Choosing the right gunpowder for your rifle is crucial for accuracy, safety, and overall performance. Hodgdon produces a wide range of high-quality powders, and two of their most popular options for various rifle calibers are H4350 and HS-7. While both are excellent choices, understanding their differences is vital for selecting the best powder for your specific needs. This detailed comparison will help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Hodgdon H4350
Hodgdon H4350 is a well-regarded, versatile extruded powder known for its excellent performance in a wide range of cartridges. Its popularity stems from its ability to deliver consistent accuracy and moderate pressure across various applications.
Key Characteristics of H4350:
- Burn Rate: Medium-slow burning rate. This makes it suitable for larger rifle cartridges with longer barrels.
- Applications: Ideal for cartridges like .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .270 Winchester, 7mm Remington Magnum, and many others. Its versatility is a significant advantage.
- Performance: Known for its high-energy output, resulting in impressive velocity and accuracy.
- Temperature Sensitivity: Relatively insensitive to temperature changes compared to some other powders. This provides consistency in performance across varying conditions.
Delving into Hodgdon HS-7
Hodgdon HS-7 is another exceptional extruded powder, often favored for its clean-burning properties and its suitability for various applications. It occupies a similar niche to H4350, but with some key differences.
Key Characteristics of HS-7:
- Burn Rate: Medium-burning rate, slightly faster than H4350. This makes it suitable for a slightly wider range of cartridge types and barrel lengths.
- Applications: Excellent for cartridges like .223 Remington, .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, 7mm-08 Remington, and others. It excels in cartridges requiring a moderate to high velocity.
- Performance: Delivers accurate and consistent performance, producing good velocity.
- Clean Burning: HS-7 is renowned for its remarkably clean burning characteristics, minimizing fouling and leading to easier cleaning.
H4350 vs. HS-7: A Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Hodgdon H4350 | Hodgdon HS-7 |
|---|---|---|
| Burn Rate | Medium-slow | Medium |
| Versatility | High | High |
| Velocity | High | High |
| Accuracy | Excellent | Excellent |
| Cleanliness | Good | Excellent |
| Temperature Sensitivity | Relatively low | Relatively low |
| Best Suited For | Larger magnum cartridges | Medium to large cartridges |
Choosing the Right Powder for Your Needs
The choice between H4350 and HS-7 ultimately depends on your specific rifle cartridge and desired performance characteristics. Consult your reloading manual for specific load data tailored to your ammunition. This is crucial for safety and optimal performance.
Important Disclaimer: Reloading ammunition can be dangerous if not done correctly. Always follow the instructions in your reloading manual meticulously. Failure to do so can lead to serious injury or death. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult a qualified expert before undertaking any reloading activities.
