H335 - New to reloading

45ForLife · December 9, 2011, 10:46 AM

Hi guys,

I'm trying to find a "one size fits me" powder for a couple of rifles. I know... each rifle is different, what works for one person might not work for another, etc... My main concern in the following question is that I don't damage myself -OR- my guns. :-)

I'm going to be reloading some .223 for various guns (AR-15, Mini14 and probably a bolt action) and I'm also going to be reloading .308 for a Ruger M77 Mark II .308.

I will be reloading thousands of rounds for the .223 and probably a few hundred for the .308.

I want to do this with just one powder and from the reading I've done it looks like the H335 is the best choice for a single powder. I believe it burns a bit fast to be a "good" .308 powder, but it sounds like it should work.

I don't need hot loads and I don't need "match" accuracy. This will be for playing at the range, plinking, hunting on all accounts. The .223 bolt action may be used for a weekend of killing prairie dogs some day. :-)

My biggest concern is that I don't want to put undue stress on any of my rifles.

Looking for some feedback and opinions. Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance.

EDIT 1: I just looked at the Hodgdon load data on their site (like I should have to begin with) and found this...

180Gr bullet, 38.0 gr H335 at 41,100 CUP / 49,500 CUP. If they're publishing it, The M77 should eat them like cupcakes. Just a matter of accuracy then?

dmazur · December 9, 2011, 12:34 PM

My understanding of reloading "good practice" is that you should follow published guidelines and always work up, watching for pressure signs. Rifles vary, and what works in one rifle may be a near-maximum load in another.

As far as I know, there isn't any particular powder that is safer than any other. Staying away from maximum loads would be a good idea, regardless of powder choice.

As far as rifle powders go, I believe there is more complaint about how well they meter than anything else. H335 is a spherical powder and should meter well.

I'm sure you realize that you're only going to get around 180 cartridges out of a pound of powder in the .308, so I'm not sure what the advantage is of using the same powder as you use for the high-volume .223 loads. For that small a number, why not use try a few powders and see what you get.

The Hodgdon site describes BL-C(2) as a powder used in both .223 and .308. It is another spherical powder, and it might give you what you want, without being a poor performer in .308 case volumes.

mrawesome22 · December 9, 2011, 03:37 PM

Why limit yourself to mediocrity?

praetorian97 · December 9, 2011, 04:48 PM

If you wanted a great single powder for .223 and .308 try Varget.

CherokeeT · December 9, 2011, 06:05 PM

H335 is my choice for 223 and 308, it works fine for me and I've been using it since about 1975. AA2230 also works but I like H335 better. This is my experience. There are other powders that people like but I haven't tried them to give an opionion.

CrustyFN · December 9, 2011, 06:23 PM

I don't load 308 so I can't help you there. My go to powder for 223 is H-335. I have tried a few different powders and H-335 just can't be beat in my gun.

stu925 · December 9, 2011, 08:12 PM

Using H335 in my Mini-14 loads currently. It meters very well which is what I was looking for and shoots pretty well so far (<2" at 100yds with 69gr SMK) and I'm sure with a bit of tweaking it'll shoot even better.

Stu

Jim243 · December 9, 2011, 11:25 PM

As you reload more you will find that bullet weight will be the deciding factor as to what powder you will use. While H-335 is good powder I have found it's best use is with bullets that weigh 55 grains or less. For bullets that weigh 60 grains or more I use the slower powder of H-4895 (a good general purpose powder). Since you will be loading many rounds of 223 H-335 will be used up with just 280 rounds loaded. (7,000 grains/25 grains). 1,000 rounds will require 3.57 lbs of powder, you may find it cheaper to purchase the powder in 4 or 8 pound containers.

For the 308 I would recommend IMR 4350 or H 4895 powder and at 38 grains per case that would give you 184 loaded rounds.

Just a thought.
Good luck
Jim

warningshot · December 10, 2011, 03:52 AM

748 for both 556 and 762. 748 spits the heavy 22 cal real well.

GlenF · December 10, 2011, 07:59 AM

After a whole bunch of testing it was discovered (by my wife and her shooting coach) that Benchmark is the best in a couple 223's when pushing a Nosler 50gr ballistic tip. And, to my surprise it also came out as best in a 308 and 30-06 with a 150gr bullet.

As everyone knows, all rifles are special, and you may require something completely different. The powders that I keep are 335, IMR 4895, Varget and Bencmark because they have shown to be best for one rife or another of mine.

I use 335 for practice and 3 gun ammo in my 1/9 and 1/7 AR's with a 55 grain bullet. It pours from my Dillon powder measure like water.

steve4102 · December 10, 2011, 08:18 AM

One word.
"TAC"

http://www.ramshot.com/products/rifl...=4&product=TAC

m&p45acp10+1 · December 10, 2011, 09:45 AM

25.0 grains of H335 with the 55 grain bullet of choice is a standard for good accuracy loads. I shoot the crap out this load. It performs better than I am capable of milking it for.

I am not reloading for .308 so I am unsure of how it would perform for that load.

Huskerguy · December 10, 2011, 10:59 AM

Isn't 25 grains towards the hot end especially with some bullets? I am taking this from the Hodgdon site.

I am preparing to work up some loads using H-335 as well. I have both 55 and 62 grain bullets. Some V-Max in 55, some Noslers in 55 and lots of FMJ in both 55 and 62. Once I get a good load developed I will be in hog heaven.

Shooter 973 · December 10, 2011, 05:24 PM

H335 is a great powder for what you are wanting to load.. But is has a HUGE flash if used in dim light or at night...There is not much, if any flash retardant on it and you can sure tell...

Other than that it's great.

Jim243 · December 10, 2011, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Isn't 25 grains towards the hot end especially with some bullets? I am taking this from the Hodgdon site.

Depending on the bullet, yes it is, but you need to cycle the bolt on a AR. In some cases the max would be 25.5 grains and with some bullets 26.0 grains. For the most part 25.0 grains is a safe load for an AR, but as always, start lower and work your way up to 25.0 grains. Once you find what reliably cycles the bolt on a AR 24.7 or 24 .5 or 24.8 grains you can stop there and then work on which load is most accurate out of YOUR rifle.

Jim

Edward429451 · December 10, 2011, 10:00 PM

BLC2 & IMR-4895, both available surplus 8 LB jugs.

tahoe2 · December 11, 2011, 03:06 AM

correct me if I'm wrong; but I believe H335 was developed for the 5.56 Nato (.223 Remington) about 40+ years ago, and is well suited to 308 sized cases as well.

I use it in 300 Savage and 8x57 mauser with very good results(magnum rifle primers).

lockinload · December 11, 2011, 09:07 AM

Why not just find out what works best for each caliber? It's not like you are really saving any money by using one powder. The ONLY advantage I can see in using one powder is if you don't have room for storing two powders.

arch308 · December 11, 2011, 09:15 AM

I don't get it. Limiting yourself to one powder is like only owning one gun. Variety is the spice of life! Half the fun of reloading is trying out new loads, which is a good reason to shoot more & shoot more often.

December 9, 2011, 10:46 AM	#1
45ForLife Junior Member Join Date: October 12, 2011 Posts: 2	H335 - New to reloading Hi guys, I'm trying to find a "one size fits me" powder for a couple of rifles. I know... each rifle is different, what works for one person might not work for another, etc... My main concern in the following question is that I don't damage myself -OR- my guns. :-) I'm going to be reloading some .223 for various guns (AR-15, Mini14 and probably a bolt action) and I'm also going to be reloading .308 for a Ruger M77 Mark II .308. I will be reloading thousands of rounds for the .223 and probably a few hundred for the .308. I want to do this with just one powder and from the reading I've done it looks like the H335 is the best choice for a single powder. I believe it burns a bit fast to be a "good" .308 powder, but it sounds like it should work. I don't need hot loads and I don't need "match" accuracy. This will be for playing at the range, plinking, hunting on all accounts. The .223 bolt action may be used for a weekend of killing prairie dogs some day. :-) My biggest concern is that I don't want to put undue stress on any of my rifles. Looking for some feedback and opinions. Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance. EDIT 1: I just looked at the Hodgdon load data on their site (like I should have to begin with) and found this... 180Gr bullet, 38.0 gr H335 at 41,100 CUP / 49,500 CUP. If they're publishing it, The M77 should eat them like cupcakes. Just a matter of accuracy then? Last edited by 45ForLife; December 9, 2011 at 10:58 AM.

December 9, 2011, 12:34 PM	#2
dmazur Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2007 Location: Pacific NW Posts: 1,310	My understanding of reloading "good practice" is that you should follow published guidelines and always work up, watching for pressure signs. Rifles vary, and what works in one rifle may be a near-maximum load in another. As far as I know, there isn't any particular powder that is safer than any other. Staying away from maximum loads would be a good idea, regardless of powder choice. As far as rifle powders go, I believe there is more complaint about how well they meter than anything else. H335 is a spherical powder and should meter well. I'm sure you realize that you're only going to get around 180 cartridges out of a pound of powder in the .308, so I'm not sure what the advantage is of using the same powder as you use for the high-volume .223 loads. For that small a number, why not use try a few powders and see what you get. The Hodgdon site describes BL-C(2) as a powder used in both .223 and .308. It is another spherical powder, and it might give you what you want, without being a poor performer in .308 case volumes. __________________ .30-06 Springfield: 100 yrs + and still going strong Last edited by dmazur; December 9, 2011 at 12:57 PM. Reason: Added BL-C(2)

December 9, 2011, 06:05 PM	#5
CherokeeT Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2008 Location: Medina, Ohio Posts: 273	H335 is my choice for 223 and 308, it works fine for me and I've been using it since about 1975. AA2230 also works but I like H335 better. This is my experience. There are other powders that people like but I haven't tried them to give an opionion. __________________ God Bless America US Army, NRA Endowment TSRA Life, SASS

December 9, 2011, 06:23 PM	#6
CrustyFN Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2006 Location: West Virginia Posts: 2,258	I don't load 308 so I can't help you there. My go to powder for 223 is H-335. I have tried a few different powders and H-335 just can't be beat in my gun. __________________ I don't ever remember being absent minded.

December 9, 2011, 11:25 PM	#8
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	As you reload more you will find that bullet weight will be the deciding factor as to what powder you will use. While H-335 is good powder I have found it's best use is with bullets that weigh 55 grains or less. For bullets that weigh 60 grains or more I use the slower powder of H-4895 (a good general purpose powder). Since you will be loading many rounds of 223 H-335 will be used up with just 280 rounds loaded. (7,000 grains/25 grains). 1,000 rounds will require 3.57 lbs of powder, you may find it cheaper to purchase the powder in 4 or 8 pound containers. For the 308 I would recommend IMR 4350 or H 4895 powder and at 38 grains per case that would give you 184 loaded rounds. Just a thought. Good luck Jim __________________ Si vis pacem, para bellum

December 9, 2011, 03:37 PM	#3
mrawesome22 Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2005 Location: Ohio, Appalachia's foothills. Posts: 3,779	Why limit yourself to mediocrity?

December 9, 2011, 04:48 PM	#4
praetorian97 Senior Member Join Date: May 9, 2011 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 455	If you wanted a great single powder for .223 and .308 try Varget.

December 9, 2011, 08:12 PM	#7
stu925 Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2010 Location: New York Posts: 953	Using H335 in my Mini-14 loads currently. It meters very well which is what I was looking for and shoots pretty well so far (<2" at 100yds with 69gr SMK) and I'm sure with a bit of tweaking it'll shoot even better. Stu

December 10, 2011, 03:52 AM	#9
warningshot Senior Member Join Date: October 7, 2009 Posts: 995	748 for both 556 and 762. 748 spits the heavy 22 cal real well.

December 10, 2011, 07:59 AM	#10
GlenF Member Join Date: April 4, 2011 Location: Monett, Missouri Posts: 98	Benchmark After a whole bunch of testing it was discovered (by my wife and her shooting coach) that Benchmark is the best in a couple 223's when pushing a Nosler 50gr ballistic tip. And, to my surprise it also came out as best in a 308 and 30-06 with a 150gr bullet. As everyone knows, all rifles are special, and you may require something completely different. The powders that I keep are 335, IMR 4895, Varget and Bencmark because they have shown to be best for one rife or another of mine. I use 335 for practice and 3 gun ammo in my 1/9 and 1/7 AR's with a 55 grain bullet. It pours from my Dillon powder measure like water. Last edited by GlenF; December 10, 2011 at 08:03 AM. Reason: yet another thought... again...

December 10, 2011, 08:18 AM	#11
steve4102 Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,955	One word. "TAC" http://www.ramshot.com/products/rifl...=4&product=TAC

December 10, 2011, 09:45 AM	#12
m&p45acp10+1 Senior Member Join Date: May 3, 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 3,930	25.0 grains of H335 with the 55 grain bullet of choice is a standard for good accuracy loads. I shoot the crap out this load. It performs better than I am capable of milking it for. I am not reloading for .308 so I am unsure of how it would perform for that load. __________________ No matter how many times you do it and nothing happens it only takes something going wrong one time to kill you.

December 10, 2011, 10:59 AM	#13
Huskerguy Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2009 Location: Kansas Posts: 348	335 loads Isn't 25 grains towards the hot end especially with some bullets? I am taking this from the Hodgdon site. I am preparing to work up some loads using H-335 as well. I have both 55 and 62 grain bullets. Some V-Max in 55, some Noslers in 55 and lots of FMJ in both 55 and 62. Once I get a good load developed I will be in hog heaven.

December 10, 2011, 05:24 PM	#14
Shooter 973 Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2001 Location: Home town of John M. Browning, Utah Posts: 499	H335 - New to reloading H335 is a great powder for what you are wanting to load.. But is has a HUGE flash if used in dim light or at night...There is not much, if any flash retardant on it and you can sure tell... Other than that it's great. __________________ The problem with America is stupidity. I'm not saying there should be capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take the safety labels off of everything and let the problem solve itself?

December 10, 2011, 10:00 PM	#16
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	BLC2 & IMR-4895, both available surplus 8 LB jugs.

December 11, 2011, 03:06 AM	#17
tahoe2 Senior Member Join Date: August 13, 2011 Location: Seattle area Posts: 661	H335 correct me if I'm wrong; but I believe H335 was developed for the 5.56 Nato (.223 Remington) about 40+ years ago, and is well suited to 308 sized cases as well. I use it in 300 Savage and 8x57 mauser with very good results(magnum rifle primers).

December 11, 2011, 09:07 AM	#18
lockinload Member Join Date: November 30, 2011 Posts: 91	Why not just find out what works best for each caliber? It's not like you are really saving any money by using one powder. The ONLY advantage I can see in using one powder is if you don't have room for storing two powders.

December 11, 2011, 09:15 AM	#19
arch308 Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2011 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 876	I don't get it. Limiting yourself to one powder is like only owning one gun. Variety is the spice of life! Half the fun of reloading is trying out new loads, which is a good reason to shoot more & shoot more often.