Crimp depth of a finished shotshell reload is an important dimension to monitor for consistent ballistics and safe loads. This is one adjustment on a shotshell loading machine that is easy to overlook. An example of the correct crimp is what is found on factory loads. If your reload crimp is too loose (not enough crimp depth), it will hurt ballistic uniformity. A crimp that is too tight (too deep) can increase ballistics more than what is expected from the reload data. All shotshell reload data on the Hodgdon website has been created using an average crimp depth of 0.055″.
As an example, here are ballistic test results of a standard 7/8-oz, 12-gauge load when crimp depths are varied
| CRIMP DEPTH | VELOCITY | CHAMBER PRESSURE |
|---|---|---|
| 0.030″ (too loose) | 1,308 fps | 9,300 psi |
| 0.050″ (normal reload crimp) | 1,329 fps | 10,500 psi |
| 0.070″ (too tight) | 1,351 fps | 11,900 psi |
| 0.090″ (very tight crimp) | 1,363 fps | 13,100 psi |
This data was created in the Hodgdon Ballistics Laboratory under controlled conditions, and only the top two loads show pressures that stay within the SAAMI industry standard of 11,500 psi.
It is easy to assume that all shot types can be reloaded similarly; after all, they look the same – being round balls of metal. However, in loading shotgun shells, this assumption cannot be further from the truth.
The two characteristics of shot that change reloading data are shot hardness and density.
Shot hardness has a direct effect on chamber pressure. Softer shot produces lower pressure; harder shot raises chamber pressure dramatically. The softest shot type is lead. The hardest shot types are steel and tungsten. Bismuth falls between lead and steel. This is the primary reason that lead shot reloading data can never be used with any other type of shot.
Shot density affects how much room in the shell case the shot charge will take up. To try to simplify shot density, think of it this way:
Just remember, in shotshell reloading the reload data must be specific to the type of shot being used. Hodgdon reloading data meets this requirement.
Primer seating depth – how far the primer is inserted into the shell case – is carefully controlled in factory ammunition. You also need to be aware of primer seating depth when reloading. Seating the primer too deep below flush can damage the internal components, leading to misfires and inconsistent ignition. Seating the primer too high (above flush) can cause the cylinder to not rotate in revolvers, and can cause problems when the bolt slams home in semi-autos. Seating above flush can also result in misfires.
Unless you are reloading on a progressive machine (each pull of the handle yields a loaded cartridge), the primer seating depth is controlled by feel as the primer is inserted. This is especially true if you are using a handheld priming tool. The primer seating depth is best checked with your finger tip. Sliding the index finger across the bottom of the primed shell case will quickly determine if the primer is above or below flush.
The ideal seating depth is just below flush. As you gain experience in loading, the feel to accomplish this will become familiar. It is best to use your finger to test every primed shell case. If the primer is above flush it can be run through the seating operation again to push it below flush.
The .223 caliber has evolved from the battlefield AR-15 platform to popular sporting use in varmint and predator hunting, match competition, and all-around plinking fun. Reloading for the .223 is easy and there are a number of great powder choices. Where is the best place to start?
The Hodgdon Reloading Data Center (RDC) lists 21 different powder types that can be used in the .223. All these powders are appropriate in the listed loads. However, if you are new to the .223 the choices can be overwhelming. Here is a quick guide to help you get started.
| VARMINT LOADS (LIGHT WEIGHT, FAST VELOCITY) | MILITARY DUPLICATE LOADS | HEAVY BULLET LOADS |
|---|---|---|
| H322® Benchmark IMR 8208 XBR CFE 223 Varget® | Winchester 748 BL-C(2) H335 IMR 4198 H322® H4895 | CFE 223 Varget® IMR 4895 IMR 8208 XBR BL-C(2) |
Normally a pistol or rifle shellcase is considered full, or 100% loading density, when the powder charge sits at the base of the bullet when the bullet is fully seated. It is possible with some powders and cartridges to increase the powder charge slightly above this point, such that when the bullet is seated it actually compresses the powder charge slightly. This condition is known as a compressed load.
Hodgdon notes in its reloading data if the subject charge is a compressed load. A full case, or lightly compressed charge is an ideal condition for creating loads with the most uniform velocities and pressures, and oftentimes, producing top accuracy.
Subsonic loads refer to those whose velocity is less than the speed of sound. Not all “subsonic” loads are noted as such in the data, because the cartridge is not capable of producing supersonic velocity. An example is .32 S&W. All data in this caliber is subsonic but is not normally tagged with the name subsonic. In 9mm, most loading data are supersonic. Some data is shown that is subsonic. These loads are noted as subsonic. Most rifle loadings are all supersonic, so subsonic loads are specially down-loaded to stay below the speed of sound.
The noise that shooting makes has two components, the noise of the hot gases escaping the muzzle and sometimes flashing as they hit the atmosphere (muzzle blast), and in the case of supersonic loads the crack of the sonic boom as the bullet breaks the sound barrier. Subsonic loads do not have this second component of noise. As a side note, if a silencer is attached to the gun it will only suppress the muzzle-blast noise. It cannot suppress the supersonic crack. For this reason people shooting with a silencer prefer subsonic loads, even when shooting a rifle.
Can’t find the WAD you want for your shotshell load?
Check out the WAD Substitution Chart to find a replacement that will perform the same.
Basic procedures and practices for rifle, pistol and shotgun shell reloading.
We often get this question. In asking, the customer is unsure if the different barrel length will necessitate a loading data change in the powder chosen. Let’s preface the answer with a quick guide on testing data.
All our data is tested for Pressure and Velocity with instrumented equipment as established by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute (SAAMI). The dimensions of the test equipment are established by SAAMI, both internal (such as chamber) and external such as barrel length. The barrel length is set based upon most popular usage. Rifle calibers are set at 24 inch barrels. Handgun calibers are set based upon the most common use at the time, i.e. a 45 Auto barrel is based upon the barrel length of a 1911, and a 38 Special barrel based upon a standard police issue revolver.
The first thing to remember is that the chamber dimension does not change based upon application. A 223 Remington chamber is the same whether the gun it is in is a handgun or a rifle. The chamber dimension determines the pressure. So, the pressure is the same when fired in that chamber in a rifle or a handgun. The barrel length has no impact on the chamber pressure and hence the reloading data (powder charge and pressure).
The length of the barrel will change the actual velocity you observe. In general as the barrel gets shorter than standard the velocity will lower, and as the barrel gets longer than standard the velocity will increase. This does not change the reload data (powder charge and pressure), just the velocity.
Please note that there is no magic number for how much velocity is lost or gained by changing barrel length. This is because cartridges go from big to small and use varying amounts of different burn speed propellants. The only way to know for sure what the effect is with your different barrel length is to shoot over a chronograph.
So, the quick answer to the question is that the different barrel length will not change the reload data but it will impact the velocity you get.
We often get this question. In asking, the customer is unsure if the different barrel length will necessitate a loading data change in the powder chosen. Let’s preface the answer with a quick guide on testing data.
All our data is tested for Pressure and Velocity with instrumented equipment as established by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute (SAAMI). The dimensions of the test equipment are established by SAAMI, both internal (such as chamber) and external such as barrel length. The barrel length is set based upon most popular usage. Rifle calibers are set at 24 inch barrels. Handgun calibers are set based upon the most common use at the time, i.e. a 45 Auto barrel is based upon the barrel length of a 1911, and a 38 Special barrel based upon a standard police issue revolver.
The first thing to remember is that the chamber dimension does not change based upon application. A 223 Remington chamber is the same whether the gun it is in is a handgun or a rifle. The chamber dimension determines the pressure. So, the pressure is the same when fired in that chamber in a rifle or a handgun. The barrel length has no impact on the chamber pressure and hence the reloading data (powder charge and pressure).
The length of the barrel will change the actual velocity you observe. In general as the barrel gets shorter than standard the velocity will lower, and as the barrel gets longer than standard the velocity will increase. This does not change the reload data (powder charge and pressure), just the velocity.
Please note that there is no magic number for how much velocity is lost or gained by changing barrel length. This is because cartridges go from big to small and use varying amounts of different burn speed propellants. The only way to know for sure what the effect is with your different barrel length is to shoot over a chronograph.
So, the quick answer to the question is that the different barrel length will not change the reload data but it will impact the velocity you get.
We often get this question. In asking, the customer is unsure if the different barrel length will necessitate a loading data change in the powder chosen. Let’s preface the answer with a quick guide on testing data.
All our data is tested for Pressure and Velocity with instrumented equipment as established by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute (SAAMI). The dimensions of the test equipment are established by SAAMI, both internal (such as chamber) and external such as barrel length. The barrel length is set based upon most popular usage. Rifle calibers are set at 24 inch barrels. Handgun calibers are set based upon the most common use at the time, i.e. a 45 Auto barrel is based upon the barrel length of a 1911, and a 38 Special barrel based upon a standard police issue revolver.
The first thing to remember is that the chamber dimension does not change based upon application. A 223 Remington chamber is the same whether the gun it is in is a handgun or a rifle. The chamber dimension determines the pressure. So, the pressure is the same when fired in that chamber in a rifle or a handgun. The barrel length has no impact on the chamber pressure and hence the reloading data (powder charge and pressure).
The length of the barrel will change the actual velocity you observe. In general as the barrel gets shorter than standard the velocity will lower, and as the barrel gets longer than standard the velocity will increase. This does not change the reload data (powder charge and pressure), just the velocity.
Please note that there is no magic number for how much velocity is lost or gained by changing barrel length. This is because cartridges go from big to small and use varying amounts of different burn speed propellants. The only way to know for sure what the effect is with your different barrel length is to shoot over a chronograph.
So, the quick answer to the question is that the different barrel length will not change the reload data but it will impact the velocity you get.
You list data for Pistol in my caliber, but I have a rifle chambered for that cartridge. What change in the data is needed shooting a pistol caliber in a rifle?
We often get this question. In asking, the customer is unsure if the different barrel length will necessitate a loading data change in the powder chosen. Let’s preface the answer with a quick guide on testing data.
All our data is tested for Pressure and Velocity with instrumented equipment as established by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute (SAAMI). The dimensions of the test equipment are established by SAAMI, both internal (such as chamber) and external such as barrel length. The barrel length is set based upon most popular usage. Rifle calibers are set at 24 inch barrels. Handgun calibers are set based upon the most common use at the time, i.e. a 45 Auto barrel is based upon the barrel length of a 1911, and a 38 Special barrel based upon a standard police issue revolver.
The first thing to remember is that the chamber dimension does not change based upon application. A 223 Remington chamber is the same whether the gun it is in is a handgun or a rifle. The chamber dimension determines the pressure. So, the pressure is the same when fired in that chamber in a rifle or a handgun. The barrel length has no impact on the chamber pressure and hence the reloading data (powder charge and pressure).
The length of the barrel will change the actual velocity you observe. In general as the barrel gets shorter than standard the velocity will lower, and as the barrel gets longer than standard the velocity will increase. This does not change the reload data (powder charge and pressure), just the velocity.
Please note that there is no magic number for how much velocity is lost or gained by changing barrel length. This is because cartridges go from big to small and use varying amounts of different burn speed propellants. The only way to know for sure what the effect is with your different barrel length is to shoot over a chronograph.
So, the quick answer to the question is that the different barrel length will not change the reload data but it will impact the velocity you get.
When choosing powders with similar burn speed, always look at the efficiency and resulting velocity and pressures while comparing charge weights. A good example is looking at results of new technology Titegroup powder versus old technology powder HP-38.
| 9MM LUGER | 125GR SIE FMJ BULLET |
|---|---|
| HP-38 | 4.8 grs. 1088 fps 28,800 CUP |
| Titegroup | 4.4 grs. 1136 fps 30,600 CUP |
| 38 Special | 125 gr. HDY XTP bullet |
| HP-38 | 4.9 grs. 934 fps 16,300 CUP |
| Titegroup | 4.6 grs. 1010 fps 15,600 CUP |
| 45 ACP | 200 gr. CAST LSWC bullet |
| HP-38 | 5.6 grs. 914 fps 16,900 CUP |
| Titegroup | 5.4 grs. 957 fps 16,800 CUP |
Titegroup saves money with a lower powder weight per cartridge and yet gets better velocity. Newer technology powders deliver as good or better performance with a net savings in money spent, or allowing you to shoot more for the same money. A Win – Win situation.
Powder left in the reloader’s powder measure hoppers for extended periods, overnight or several days, should be avoided. Powder needs to be stored in original containers ONLY, when not in use. Numerous modern smokeless powders are double base in composition, containing both Nitroglycerine and Nitrocellulose. Many powder measures currently available use an inexpensive plastic containing polystyrene, which Nitroglycerine adversely effects when contact is made for extended periods of time, resulting in etching or misshaping the plastic. Normal usage during the reloading process does not provide adequate time for this to occur, so simply draining hoppers into the original containers when the reloading is complete for the day prevents ruining the hoppers.
Hodgdon Powder Company provides reloading data that covers most bullets available today. However, because there are so many bullet shapes, styles, and construction configurations we cannot create data for every single one. If you cannot find your particular bullet in the reload data there is good news. We provide data in enough variations in most calibers to give you a safe alternative.
Current rifle bullets are constructed with a jacket/lead core or single material (such as all-copper). Bullets with lead cores typically display lower pressures than bullets of all copper or gilding metal structure. As such, we show data for both style bullets in a given weight, as often as possible. For example, should you have a Hornady GMX solid core hunting bullet, but our data for that weight bullet only shows a Speer lead core bullet and a Barnes all copper TSX bullet, use the data for the Barnes bullet. The GMX and TSX bullets being of similar metals and shape, can utilize the same data.
Pistol bullets create the same situation, having even more changes in shape and type. There are lead bullets, copper plated lead bullets, copper-jacketed lead core bullets, and frangible bullets. Frangible bullets are unique such that we always show separate data for them (and recommend not using any other bullet type data).
Lead bullets and copper plated lead bullets yield very similar pressure and velocity results, so when the weights are the same, the same data may be used for each. Jacketed Lead core bullets come in a variety of configurations. Jacketed Hollow points and Jacketed Flat points of the same weight use the same data. Round nosed, lead core, full metal jacketed bullets of the same weight can also use the same data.
In conclusion, bullets with similar shapes and construction materials will utilize the same data. And, above all else, work up your loads by starting with the beginning load and increase charges in small increments, at all times watching for case head pressure signs and stiff extraction.
The Hodgdon Reloading Data Center is new and improved. All the data that you know and love is still here, but now it’s easier to use and accessible on your mobile devices.
We’ve improved the filtering on desktop, allowing you to retrieve data for your materials faster. You can now select multiple options under a cartridge or shell, to quickly compare a couple bullet or shot weights for example. We’ve also broken up the results into easier-to-browse, collapsible groups; no more three hundred row tables.
One of the many benefits of reloading is setting the components and performance of handloaded ammunition based upon individual reloader preference. In many cases, a powder designed for use in shotgun reloading can be used with success in handloading some pistol ammunition.
As always, only data as shown in the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center (RDC) can be used. Hodgdon is aware that some of your favorite shotgun powders can work in pistol loads and data is shown in the RDC. Examples of shotgun powders that have pistol reloading data:
These powders work best in:
One of the first rules of handloading is to always follow the approved reload data. The cautious reloader gradually works up to approved maximum loads to ensure his particular gun does not show pressure signs. Generally this is visual observation of the fired shell case head and primer. There is another slick way to check for pressure signs if you are interested.
Using a blade micrometer that measures in ten thousandths (.0001″), new, unfired cases can be gauged before and after firing to determine reasonably accurate maximum loads. Micrometers measuring in thousandths (.001″) are insufficiently accurate to perform these measurements, and should not be used. Previously fired cases cannot be used accurately due to various levels of brass hardening. Measurement is taken just ahead of the extractor groove on the case head and must be taken at the same place on the case before and after firing. By placing a small mark on the case head – entering the cartridge in the chamber with mark at 12 o’clock – a consistently accurate measurement can be taken with each firing.
Lower pressure rounds, like the .30-30 Winchester, usually yield maximum pressures at .0003″-.0004″ expansion. Modern cartridges, like the .223 Remington, will show maximum pressure at .0004″-.0005″, while .308 Winchester, .270 Winchester, etc., typically yield .0005″-.0006″ expansion at max pressure. Magnums, like the .300 Winchester Magnum, show maximums at .0006”-.0007” expansion, and should be measured on the belt.
In conjunction with these measurements, case head signs of pressure should be monitored as well. These signs include very flat primers, slightly cratered primers, ejector marks on the case head, and stiff extraction. All these case head signs indicate high pressure, and loads should be reduced until these signs disappear.
As always, start with the beginning load listed, and cautiously work up to the maximum shown for that set of components, using the methods listed herein.
Modern magnum caliber revolvers are high-performance instruments. The high performance has the side effect that the high-pressure gases at the cylinder gap can show signs of erosion on the top strap and the forcing cone. This erosion has different levels of severity based on the type and amount of propellant used in the ammunition.
True magnum loads utilize slow-burning, high-energy propellants, and lots of it. The cylinder gap between the forcing cone of the barrel and the cylinder allows high-intensity, hot-burning gases to escape. More powder, more erosion. Less powder, less erosion. Since this phenomenon cannot be avoided, the shooter can utilize moderate loads of target-type powder for practice to minimize the effects, and use the true magnum propellants when true magnum performance is required. Additionally, newer, high-nitroglycerine-level propellants – designed to yield higher velocities in magnums – create higher flame temperatures, causing erosion a bit sooner than some of the older, single-base propellants.
As the old adage goes, “sometimes you have to give to get.” With that, the amount of increased erosion is small, and over the life of the barrel, insignificant, considering the gain in velocity and performance obtained with these new propellants.
You just purchased your new hunting rifle in a cartridge where you have no loading experience. What powder do you choose? When you look at reload data, the list of powders is usually long, and any one of them might work great. But here is the trick to hone in quickly on the ones that may work best.
First, choose the bullet for your intended use. Review the reload data to find the velocity level you wish to achieve. As you look at the powder charges, chances are very good one of the powders that meets your velocity criteria shows a “C” beside the maximum charge and/or gives one of the highest velocities. The “C” means a lightly compressed charge of powder. That is an ideal situation, as maximum or near maximum charge weights that yield from 95% to 103% load density tend to give the most uniform velocities, as well as top accuracy.
I’ve yet to see a benchrest shooter whose load does not completely fill the case, as well as give top velocity. The same holds true for a varmint shooter, case full or darn close to it. Along with that particular powder, the powders listed closest to it on either side will likely be in that 95% to 103% range as well. This is a great place to start. Simply start with the beginning load for that combination and carefully work your way into the maximum, at all times watching for case head pressure signs. You can save a lot of shooting by carefully going up in 1/2-grain increments at a time (in mid- to large-capacity cases). Fire only two rounds of each charge level, each pair at a different target. Shoot slow enough to not overheat the barrel. Some of these two-shot groups will show a willingness to group closely. When you find shots that group tightest, load several rounds and then shoot five-shot groups for verification.
I do not have one rifle that doesn’t group the best somewhere near the max load. Should this not provide the accuracy required, either change primer brands and repeat or try one of the powders on either side of the one you just tested. Chances are very good one of these will lead you to a load that meets your expectations.
Do you have trouble seeing through your powder measure hopper? Certain smokeless powders, particularly those with high percentages of nitroglycerin, can cause discoloration (yellow-brown-green) in the clear plastic powder measure / hopper tubes. Powder left in the tube over a long period of time makes the discoloration worse.
The easiest way to keep the tube from discoloring is to store your powder in the original container when not loading, instead of leaving it in the tube until the next time you may reload. Normal usage during the reloading process does not provide adequate time for discoloration to occur. So simply draining your hopper into the original powder container when the reloading is completed for the day prevents discoloration of the hopper.
Hodgdon receives a lot of calls from reloaders looking for light recoil, subsonic, youth hunting, or informal target and plinking loads. Hodgdon has developed extensive data just for these applications.
The youth loads developed for hunting approximate pistol velocities in rifles, and therefore, similar performance on game animals. This provides our youth, women, young at heart and beginning shooters with loads effective to 200 yards with minimal recoil. There are several options of Hodgdon powders to choose from include H4895®, Trail Boss®, TightGroup™ and Clays™.
For complete information on the reduced recoil loads in one place, look at the Hodgdon website in the Resources section under Reference Data.
Why did Hodgdon develop the Extreme powders and what are they? Hodgdon knows that long range varmint and big game hunters, along with long range match competitors, are the most demanding shooters. These discriminating shooters encounter instances where temperature conditions play a major role in accuracy.
If a powder varies much in pressure and/or velocity, group size and point of impact can change critically. This is why the Extreme powders were developed. They are not affected by temperature. Whether you are shooting at sub-zero conditions or in the summer desert heat, the velocity of an Extreme powder load shows almost no change. Hodgdon Extreme Extruded propellants demonstrate so little variation in performance from one temperature to the next that the shooter can count on unmatched consistency in point of impact and group size.
Only Extreme powders give you the confidence that your ammunition and gun will shoot to your zero no matter what conditions you are in.
Ever thought about getting into Cowboy Action shooting? Hodgdon Powder is committed to the Cowboy Action game by providing the widest variety of pistol, rifle and shotshell data in the industry.
There are over 25 cartridges shown (including everything from the .25-20 Winchester, .32-20 Winchester, .38 Long Colt, .44-40 WCF, .44 Russian, .45 Long Colt, .30-30 Winchester, .45-70 Government, to the .50-140 Sharps) and hundreds of recipes especially suited for low velocity lead bullet rifle and pistol loads. Hodgdon also features cowboy shotshell loads with Triple Seven® and Pyrodex® powders.
Hodgdon did find that there are a few things to keep in mind associated with the performance levels required for this sport:
Velocities for all cartridges listed are limited by the SAAMI maximum allowable pressures. Minimum loads are established by pressure.
Until you understand, it may be confusing to test your handloads on a chronograph and find the velocity is not what you expected based upon the reload data. There are a number of reasons for this. We will attempt to clarify this mystery with the following:
This does not mean your chronograph setup for measuring handloads is not useful. Just be aware of these factors and establish what level your particular setup is at. One way to help establish where your test setup is shooting is to fire some factory loads and compare your results to the factory published numbers.
Most of the time handloading is as simple as matching the powder and powder charge to the caliber and bullet. However, when reloading for a gas-operated, semi-auto rifle, another parameter comes into effect – the gas pressure at the operating port.
Generally, this is not an issue when you are reloading within the normal “factory” range for a semi-auto rifle with a proper burn rate powder. When you start moving away from the original design of the cartridge, such as a faster load or heavier bullets or sub-sonic loads, you probably are changing the pressure at the gas port.
The pressure can go higher or lower at the gas port, depending on the load. Remember, port pressure does not necessarily follow velocity. Too low of a port pressure will cause functioning problems – failure to eject the shell case or strip a new cartridge out of the magazine, feeding failures, etc. Too high of a port pressure can also lead to functioning problems, as well as signs of damage to the head from the extractor / bolt.
The only way to know for sure is to load up a handful of cartridges and the next time you head out to the range check for gun function. With a little tweaking, you probably can tailor the performance of the load you want to your individual firearm.
You may own or run across a rifle chambered in a common metric caliber. Within the Resources section of the Hodgdon website, you may find the reload data you are looking for. Look under the heading “Reference Data”.
Data for Common European Cartridges
Rifle Data
| Caliber | Bullet Weight (grains) | Powder Type | Max. Charge Weight (grains) | Nom. Velocity |
| 5.6mm x50 Magnum 24″ Barrel | 40 | H4895 | 29 | 3630 fps |
| 45 45 | H4895 Varget | 28.5 30 | 3550 fps 3550 fps | |
| 50 50 | H4895 Varget | 28 29.5 | 3500 fps 3500 fps | |
| 55 55 | H4895 Varget | 27 28.5 | 3300 fps 3300 fps | |
| 60 | Varget | 27.5 | 3250 fps | |
| 70 | Varget | 26.5 | 3100 fps | |
| 5.6mm x57RWS 26″ Barrel
CAUTION: If reloading old style thick walled brass, reduce these loads by at least 4 grains to avoid dangerous pressures | 50 50 50 | Varget H4350 H4831 | 37 41 46 | 3700 fps 3700 fps 3700 fps |
| 55 55 55 | Varget H4350 H4831 | 36 40 45 | 3550 fps 3550 fps 3550 fps | |
| 60 60 60 | Varget H4350 H4831 | 35 39 44 | 3450 fps 3450 fps 3450 fps | |
| 69/70 69/70 69/70 | Varget H4350 H4831 | 34 38 43 | 3300 fps 3300 fps 3300 fps | |
| 6.5mm x52 Mannlicher-Carcano 21″ Barrel | 85 85 | H4895 Varget | 34 37 | 2600 fps 2600 fps |
| 100 100 100 | H4895 Varget H4350 | 33 35 40 | 2450 fps 2450 fps 2450 fps | |
| 120-125 120-125 120-125 | H4895 Varget H4350 | 31 33.5 38 | 2300 fps 2300 fps 2300 fps | |
| 129-130 129-130 129-130 | H4895 Varget H4350 | 30 32.5 37 | 2250 fps 2250 fps 2250 fps | |
| 139-140 139-140 139-140 | H4895 Varget H4350 | 29 31.5 36 | 2150 fps 2150 fps 2150 fps | |
| 160 160 160 160 | H4895 Varget H4350 H4831 | 27 29.5 34 39 | 2000 fps 2000 fps 2000 fps 2086 fps |
*This data was developed in the ballistics laboratory of Australia Defence Industries and is presented with permission.
*All loads listed are maximum loads and should not be exceeded. Reduce by 10% for a starting load watching for signs of excess pressure.
| Caliber | Bullet Weight (Grains) | Powder Type | Max. Charge Weight (Grains) | Nom. Velocity |
| 6.5mm x54 (Mannlicher-Shoenauer) 18″ Barrel | 100 100 | H4895 Varget | 38 40 | 2800 fps 2800 fps |
| 120 120 120 | H4895 Varget H4350 | 36.5 36.5 42.5 | 2700 fps 2700 fps 2700 fps | |
| 129-130 129-130 129-130 | H4895 Varget H4350 | 35.5 37.5 41.5 | 2500 fps 2500 fps 2500 fps | |
| 140 140 140 | H4895 Varget H4350 | 33.5 35.5 41.5 | 2350 fps 2350 fps 2350 fps | |
| 160 160 160 160 | H4895 Varget H4350 H4831 | 31.5 33.5 37.5 39 | 2100 fps 2100 fps 2100 fps 2100 fps | |
| 6.5mm x53R (Dutch Mannlicher) 25 1.2″ Barrel | 120 120 | H4895 Varget | 33 35 | 2500 fps 2500 fps |
| 140 140 | H4895 Varget | 30 32 | 2200 fps 2200 fps | |
| 155 155 | H4895 Varget | 32 35 | 2350 fps 2350 fps | |
| 160 160 | H4895 Varget | 31.5 34.5 | 2350 fps 2350 fps | |
| 6.5mm x54 Mauser 20″ Barrel | 120-125 120-125 | H4895 Varget | 33 35 | 2500 fps 2500 fps |
| 140 140 | H4895 Varget | 30 32 | 2200 fps 2200 fps | |
| 6.5mm x68 Schuler 25″ Barrel | 85 85 | H4350 H4831 | 65 72 | 3700 fps 3700 fps |
| 100 | H4831 | 70 | 3550 fps | |
| 120 | H4831 | 67 | 3300 fps | |
| 140 | H4831 | 62 | 3000 fps | |
| 7mm x61 Sharp & Hart 24″ Barrel | 120 120 120 | H4895 Varget H4350 | 54.5 57.5 64 | 3250 fps 3250 fps 3250 fps |
| 139-140 139-140 139-140 | H4895 Varget H4350 | 53 56 62.5 | 3100 fps 3100 fps 3100 fps | |
| 150 150 150 150 | H4895 Varget H4350 H4831 | 52 55 61.5 63 | 3000 fps 3000 fps 3000 fps 3000 fps | |
| 160-162 160-162 160-162 160-162 | H4895 Varget H4350 H4831 | 51 54 60.5 62 | 2800 fps 2800 fps 2800 fps 2800 fps | |
| 175 175 175 | Varget H4350 H4831 | 52 59 60.5 | 2700 fps 2700 fos 2700 fps |
*This data was developed in the ballistics laboratory of Australia Defence Industries and is presented with permission.
*All loads listed are maximum loads and should not be exceeded. Reduce by 10% for a starting load watching for signs of excess pressure.
| Caliber | Bullet Weight (Grains) | Powder Type | Max. Charge Weight (Grains) | Nom. Velocity |
| 7.35mm Carcano (1938) 21″ Barrel | 128 128 128 | H4198 H4895 Varget | 33 37 41 | 2500 fps 2500 fps 2500 fps |
| 150 150 | H4895 Varget | 35 39 | 2450 fps 2450 fps | |
| 310 Cadet (Martini Action) 22″ Barrel | Lead 110 | H4227 | 11 | 1500 fps |
| 120 Jacketed | H4227 | 9 | 1270 fps | |
| 8mm x68 Schuler 26″ Barrel | 125 125 | H4350 H4831 | 73 77 | 3300 fps 3300 fps |
| 150 150 | H4359 H4831 | 70 75 | 3100 fps 3100 fps | |
| 170 170 | H4350 H4831 | 68 72 | 2950 fps 2950 fps | |
| 220 220 | H4350 H4831 | 62 65.5 | 2650 fps 2650 fps | |
| 9mm x57 Mauser 24″ Barrel | 250 250 | H4895 Varget | 41.5 45 | 2250 fps 2250 fps |
| 280 280 | H4895 Varget | 45 49 | 2100 fps 2100 fps | |
| 9.3mm x64 Brennecke 26″ Barrel | 231-234 231-234 | Varget H4350 | 68 73 | 2700 fps 2700 fps |
| 258 258 | Varget H4350 | 66.5 70.5 | 2500 fps 2500 fps | |
| 285-286 285-286 | Varget H4350 | 63 67.5 | 2300 fps 2300 fps | |
| 293 293 293 | Varget H4350 H4831 | 62 67 61 | 2250 fps 2250 fps 2250 fps | |
| 577/450 Martini Henry 24″ Barrel | Lead 400 | H4198 | 37 | 1300 fps |
| 500 Jeffrey 45″ Barrel | 535 | H4895 | 96 | 2300 fps |
*This data was developed in the ballistics laboratory of Australia Defence Industries and is presented with permission.
*All loads listed are maximum loads and should not be exceeded. Reduce by 10% for a starting load watching for signs of excess pressure.
The NSSF (National Shooting Sports Foundation) is a great information resource. On their website is a library of information on safety, shooting and gun ranges. For the reloader, it is well worth the time to look at some of their safety information, particularly related to reloading components safety and storage.
Although the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center provides the most handloading recipes available, with specific data for many individual bullets, it is impossible to test and list every bullet type that is available. That is why, after selecting the appropriate reload data, it is prudent to check the gun function after making just a few loads rather than just “load ’em up.”
Common issues that may arise include:
Before you load up a box of bullets, make a handful to take on your next trip to the range to ensure they perform as expected. This is much better than having a whole batch of loaded ammo that will not work in your gun.
One great advantage of handloading is adjusting the ballistics to suite a particular need. Wish you could enjoy that .375 H&H at the range for 50 shots instead of 2 or 3 before the recoil takes its toll? Or how about some extended practice on a plate rack with your “grizzly bear stopper” revolver? The Hodgdon Reloading Data Center has an option to do just this.
Unfortunately, creating a low recoil load is not as simple as just dropping the powder charge. For most cartridge / powder combinations, getting the powder charge low will cause ignition and ballistic problems. Low velocity, low recoil loading is possible, but as always, only with the correct reload data.
Hodgdon has three separate tabs under the DATA menu of the website’s main page to help in low recoil loading.
One advantage to reloading is the ability to adjust the load ballistics. This is especially true with today’s powders.
In the past, available reloading powders allowed the velocity of factory ammunition to be obtained. In most cases higher than factory velocity came with the risk of higher pressure. Today there are powders readily available that allow the reloader to exceed “standard” velocity levels by 100 fps to 200 fps. This is a benefit for the varmint hunter and long-range shooter where bullet drop becomes a factor.
Take the venerable 22-250. Historically, this caliber has produced 3,650 fps with a 55-grain bullet. Looking at the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center, there are at least 6 powders that allow this velocity to be increased up to 3,855 fps – just over 200 fps higher.
If you are interested in higher velocity, look at the factory ballistics for the load of interest in your caliber. Then go to the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center and look up the reload data for that caliber and bullet. In many cases, you will find a powder listed which will allow you to safely improve over the factory ballistics.
Sooner or later, one is bound to finish a muzzleloading hunt without firing the gun. Before wiping that muzzleloader down and putting it back on the rack, it must be safely unloaded. Some methods include discharging the firearm, (not always an option, depending upon location) or using a corkscrew-type ball puller. For ease of use and safety, the method we prefer is one of the many C02-powered discharge devices that are on the market today.
Start outside with the muzzleloader pointed in a safe direction. Remember the firearm is still loaded at this point. Select the correct discharge nozzle fitting (most come with fittings for flintlocks, in-lines, or percussion caps) for your firearm type. Next, apply the discharge device to the breech plug or flash hole and release the C02 gas to clear the load from the firearm. That’s it – your muzzleloader is now unloaded.
Now be sure to wipe down the firearm with gun oil and run a lightly-oiled patch down the bore before storing. One last note – Don’t be tempted to reuse powder or projectiles – every hunt deserves fresh powder and a new bullet. Good luck out there!
Small arms primers contain an initiating explosive mixture. By design, this explosive is easily initiated by impact energy. Two key safety issues with primers are dusting and mass detonation.
“Dusting” is the term describing minute particles of the primer explosive mix. The dust from a primer contains the same initiating and explosive qualities of the primer itself, including initiating sensitivity to friction (impact). At the time of manufacture, the explosive mixture of the primer has a binding ingredient. After manufacture, handling of the primer can result in some of the mixture breaking apart, forming explosive dust. Over time the primer dust can form a thin layer in and around the handling and storage areas of primers. Friction or spark can initiate the dust. Proper cleaning is the best way to avoid a problem.
A mass quantity of primers loose in a container can detonate with the power of the total explosive quantity of the individual primers. If an initiating force ignites just one primer, the explosive energy can create a “mass detonation” of all the primers.
When primers are manufactured, they are placed directly into packaging designed to prevent propagation and mass detonation. Always store primers in their original containers. When reloading, limit the quantity of primers you remove from the factory packaging.
Reloading ammunition is a great hobby and saves money. Commodity cost increases in brass and lead in recent years have resulted in many new and/or returning reloaders trying to stretch their budget.
The following information is provided as an introduction on the stability, storage, and safe handling of modern smokeless propellant.
Smokeless Propellant
The main ingredient of smokeless propellant, comprising from about 55% to 90% of the composition, is nitrocellulose. The process of creating nitrocellulose leaves remnant acid in the material. This acid immediately starts decomposing the finished product. Left alone the decomposition will reach the stage where the propellant becomes unstable and self-ignites. This process resulted in massive explosions at U.S. Government arsenals after World War I.
To increase the life of the smokeless propellant, a stabilizing chemical is used. This “stabilizer” reacts with the acid to slow down the decomposition process. However, as the stabilizer reacts with the acid it is consumed. After the stabilizer is totally consumed, the propellant is no longer protected from the internal acid.
The entire stabilizer / decomposition process is a time and temperature function – the higher the temperature, the shorter the safe life of the powder. Even moderate temperature, over extended time, leads to propellant decomposition. As a rule of thumb, any temperature over that which is comfortable to a person is accelerating the decomposition of smokeless propellants.
Under proper storage, modern smokeless powder can last for decades. However, this does not mean the reloader can ignore how the powder is stored, particularly if in an uncontrolled environment such as a garage or storage building.
Hodgdon reloading data shows starting loads and maximum loads. You might have heard a fellow reloader claim that published reload data errs on the low side and it is OK to exceed maximum charge recommendations. THIS IS NOT TRUE – and is why Hodgdon publishes pressures with all its reloading data. The MAX load pressures shown by Hodgdon match the industry standards, just as the ammunition loading companies do in factory loads. There is a reason why this is called a MAX load – because it is! Trying to push your reload any stronger exceeds the design limits of the ammunition components and gun.
It seems the more you enjoy handloading, the more clutter starts to find its way on your reloading bench. No matter how cluttered your reloading area gets, there is one simple tip that will keep it fun and safe:
Have only one powder on the bench at a time.
There are enough things to do while reloading – so why complicate things? Having only one powder on your bench while reloading prevents accidental use of the wrong powder or mixing of powders.
If you reload and shoot multiple caliber firearms, be aware of unsafe firearm and ammunition combinations. Avid reloaders and shooters often head out to the range with multiple calibers of firearms. It is very easy to grab the wrong caliber and insert it into the gun. If the caliber just does not fit, this is simply embarrassing. Although in some combinations, loading the wrong caliber into the gun can have dire consequences.
Most shotgun shooters are aware of the danger of inserting a 20-gauge shotshell into a 12-gauge gun. The 20-gauge shotshell will lodge in the throat, leaving enough space behind it for a normal 12-gauge to load and fire. This situation will usually destroy the gun and can injure the shooter and/or bystanders. This is the reason American shotgun shell manufacturers reserve the hull color yellow for 20-gauge shells only.
But this is not the only unsafe gun and ammunition combination. The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute (S.A.A.M.I.) maintains a list of all unsafe firearm and ammunition combinations on its website. It is well worth looking at this list.
