Help Understanding smokeless powder for us newbies

[Goodknight]

I finally got the chance to dive into my 2021 annual Hodgden manual. Inside I found a breif description of each powder available from Hodgden. As someone who is new to reloading this is important info as we maneuver the world of Smokeless powder and what works for what (the more I explore the bigger it gets and how little I know). New reloaders I highly recommend you pick up your copy of this resource.

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[Lennie]

Good news is that nearly everything in the manual is available for free on Hodgdon's web site.

 

[DizzyJ]

I am very fond of the "H" powders.

 

[quneur]

The only thing I know about powder is the fast burning powders are meant for shorter barrels. Granular shape plays a part and temperature can affect consistency rate. Lots of gas is involved. Explosive gases. The kind that can rattle your teeth.

And everyone loves Varget.

 

[Goodknight]

Yes Varget does seem to be the boutique powder these days!

 

[v0lcom13sn0w]

IMR discontinued my favorite .223/5.56 powder IMR4320. i now use BLC2 and H335.

 

[BigDog67]

IMR discontinued my favorite .223/5.56 powder IMR4320. i now use BLC2 and H335.

Yeah, I liked 4320 as well. I've had good luck with Accurate 2460 as well. And it meters like water.

 

[jordanka16]

Varget is probably the best general purpose rifle powder there is, only thing comparable is 4064. Both are very useful in lots of cartridges and are accurate. Although for heavy 5.56 these days I use 8208.

 

[Lennie]

And everyone loves Varget.

CFE 223, at least for me, is slightly superior to Varget

 

[DizzyJ]

CFE 223, at least for me, is slightly superior to Varget

Depends on your expectations of the powder and ammo.

 

[Goodknight]

How does BL-C(2) stack up to Varget and CFE223?

 

[BigDog67]

It would be easier if powder had names. Like Bob. Or Fred. I use 47.3 gr of BOB in my 7mm-08. My .223 likes FRED. But NOOOO, we get stuck with a bunch of letters and numbers that don't mean bubblegum!

 

[DizzyJ]

It would be easier if powder had names. Like Bob. Or Fred. I use 47.3 gr of BOB in my 7mm-08. My .223 likes FRED. But NOOOO, we get stuck with a bunch of letters and numbers that don't mean bubblegum!

CFE223 means something

Besides, Fred and bob are bubblegums.

 

[JRuby]

IMR discontinued my favorite .223/5.56 powder IMR4320. i now use BLC2 and H335.

It is my understanding that hogdons bought IMR

 

[Goodknight]

Looking at the Hodgden website they sell all powders??? Hodgden, IMR, Ramshot, Winchester. Did they buy them all?

 

[Goodknight]

And how about my original question? How does BL-C(2) stack up to Varget and CFE223 and H4895?

 

[DizzyJ]

And how about my original question? How does BL-C(2) stack up to Varget and CFE223 and H4895?

Varget and H4895 would generally be considered less sensitive to fluctuations in temperature. I have some BL-C but have yet to use it. CFE223 is supposed to give you some of the highest velocities while helping with copper buildup.

 

[Lennie]

Looking at the Hodgden website they sell all powders??? Hodgden, IMR, Ramshot, Winchester. Did they buy them all?

Hodgdon both produces powders and distributes powders produced by other manufactures.


From Wikipedia
The Hodgdon Powder Company began in 1952 as B.E. Hodgdon, Inc., and has become a major distributor of smokeless powder for the ammunition industry, as well as for individuals who load their own ammunition by hand. The company's corporate office and manufacturing facilities are located in Kansas, United States. Hodgdon acquired IMR Powder Company in 2003. Winchester branded reloading powders have been distributed in the United States by Hodgdon since March 2006. In January 2009 Hodgdon acquired GOEX Powder, Inc., located in Minden, Louisiana, the only manufacturer of black powder in the USA.[1] Together these product lines make Hodgdon one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of gunpowder in the world.

 

[Goodknight]

Be pretty cool to live in Kansas near the Hodgden factory so we could buy from the "factory outlet" store!

 

[quneur]

Be pretty cool to live in Kansas near the Hodgden factory so we could buy from the "factory outlet" store!

Until there's a fire.