Favorite H380 loads

Geezerbiker · June 24, 2011, 01:36 AM

I bought some used reloading stuff and in the lot was 2 cans of H380 one full and the other a bit more than 3/4 full. I've never used this power so I'm asking if anyone here can recommend some loads for it. I shoot .223 rem, .243 Win, .308 win, 7.7x58mm Arisaka, 7.5mm Swiss, and .30-06... Any good loads for these calibers before I try to trade it off?

Tony

SRH78 · June 24, 2011, 02:09 AM

I have used it behind 60 grain Nosler Partitions in my 22-250 with very good results, 3700 fps and less than an inch at 200 yards. Years ago, I loaded some 100 grain bullets over H380 for a coworker's 243. According to him, the accuracy was much better than whatever he had been shooting. I don't remember what the exact load was but he was very pleased.

FrankenMauser · June 24, 2011, 03:30 AM

It should do quite well in all of your "medium capacity" cartridges (.243 Win, .308 win, 7.5mm Swiss), and acceptable results can be had in 7.7 Arisaka, and .30-06. I've heard of acceptable results in some .223 Rem loads, but H380 never comes up as a favorite powder, or something that exceeds expectations.

I currently load H380 in .243 Win, 7.62x54R, and .270 Win; but have had good results in the past with .220 Swift, .303 British, .30-40 Krag, and 8x57mm (I don't load H380 in these cartridges any more, because I don't own the rifles any more

).

Geezerbiker · June 24, 2011, 12:03 PM

Thanx guys. I'm looking to get a couple new reloading manuals. The old Speer book I have doesn't have that many loads for H380... right now it's the only power I have that looks like it will meter through my Lyman measure and that's a plus for it...

Tony

.45 Vet · June 24, 2011, 03:40 PM

I like H-380 for 80 > 90 gr. spitzers from my .243 heavy bbl Ruger. 4 and 5 shot dime sized clusters is the norm @ 100yds with a clean 26" barrel. My chrono says around 3200fps, and thats plenty fast for me. There may be better powders for the caliber, but I'm too lazy to start looking...

ojibweindian · June 25, 2011, 08:08 AM

I use H380 in my .30-06. Roughly 54 grains of H380 on top of a 165 grain Hornady Interlock. Primer is a Winchester large rifle.

CherokeeT · June 25, 2011, 10:51 AM

My most accurate load in 223 (5.56 GI) with Sierra 69 match bullets is with H380. Likewise, my 308 (7.62x51) accuracy load with Sierra 169 match bullets is with H380. I have used it in 30/06 as well.

Geezerbiker · June 25, 2011, 02:12 PM

Where are you guys getting your loading data? I've been looking over the data Hodgdon site and I couldn't find a single H380 load for the .223 Remington. There were a couple for the .243 Win and I don't think any for the .308 Win.

I'd like to use it up in .223 loads with 55 gain SP Remington bullets I bought in bulk way back when...

Tony

FrankenMauser · June 25, 2011, 02:49 PM

Interesting....
You're right. Hodgdon doesn't have any .223 or .308 H380 data, any more. It makes me wonder if they had too many complaints from gas gun owners, and simply removed the powder from the list. If you give them a call, I'm sure they'll give you some data for your intended load (or tell you why they don't think it's a good idea).

As for where I get my H380 data, in general: Hornady. I use a lot of Hornady bullets, and nearly any cartridge where H380 works well, they have it listed. I know it's listed in other manuals, as well; but I can't tell you which ones, off the top of my head.

If I get a chance, later, I'll see if any of my (~1980, 2008-2011) Hodgdon manuals have the data.

mehavey · June 25, 2011, 03:20 PM

Sierra has H380 throughout their entire bullet weight lineup for 308Win.
I'm using it in my Springfield M1A and getting excellent match-velocity/2,550-2,575fps results w/ 175SMKs

There are two discussion lines on this subject re Garand actions:

http://parallaxscurioandrelicfirearm...om/topic/37223

and

http://www.jouster.com/forums/showth...or-the-M1A-M14

They come at it from different aspects, but close near the same finding.

Geezerbiker · June 25, 2011, 05:41 PM

My favorite gun shop was out of the Hornady manual yesterday. They expect to one for me next week. I didn't know you could call Hodgdon for data...

I don't have any semiauto rifles and the 2, .223 Rem rifles I'm loading for are a NEF ultra varmint single shot and a Howa 1500 premium varmint. I figured I'd burn through the bullets I have on hand then buy something better.

Tony

cornbush · June 25, 2011, 05:58 PM

I have used H380 in the 223, it works ok, but other powders work better.

In my Arisaka I'm using----Hornady 174gr RN
45gr of H380
Win LRP
OAL 3.00''

I use H380 extensively in my 270 and have been very happy with it.

Geezerbiker · June 25, 2011, 07:38 PM

I'm beginning to thinking it may be a bit to slow burning for the .223 but I did find it listed on the Hodgdon site for 7.5 Swiss and 7.7mm Arisaka. I guess it'll be my powder for those instead of the .223 Rem.

Tony

mehavey · June 25, 2011, 08:50 PM

Actually, QL tells me that for a 223Rem/75gr match bullet out of a 24" barrel, it's not that much different from VARGET:

........H380 105% Fill; 24.1gr; 2798fps 94.4% Burn; 52,000psi
....VARGET 105% Fill; 22.9gr; 2771fps 95.8% Burn; 52,000psi

(That is a heavy bullet and a long barrel, but at that point it's also whatever your rifle likes.)

Ralph Allen · June 25, 2011, 11:04 PM

I have used H380 for many years in a 220 Swift rifle. Have quite a stockpile for this rifle alone. Can you say exploded prarie dogs! Don't know about any of the other calibers that you have. I have rifles chambered in half of the ones you mentioned, but have other powders for these. Great small caliber light bullet barn burner powder.
Ralph

A_Gamehog · June 26, 2011, 04:33 PM

The powder is very sensative to temps. it's a waste of barrel life $$ to use it.

other powders are better for the .223 or 22-250.

crowbeaner · June 26, 2011, 08:27 PM

In the 22-250, it is my powder of choice. 37.0 grains, CCI 250, WW brass, Sierra 55 grain btsp or bthp.
In the '06, 54.0 max behind a 150 Gameking or Hornady SST, CCI 250
165 grainer, 52.5 grains
180 grainer, 50.0 grains
I use the mag primers because the granules are so large it takes extra spark to fire it all up.
H380 would be on my short list for 1 powder for lots of calibers.
Watch the new data- it shows charge weights 4 full grains higher than I've been shooting in the 22-250 for 30 years!

FrankenMauser · June 27, 2011, 03:39 AM

Quote:

The powder is very sensative to temps. it's a waste of barrel life $$ to use it.

I've never experienced any issues with temperature sensitivity with H380. In fact, I've seen just the opposite: Good stability.
In extremely cold weather, you may need a magnum primer for ignition; but that's something nearly all ball powders have to deal with.

Like Crowbeaner, H380 would be in the top 3 powders, if I had to choose only a few "do-all" powders for centerfire rifles. It's a much more predictable powder, than many others I've worked with (and I've had far more excellent results with it).

Clarke123 · August 19, 2011, 08:41 AM

My FNAR .308 really, really likes the relatively inexpensive Winchester 147 Grain FMJ's over 48 Grains of H380, which is great as the powder meters extremely well through my Lee Pro Powder measure. The load is from my latest Lyman's Load Manual and is listed as the starting and most accurate load for 150 Grain projectiles.

BTW: I had to "ream" out one of the disk holes to get the Lee's "stack" to meter 48 grains of H380, but (with a little care) this is no real problem.

What I didn't find in the latest Lyman's were loads for .223 ... They seem more interested in using BLC(2) .... ?

oneoldsap · August 19, 2011, 11:21 AM

I bought a can of H-380 many moons ago , I didn't use it very long before I decided it was too nasty for me . Shot okay !

June 24, 2011, 01:36 AM	#1
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,909	Favorite H380 loads I bought some used reloading stuff and in the lot was 2 cans of H380 one full and the other a bit more than 3/4 full. I've never used this power so I'm asking if anyone here can recommend some loads for it. I shoot .223 rem, .243 Win, .308 win, 7.7x58mm Arisaka, 7.5mm Swiss, and .30-06... Any good loads for these calibers before I try to trade it off? Tony

June 24, 2011, 03:30 AM	#3
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 26, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,772	It should do quite well in all of your "medium capacity" cartridges (.243 Win, .308 win, 7.5mm Swiss), and acceptable results can be had in 7.7 Arisaka, and .30-06. I've heard of acceptable results in some .223 Rem loads, but H380 never comes up as a favorite powder, or something that exceeds expectations. I currently load H380 in .243 Win, 7.62x54R, and .270 Win; but have had good results in the past with .220 Swift, .303 British, .30-40 Krag, and 8x57mm (I don't load H380 in these cartridges any more, because I don't own the rifles any more ). __________________ -Unwilling Range Officer -Unwilling Match Designer -NRL22/PRS22/PRO -Something about broccoli and carrots

June 24, 2011, 03:40 PM	#5
.45 Vet Senior Member Join Date: May 21, 2004 Location: Western Penn. Posts: 390	I like H-380 for 80 > 90 gr. spitzers from my .243 heavy bbl Ruger. 4 and 5 shot dime sized clusters is the norm @ 100yds with a clean 26" barrel. My chrono says around 3200fps, and thats plenty fast for me. There may be better powders for the caliber, but I'm too lazy to start looking... __________________ For those who've never fought for it, the price of freedom shall never be known...

June 25, 2011, 02:49 PM	#9
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 26, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,772	Interesting.... You're right. Hodgdon doesn't have any .223 or .308 H380 data, any more. It makes me wonder if they had too many complaints from gas gun owners, and simply removed the powder from the list. If you give them a call, I'm sure they'll give you some data for your intended load (or tell you why they don't think it's a good idea). As for where I get my H380 data, in general: Hornady. I use a lot of Hornady bullets, and nearly any cartridge where H380 works well, they have it listed. I know it's listed in other manuals, as well; but I can't tell you which ones, off the top of my head. If I get a chance, later, I'll see if any of my (~1980, 2008-2011) Hodgdon manuals have the data. __________________ -Unwilling Range Officer -Unwilling Match Designer -NRL22/PRS22/PRO -Something about broccoli and carrots

June 25, 2011, 05:58 PM	#12
cornbush Senior Member Join Date: September 29, 2008 Location: The retarded place below Idaho Posts: 1,408	I have used H380 in the 223, it works ok, but other powders work better. In my Arisaka I'm using----Hornady 174gr RN 45gr of H380 Win LRP OAL 3.00'' I use H380 extensively in my 270 and have been very happy with it. __________________ The best shot I ever made was an accident

June 24, 2011, 02:09 AM	#2
SRH78 Senior Member Join Date: April 19, 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 517	I have used it behind 60 grain Nosler Partitions in my 22-250 with very good results, 3700 fps and less than an inch at 200 yards. Years ago, I loaded some 100 grain bullets over H380 for a coworker's 243. According to him, the accuracy was much better than whatever he had been shooting. I don't remember what the exact load was but he was very pleased.

June 24, 2011, 12:03 PM	#4
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,909	Thanx guys. I'm looking to get a couple new reloading manuals. The old Speer book I have doesn't have that many loads for H380... right now it's the only power I have that looks like it will meter through my Lyman measure and that's a plus for it... Tony

June 25, 2011, 08:08 AM	#6
ojibweindian Senior Member Join Date: April 21, 2000 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 1,199	I use H380 in my .30-06. Roughly 54 grains of H380 on top of a 165 grain Hornady Interlock. Primer is a Winchester large rifle.

June 25, 2011, 10:51 AM	#7
CherokeeT Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2008 Location: Medina, Ohio Posts: 273	My most accurate load in 223 (5.56 GI) with Sierra 69 match bullets is with H380. Likewise, my 308 (7.62x51) accuracy load with Sierra 169 match bullets is with H380. I have used it in 30/06 as well.

June 25, 2011, 02:12 PM	#8
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,909	Where are you guys getting your loading data? I've been looking over the data Hodgdon site and I couldn't find a single H380 load for the .223 Remington. There were a couple for the .243 Win and I don't think any for the .308 Win. I'd like to use it up in .223 loads with 55 gain SP Remington bullets I bought in bulk way back when... Tony

June 25, 2011, 03:20 PM	#10
mehavey Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 7,207	Sierra has H380 throughout their entire bullet weight lineup for 308Win. I'm using it in my Springfield M1A and getting excellent match-velocity/2,550-2,575fps results w/ 175SMKs There are two discussion lines on this subject re Garand actions: http://parallaxscurioandrelicfirearm...om/topic/37223 and http://www.jouster.com/forums/showth...or-the-M1A-M14 They come at it from different aspects, but close near the same finding.

June 25, 2011, 05:41 PM	#11
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,909	My favorite gun shop was out of the Hornady manual yesterday. They expect to one for me next week. I didn't know you could call Hodgdon for data... I don't have any semiauto rifles and the 2, .223 Rem rifles I'm loading for are a NEF ultra varmint single shot and a Howa 1500 premium varmint. I figured I'd burn through the bullets I have on hand then buy something better. Tony

June 25, 2011, 07:38 PM	#13
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,909	I'm beginning to thinking it may be a bit to slow burning for the .223 but I did find it listed on the Hodgdon site for 7.5 Swiss and 7.7mm Arisaka. I guess it'll be my powder for those instead of the .223 Rem. Tony

June 25, 2011, 08:50 PM	#14
mehavey Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 7,207	Actually, QL tells me that for a 223Rem/75gr match bullet out of a 24" barrel, it's not that much different from VARGET: ........H380 105% Fill; 24.1gr; 2798fps 94.4% Burn; 52,000psi ....VARGET 105% Fill; 22.9gr; 2771fps 95.8% Burn; 52,000psi (That is a heavy bullet and a long barrel, but at that point it's also whatever your rifle likes.)

June 25, 2011, 11:04 PM	#15
Ralph Allen Senior Member Join Date: January 21, 2007 Posts: 436	I have used H380 for many years in a 220 Swift rifle. Have quite a stockpile for this rifle alone. Can you say exploded prarie dogs! Don't know about any of the other calibers that you have. I have rifles chambered in half of the ones you mentioned, but have other powders for these. Great small caliber light bullet barn burner powder. Ralph

June 26, 2011, 04:33 PM	#16
A_Gamehog Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2009 Location: Central Oregun Posts: 563	The powder is very sensative to temps. it's a waste of barrel life $$ to use it. other powders are better for the .223 or 22-250.

June 26, 2011, 08:27 PM	#17
crowbeaner Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 1,943	In the 22-250, it is my powder of choice. 37.0 grains, CCI 250, WW brass, Sierra 55 grain btsp or bthp. In the '06, 54.0 max behind a 150 Gameking or Hornady SST, CCI 250 165 grainer, 52.5 grains 180 grainer, 50.0 grains I use the mag primers because the granules are so large it takes extra spark to fire it all up. H380 would be on my short list for 1 powder for lots of calibers. Watch the new data- it shows charge weights 4 full grains higher than I've been shooting in the 22-250 for 30 years!

August 19, 2011, 08:41 AM	#19
Clarke123 Junior Member Join Date: June 28, 2010 Location: Cumming, Georgia Posts: 3	MY FNAR Likes H380, My Lee Pro Powder Likes H380 My FNAR .308 really, really likes the relatively inexpensive Winchester 147 Grain FMJ's over 48 Grains of H380, which is great as the powder meters extremely well through my Lee Pro Powder measure. The load is from my latest Lyman's Load Manual and is listed as the starting and most accurate load for 150 Grain projectiles. BTW: I had to "ream" out one of the disk holes to get the Lee's "stack" to meter 48 grains of H380, but (with a little care) this is no real problem. What I didn't find in the latest Lyman's were loads for .223 ... They seem more interested in using BLC(2) .... ?

August 19, 2011, 11:21 AM	#20
oneoldsap Senior Member Join Date: September 16, 2009 Location: I live in the foot of the Green Mountains of Vermont Posts: 1,602	I bought a can of H-380 many moons ago , I didn't use it very long before I decided it was too nasty for me . Shot okay !