What powder are you using to reload??

Published on October 25, 2019
Duration: 4:43

Jerry Miculek discusses various Hodgdon and Winchester reloading propellants, highlighting their applications and characteristics. He explains the differences between ball and extruded powders, the benefits of temperature-insensitive 'extreme' powders, and demonstrates the burn characteristics of smokeless powder versus cordite. The video emphasizes choosing the right powder for specific calibers and shooting disciplines.

Quick Summary

Jerry Miculek reviews popular reloading powders from Hodgdon and Winchester, explaining the differences between ball and extruded types. He highlights 'extreme temperature' propellants like H4350 for consistent performance and discusses specific applications for calibers like .223 Remington and pistol rounds.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Introduction with Jerry Miculek
  2. 00:05Hodgdon Propellants Overview
  3. 00:13Hodgdon Clays for Shotgun/Handgun
  4. 00:20Hodgdon Tightgroup for Action Pistol
  5. 00:29Powders for .308 / 7.62x51
  6. 00:39Hodgdon H4350 - Extreme Temperature Powder
  7. 00:59Hodgdon H335 for 5.56 / .223
  8. 01:22Hodgdon Benchmark - Extruded Extreme Powder
  9. 01:33Hodgdon CFE - Copper Fouling Eraser
  10. 01:41Hodgdon 4895 - Military Grade Powder
  11. 02:01Winchester 244 for Pistol Competition
  12. 02:26Ball vs. Extruded Powder Comparison
  13. 02:46Historical Propellants: Cordite
  14. 03:06Live Burn Test: H335
  15. 03:45Live Burn Test: Extruded Propellant & Cordite
  16. 04:33Conclusion and Thanks to Hodgdon

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of smokeless reloading powders discussed?

The video discusses two main types: ball powder, which consists of small spherical grains (like Hodgdon H335), and extruded powder, which is typically stick-shaped (like Hodgdon Benchmark). Modern extruded powders are often made smaller for better metering.

What is an 'extreme temperature propellant' and why is it important?

An extreme temperature propellant, such as Hodgdon H4350, is formulated to maintain consistent velocity and performance across a wide range of temperatures. This is crucial for accuracy, especially in long-range shooting or competitive disciplines where environmental conditions can vary.

Which powders are recommended for 5.56x45mm or .223 Remington cartridges?

For 5.56x45mm and .223 Remington, Hodgdon H335 is recommended as a ball powder for high-volume shooting. Hodgdon Benchmark is an extruded extreme powder that performs well with match-grade bullets in these calibers, and Hodgdon CFE is good with heavier bullets.

What is the advantage of Winchester 244 powder?

Winchester 244 is highlighted for its small charge weight and an additive that helps reduce copper fouling. This makes it a clean and consistent choice, particularly for pistol competition where maintaining accuracy and minimizing cleaning is beneficial.

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