Hodgdon H322 Smokeless Gun Powder

A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to reloading ammunition, choosing the right powder is a critical decision that affects accuracy, performance, and reliability. Among the various options available on the market, Hodgdon H322 smokeless gun powder has gained a solid reputation among reloaders for its consistency and efficiency. This article will explore the characteristics, applications, benefits, and considerations of using Hodgdon H322 powder for reloading.

What is Hodgdon H322 Smokeless Gun Powder?

Hodgdon H322 is an extruded, single-base smokeless powder produced by Hodgdon Powder Company. It is classified as a fine-grain, short-cut powder, which allows for easy metering and consistent ignition. Originally developed for military applications, H322 has since been embraced by handloaders for its remarkable versatility, particularly in small to medium rifle cartridges.

Key Features of Hodgdon H322 Powder

1. Fine Grain Structure – Its small, extruded granules improve metering, allowing for uniform loads and reduced variations in charge weights.
2. Temperature Stability – Hodgdon H322 offers relatively stable performance across varying temperatures, making it a reliable choice for hunting and competition shooting.
3. Clean Burning – This powder burns efficiently, leaving behind minimal residue, which reduces the need for frequent firearm cleaning.
4. Consistent Pressures and Velocities – Shooters often appreciate H322 for its ability to maintain uniform velocities, which contributes to accuracy and precision.

Applications of Hodgdon H322 Powder

H322 is a highly regarded powder for reloading a variety of cartridges. It is especially favored for small-bore and intermediate rifle rounds. Below are some of the popular calibers that benefit from Hodgdon H322 powder:

1. .223 Remington / 5.56 NATO

Hodgdon H322 is often used for reloading .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO rounds, particularly for precision shooting and varmint hunting. Its fine-grain nature allows for smooth metering in progressive reloading setups, and it helps achieve excellent accuracy.

2. .308 Winchester

Though not the top choice for heavier bullets in the .308 Winchester category, Hodgdon H322 can be used effectively for lighter projectiles in this caliber.

3. 6mm PPC & 6.5 Grendel

Hodgdon H322 is a well-known choice for benchrest shooters due to its exceptional consistency in precision rifles. It is widely used in cartridges such as 6mm PPC and 6.5 Grendel for competitive target shooting.

4. .30-30 Winchester

Hodgdon H322 is a solid option for reloading classic lever-action rifle cartridges like the .30-30 Winchester. It provides a good balance of pressure and velocity, making it a preferred choice among lever-action enthusiasts.

Advantages of Using Hodgdon H322

1. Exceptional Accuracy

Shooters who demand accuracy often gravitate toward Hodgdon H322 because of its uniform burn rate, which results in consistent shot-to-shot performance.

2. Versatility

Although primarily used in small-bore rifle cartridges, Hodgdon H322 is flexible enough to be utilized in a range of applications, from hunting loads to competitive shooting rounds.

3. Easy to Meter

Unlike some coarser extruded powders that can cause inconsistencies in volumetric powder measures, the fine-grained Hodgdon H322 meters exceptionally well, reducing variations in charge weight.

4. Minimal Fouling

One of the biggest advantages of Hodgdon H322 is its clean-burning properties, which minimize fouling in barrels and extend maintenance intervals.

Considerations When Using Hodgdon H322

1. Not Ideal for Heavy Bullets

While Hodgdon H322 is excellent for light to medium projectiles, it may not be the best choice for heavy bullets, particularly in larger calibers where a slower burn rate is required.

2. Availability and Cost

Like many reloading powders, Hodgdon H322 can sometimes be difficult to find due to high demand. It is also slightly more expensive than some alternative powders, but many shooters find its performance justifies the cost.

3. Load Data Requirements

Reloaders should always consult an up-to-date reloading manual when working with Hodgdon H322 to ensure safety and optimal performance. Using improper load data can result in excessive pressures, which can be dangerous.

Conclusion

Hodgdon H322 smokeless gun powder is an outstanding choice for reloaders looking for a reliable, consistent, and versatile powder for small to medium rifle cartridges. Whether you’re a precision shooter, a varmint hunter, or a benchrest competitor, Hodgdon H322 delivers exceptional performance with clean-burning and temperature-stable properties. While it may not be the best option for heavier projectiles, its accuracy and metering consistency make it a staple in many reloading setups.

By understanding the characteristics and best uses of Hodgdon H322, reloaders can maximize their efficiency and get the best results from their ammunition. Always remember to follow safety guidelines, reference trusted load data, and conduct careful load testing to achieve the best performance with Hodgdon H322 powder.