Hodgdon US869

[Jon A]

OK, who's got the skinny on this powder? All I've got so far is this: http://loaddata.com/articles/PDF/New%20Powder%20From%20Hodgdon.pdf

It sounds like just what the doctor ordered for RUMs, AMs, etc. A ball powder with a burning rate somewhere around H870 only it's temperature stable (see the above PDF). Better than the old H870? Make WC872 obsolete? Too good to be true?

I get the feeling at least a couple here have used this powder already. Time to spill your guts! Tell us what you can!

 

[Jon A]

Also found this:

Anybody have a closeup such that we can read the loads off the front? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[bailey1474]

The company I work for is a major distributor for Hodgdon powder. I tried to get them to send us some for testing. They have it in stock but said they were waiting on all the paperwork and government bs to clear so they could ship it. No doubt it will be great in my 300 RUM and 270 AM!!!!!

 

[jmden]

I've been hearing about this for a month or two now. I'm just itchin' to get my hands on some! I hope someone in the know lets the rest of us know the second this stuff is released.

 

[MT4XFore]

Here are some loads for the 7mm Rem listed on Loaddata:
160 Nosler Part Hodgdon US-869 77.0 2,786
Remarks: starting load; COL: 3.290"; 52,300 psi
160 Nosler Part Hodgdon US-869 80.0 2,897
Remarks: maximum load; COL: 3.290"; 58,300 psi
162 Hornady SPBT Hodgdon US-869 77.0 2,820
Remarks: starting load; COL: 3.290"; 49,800 psi
162 Hornady SPBT Hodgdon US-869 80.0 2,921
Remarks: maximum load; COL: 3.290"; 54,400 psi
170 Sierra RN Hodgdon US-869 77.0 2,688
Remarks: starting load; COL: 3.270"; 44,700 psi
170 Sierra RN Hodgdon US-869 79.0 2,826
Remarks: maximum load; COL: 3.270; 51,300 psi
175 Nosler Part Hodgdon US-869 74.0 2,632
Remarks: starting load; COL: 3.290"; 49,300 psi
175 Nosler Part Hodgdon US-869 77.0 2,750
Hope this helps a little. I dont think I can give you the web address since it requires a password.

 

[Black Diamond 408]

I want to give this a try in my 338-408 imp. (338 Snipe~Tac) I will be tring some of Richard Graves 350gn uld bullets when he gets them ready. I have been using the BMG-50 with good results behind the 300MK... cloverleafs at 300yds /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Jon A]

Thanks for the data, MT4XFore. Now for some questions.... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Is the data you posted above what's going into Hodgdon's new 2006 manual? Or is it some sort of "preliminary" stuff?

Why do they stop at such low pressures? I realize this powder is a touch slow for the 7 Rem Mag...but were they limited by how much they could fit in the case? It seems they just stopped at H870 charge levels even though the pressures were "starting load" level. Does this powder have "bigger balls" (no pun intended) than H870 such that you can't pack as much into the case? Or are those loads just mild?

Thanks again.

 

[MT4XFore]

JonA, I have no idea! I happened onto that data the other day and it jumped out at me because of the interest in that powder on this forum. I copied the only data I found just so y'all might get some idea. I would assume (and that is sometimes dangerous) that one should start out low and just experiment like you do with any other powder, checking velocity and looking for obvious signs of pressure. I agree with you though, it does appear to be on the slow side for a 7mm Rem with "normal" weight bullets. Sorry I cant be of any more help. If I run across anything more, I'll post it.
Have a good one.......