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03-16-2017, 10:26 AM
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Hodgdon HS-6 .44 M Snubby Load ??
Considering getting some for my ported .44m Alaskan to make mid-range 180/200(preferred weight) and possibly 240gr XTP's. I've used Unique, #2400, L'iL Gun but found them to be dirty at reduced loadings. I'm curently using HP-38 but would like "some" higher velocity. I understand there's a multitude of magnum powders out there but I'd really like to stay focused on HS-6 please.
TIA Pete
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03-16-2017, 10:35 AM
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Favorite powder of mine for mid range 357 and 44 mag. Works well in 9mm and 45acp too. I haven't seen any supply of it for a while now and have been using CFE-P instead. CFE-P has worked so well I bought a 8lb. jug of it.
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03-16-2017, 10:42 AM
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Collo,is it pretty clean burning and is it "flashy" ? From reading it seems that it needs magnum primers, did you find that as well ?
Pete
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03-16-2017, 10:46 AM
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I think HS-6 is a very good choice for your application. I use a lot if HS-6 especially in the 45 Colt, .38 Special +P and in full power .357 Magnum loads using cast bullets.
I think HS-6 will deliver good velocity in midrange .44 Magnum loads. If you want to produce clean burning ammo I highly recommend you use a magnum primer with HS-6.
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03-16-2017, 11:18 AM
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I realize magnum primers are often recommended for use with HS-6 and they may work best for your situation. I use only cast bullets in handgun loads. The limited comparisons using standard CCI versus magnum CCI that I've done with HS-6 in .44 Special loads has shown no difference. That could change with .44 magnum and heavier loads.
However, if you have standard and magnum primers, try both. I've used HS-6 for a good while. Much like Power Pistol, it seems to be a good powder in specialized applications. It's not a particularly versatile propellant, but it probably wasn't designed for that purpose.
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03-16-2017, 11:24 AM
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in 44 Mag, I used 12.0 grs of HS-6 under a 240 SWC and a CCI 350 for a few years. Seemed to work well.
Mark in GA
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03-16-2017, 11:30 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rockquarry
I realize magnum primers are often recommended for use with HS-6 and they may work best for your situation. I use only cast bullets in handgun loads. The limited comparisons using standard CCI versus magnum CCI that I've done with HS-6 in .44 Special loads has shown no difference. That could change with .44 magnum and heavier loads.
However, if you have standard and magnum primers, try both. I've used HS-6 for a good while. Much like Power Pistol, it seems to be a good powder in specialized applications. It's not a particularly versatile propellant, but it probably wasn't designed for that purpose.
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Unless you have a chronograph you can't say using a magnum primer makes no difference. With standard primers the ES and SD numbers are high and most times shrink to single digits with magnum primers. It is more noticeable with lighter loads since HS-6 performers better at the top end of the pressure range.
This is why when we want to produce a midrange load we go to a faster powder instead of lightening up the slow powder load. We can achieve our goal but keep the pressures up insuring a cleaner burn. Most powders will perform better at the top end of the pressure range.
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03-16-2017, 11:36 AM
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Great stuff guys !! Mark, thanks for letting me know that even lighter than start book loads worked well for you, I need to know stuff like this ! I just scanned Speer #13 and they used a magnum primer in their workups. I guess it cooks slow enough to warrant their usage in the magnum loads. Glad to hear it likes lead bullets also since I'm using a 200gr Laser Cast to duplicate my carry ammo (Speer 200gr GDHP).
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03-16-2017, 12:02 PM
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Arch-
I use an Oehler 35P chronograph. My interest is in accuracy. I've found ES and SD (unless the numbers are really wild with significant variation) mean little except for long-range use. Few of us shoot handguns at long range. However, for those who do, the numbers then come into play.
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03-16-2017, 01:00 PM
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Well, my drive over to Cabela's was in vain. No HS-6. I'll have to look over my locker and see what I have that might do the job. Thanks for all the input folks, I'll wait and see if they restock it.
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03-16-2017, 05:19 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rockquarry
Arch-
I use an Oehler 35P chronograph. My interest is in accuracy. I've found ES and SD (unless the numbers are really wild with significant variation) mean little except for long-range use. Few of us shoot handguns at long range. However, for those who do, the numbers then come into play.
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While you are correct there are other advantages. Low SD numbers also suggest consistency in loading and proper burn of the powder. I usually hear from those who for some reason don't want to use a magnum primer telling everyone they use a standard primer and it's just fine. While I don't doubt the results are alright I maintain the results are better with a magnum primer.
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03-16-2017, 05:25 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mejetski2000
Well, my drive over to Cabela's was in vain. No HS-6. I'll have to look over my locker and see what I have that might do the job. Thanks for all the input folks, I'll wait and see if they restock it.
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If HS-6 is not available you might give AA#5 a try. If that doesn't give you what you are looking for maybe AA#7 will work but it might be too slow for your needs. Power Pistol and Herco would also be powders to look at, maybe Herco before Power Pistol.
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03-16-2017, 06:20 PM
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I have some AA#5, Viht 3N37 and Power Pistol. I couldn't find data for #5 (only #7 & #9). PP concerns me for this since it's kinda noisy/flashy. I've got data for 3N37 in .44m for both 180 and 200gr JHP and the burn rate table indicates it's close to HS-6 in terms of burn rate. Pricey as hell though, paid $100 for 2lbs with fee for it.
UPDATE: Found data for AA#5 in my 2004 Accurate Load Guide, Very cool.
Last edited by mejetski2000; 03-16-2017 at 06:58 PM.
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03-16-2017, 07:14 PM
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With No. 5 you need to try 11.0 grs with the 240 gr. SWC and a standard CCI 300 primer. That is a great accurate load.
Trust me it works in many different 44's and is easy on the guns and shooter.
Mark in GA
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03-17-2017, 12:21 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mejetski2000
Considering... to make mid-range 180/200(preferred weight) and possibly 240gr XTP's. I've used Unique, #2400... but found them to be dirty at reduced loadings.
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I'm confused on exactly what type of mid-range loads you want (velocity wise) that Unique or 2400 can't get for you and HP-38 is not fast enough? I'd think if reduced 2400 loads are too dirty at the speed (?) you want then Unique would be just perfect?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mejetski2000
PP concerns me for this since it's kinda noisy/flashy.
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Yes, it's flashy. Isn't it supposed to be noisy? (You're shooting a short barrel 44.)
Quote:
Originally Posted by mejetski2000
Collo,is it pretty clean burning and is it "flashy" ? From reading it seems that it needs magnum primers, did you find that as well ?
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CFE-P is NOT flashy, but it's noisy too.
.
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Last edited by BLUEDOT37; 03-17-2017 at 12:37 AM.
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03-17-2017, 12:22 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rockquarry
Much like Power Pistol, it seems to be a good powder in specialized applications.
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Power Pistol specialized? Where did you get that?
I use Power Pistol in everything from my 9mm to 500 Magnum loads. That doesn't seem specialized to me.
.
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03-17-2017, 01:38 AM
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Bluedot37- It seems to work best at higher pressures. While there is cast bullet data available for Power Pistol, there is not an abundance of it and cast bullets are about all I use in handguns. My notes indicate some relatively accurate Power Pistol loads, but it appears I always found a powder that worked a little bit better. I haven't bought any Power Pistol in quite a while.
Maybe its best use is with jacketed bullets, but I don't have the experience to comment on that. Regardless, I'd still call it a specialized powder.
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03-17-2017, 08:03 AM
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I've used PP in every caliber from .380 to 10mm and .357. It's the only bulk powder I own in fact. I've also used AA#5 in 9mm and 10mm, and it's worked very well for 135gr and 150gr in 10mm for my Glock 29. BD37 I have a very small amount of Unique left unfortunately, which is why I swapped to HP-38 (I have Speer's data for the 200gr GDHP-SB bullets). HP may in fact get me in their recommended velocity for the bullet, need to do more testing. As far as the XTP bullet is concerned I'd like to be able to push a 200gr out at around 1,200 or so and I don't think HP or Unique will get me there.
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03-17-2017, 08:41 AM
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I have used BE-86 and it performed well . Slightly slower burn rate than unique , not as flashy as PP . Alliant lists load data for a 180 gr JHP using it . It works well with std . primers . You might take a look at BE-86 if you can't find any HS-6 .
Last edited by cowboy4evr; 03-17-2017 at 08:42 AM.
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03-17-2017, 08:54 AM
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I'd try some in a heartbeat if I could find locally. On paper it looks very good indeed.
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03-17-2017, 02:29 PM
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If a 200 gr XTP at 1200 is what you want, then Accurate No. 5 will get you there easily. Power Pistol will as well. I will post some charge ideas when I get home tonight and can look at my test data.
Mark in GA
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03-17-2017, 05:56 PM
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Hey Mark, I'm lower on #5 than I thought and will save it for 10mm loading (works great with a Nosler 135gr). HOWEVER a shop near where I work has 16lbs of HS-6 in stock so I'll grab some monday night on the ride home !! Thanks for all the assistance sir !
Last edited by mejetski2000; 03-17-2017 at 05:58 PM.
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03-17-2017, 11:54 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mejetski2000
I have a very small amount of Unique left unfortunately, which is why I swapped to HP-38 (I have Speer's data for the 200gr GDHP-SB bullets).
As far as the XTP bullet is concerned I'd like to be able to push a 200gr out at around 1,200 or so and I don't think HP or Unique will get me there.
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So the problem is you're wanting to get 1200fps from your 2-1/2" bbl. Alaskan. That's going to take more than a mid-range load.
As you see, in Speer #14, the 200gr GDHP-SB at 1122fps using 11.0gr/Unique from a 4" M29, is the second fastest listed. They list 12.4gr as max with their 200gr JHP.
Even looking at Lyman's 44 Mag data, with their 4" bbl., it's going to take a near max load (+33K CUP), with magnum powder, to reach that from a 2-1/2" bbl.
.
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Last edited by BLUEDOT37; 03-17-2017 at 11:57 PM.
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03-18-2017, 09:15 AM
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Hmm. Maybe I need to look over data for Alliant 2400 and L'il Gun then since I have them as well. One of them should get me there. The GDHP-SB works well at 1,000 FPS which HS-6 and Power Pistol and AA#5 can all deliver.. For my "woods load" 200gr XTP (and possibly the 240gr XTP) I know I need to use a slower burning powder such as 2400 and L'iL Gun, both of which will get it done. Two different loads with 2 different purposes, apples and oranges. My last workup with #2400 was 18.5/19.5gr with a CP 255gr LBT, which shot very well from this gun. I'll likely use it first for the 200gr and 240gr XTP. Hornady #8 lists lots of data for the 200gr XTP incidentally.
Last edited by mejetski2000; 03-18-2017 at 09:49 AM.
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07-07-2017, 10:34 AM
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Hit Cabela's last night to buy some HS-6 but left with some Alliant BE-86 instead. I think for me the (hopefully) reduced flash will offset what I may not get for previously stated velocity goals. I also load 10mm and have been reading about how versatile BE is in a wide range of calibers. Can't wait to load a few for testing, had almost given up finding some locally.
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07-07-2017, 10:52 AM
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No 44 but HS6 worked well in my 686 6" .357 Magnum with Jacket bullets.
Accurate with lead also but I did notice a lot of smoke from the lube on the bullets.
In all my testing, 38, 9mm, 357 magnum, I have had no problems
using cci500 or f100 with my new bought BE-86 powder.
I really don't think a hotter primer is needed for this powder.
It could be your second choice if HS-6 is not found.
Have fun.
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07-07-2017, 11:15 AM
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Ed, thanks for the response ! I'm very excited to give BE a try, glad I found it locally finally. Did it burn clean in .357 for you with jacketed bullets ?
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07-07-2017, 03:37 PM
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I use BE-86 in my reloads for 357 sig . It works very very well in that application . Sig P320 C , it was a 9mm subcompact . I did the xchange kit with sig and converted it to a 357 sig Compact . Real sweet , comes right to your door (NO FFL req'd) .
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07-07-2017, 03:48 PM
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CB, that was another caliber I read that responded well to BE, along with .38 Super and 9mm Major loads. I came close about 8-10 years ago to going with .357 SIG but went 10mm instead for ease of reloading. I go with either a 135gr Nosler or 150gr usually.
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