any caliber that I reload. With the powder shortage as it is I would like to be able to use this powder. I load for 270 Win., 25-06, 6.5x55, and 223.

 

[steve4102]

It has a burn rate slower than 4831, way to slow for the 223. You will not find any data for this combo.

The other three can use powders in this burn range, but Hodgdon has yet to publish any data.

Give them a call and see if they can help you out with data.

 

[Shagg]

I sent Hodgdon an e-mail so I'll wait a while to see if I get an answer. I checked the burn rate chart and I agree it is way too slow for the 223 but it should work in the others. I may not get any great gain out of it but at least I should be able to use it. I have the new annual manual for 2014 but it doesn't list it for any of the calibers that I want to use it in.

 

[buck460XVR]

The scarcity of components in the last few years has seen this happening all the time. Folks buy what they can from what's left on the shelf and do the research on it when they get home.....only to find out the reason it was still there is that it is not in demand or used for very specific applications. Hodgdon say this very same thing in their website.....

"Because this propellant is tailored for specific applications, the number of cartridges and bullets is limited, but where it works, it really works"

...thus, if they show no loads for it in the calibers you load, I suspect it does not perform that well. Is the cost of the bullets sent downrange with poor performance worth trying to salvage the cost of a pound of powder? Your call.

 

[Shagg]

So Buck, you're saying because I made a mistake (I admit it) in buying this powder that I should just trash it instead of trying to find a use for it? I disagree! I can't help but think this powder will perform well enough to warrant loading and using it. I haven't given up yet.

 

[buck460XVR]

Shagg....Most folks reload for quality ammo and for saving money. In most scenarios, unless you are using home cast bullets from lead you got for free, the cost of powder per round is minor as compared to the cost of the bullet. Add to the cost of the bullet a primer which costs you 4 cents. If you are buying jacketed bullets to shoot and performance is poor from your reloads, is the $20 you recoup from using the powder worth the cost of the wasted bullets sent downrange or are you just interested in making noise? Is the time, effort and wasted bullets trying to work up a load for a inappropriate powder that odds are, you will never use again, worth the $20? Again, your call. Lotta lessons in life that I wish woulda only cost me $20.

 

[Rule3]

Hodgdon does not respond well to e mails. It is much better just to call them. They are very helpful.

http://www.hodgdon.com/contactus.html

 

[ArchAngelCD]

So Buck, you're saying because I made a mistake (I admit it) in buying this powder that I should just trash it instead of trying to find a use for it? I disagree! I can't help but think this powder will perform well enough to warrant loading and using it. I haven't given up yet.

Superformance powder like Leverevolution powder when used by Hornady is custom blended for the cartridge being loaded. When offered by Hodgdon both have a limited use because there's no real way of offering more than 1 commercial offering. I'm not sure which blend of Suprform is offered by Hodgdon but the LVR offered is the 30-30 blending so you will get the best results with LVE in 30-30 loads. I can tell you Suprform was developed for the Super Short Magnum cartridges in a successful attempt to develop the powder that will deliver high velocities in those short cartridges without the necessity of compressing the powder.

Hodgdon current only lists load data for Suprform in the 22-250, 243 Win, 6mm Rem, 243 Super Short Magnum, 25 Super Short Magnum, 280 Rem, 300 Ruger Compact Magnum and 300 Win Short Magnum.

If you load for any of those cartridges you have found your use for the powder you bought. I have a feeling Hodgdon might have data for the .270 and 25-06 since those 2 are similar to the .280 and 30-06 but usually use a slower powder which Suprform is.

 

[MtnCreek]

Shagg, If you don't mind, please update after you here back from Hodgdon. I've seen the statement from Hodgdon about it being suitable for only a few cartridges and that has had me wanting to give it a try in something else. Just to be hardheaded I guess. Thanks.

 

[ngnrd]

If it's still a full can, you probably wouldn't have any problem selling it, and then you can buy a powder that actually has data for the cartridges you are loading for.

Just a thought.

 

[Shagg]

Thanks to all for your advise. I truly appreciate it.

If I get an answer from Hodgdon I will post it.

 

[Icky The Great]

I talked recently with Hornaday and they explained to me their factory loads are a CUSTOM BLEND of Superformance powder. I do not think much new load data will appear for this powder though I could be wrong. I personally load Superformance in my 30-06 with great success and my friend used the loadings of Hornady to start a load for the 308win. My loads are spot on with minor deviation overall, his however were far below velocity and his spread was as minor (due to the blend they use). We will be experimenting with it in the 308win soon enough. I doubt he will stick with it as we have tried Varget and 8208xbr with success (not so much xbr as V).
I will tell you this from personal experience, Go with VARGET! I use it in my 223 and 308 loads. It works great. No issues whatsoever. Another good friend of mine loads 223 with Varget and we shot it out to 1200 yards. He is a top quality gunsmith and long distance instructor and varmint hunter. He also recommends it when asked.