Understanding H335 Powder
What is H335?
At the heart of any successful reloading endeavor lies a solid understanding of the components involved. Hodgdon H335, a spherical or ball-type powder, is manufactured by the renowned Hodgdon Powder Company. Its spherical shape promotes uniform metering, which is crucial for consistent performance in reloading operations. This characteristic allows for precise powder dispensing, contributing to shot-to-shot consistency.
Characteristics of H335
The burn rate of H335 places it in the medium-burn rate category, positioned between faster-burning powders like H322 and slower-burning options such as Varget. This burn rate makes H335 well-suited for the .223 Remington, as it delivers a good balance of velocity and pressure, making it versatile enough to handle a variety of bullet weights.
This powder is known for its relatively easy metering through powder measures, enhancing the overall efficiency of the reloading process. This characteristic is especially advantageous for reloaders, as it simplifies the process of achieving consistent powder charges. Additionally, H335 exhibits good temperature stability, contributing to consistent performance across various environmental conditions.
Safety Precautions
Before embarking on any reloading venture, safety must be the unwavering priority. When working with H335 powder, it’s essential to adhere to stringent safety protocols. Proper storage is key; the powder should be kept in its original container, tightly sealed, and stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The storage area should be well-ventilated, and ideally, away from any potential ignition sources.
Handling the powder demands carefulness. Avoid any practices that could cause static electricity to build up, such as rubbing the powder container. Powder should never be mixed with any other substances. The use of personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, is mandatory.
Moreover, the reloading area should be free of distractions. Reloading should be a focused activity. Always be mindful of the amount of powder being measured and loaded. Cross-referencing load data from reputable sources is crucial before proceeding, and never attempt to surpass maximum recommended powder charges.
Essential Reloading Components for .223 Remington
Brass Cases
The foundation of any reloaded cartridge is the brass case. Proper case preparation is essential for consistent performance and safety. Start by cleaning the cases thoroughly, using a case cleaner or tumbler. After cleaning, the cases must be inspected for any signs of damage, such as cracks or splits.
Next, trimming the case to the correct length ensures uniform bullet seating and consistent crimping. Chamfering and deburring the case mouths remove sharp edges that can affect bullet seating. Each case should be checked with a case gauge to confirm that it meets the cartridge’s dimensions and that it will chamber correctly in your firearm.
There are different brands of .223 brass available; choosing quality brass will help ensure the longevity of your brass and help create a more accurate cartridge.
Primers
Primers ignite the propellant, starting the firing process. Small rifle primers are commonly used in .223 Remington reloading. Choosing the right primer depends on the bullet weight, powder, and the firearm in question. Be sure to seat primers to the correct depth to guarantee reliable ignition and prevent malfunctions. Consistent primer seating is another factor contributing to consistent performance.
Bullets
The selection of bullets is critical to the intended use of the ammunition, from varmint hunting to target shooting. Bullet weight and construction greatly affect trajectory, ballistics, and terminal performance. Bullet weights commonly used range from 40 to 77 grains. Various types of bullets are available, including full metal jacket (FMJ), hollow point (HP), and polymer-tipped bullets, each designed to achieve different levels of expansion and damage upon impact. Proper bullet selection also involves a consideration of ballistic coefficients (BC), which influence the bullet’s ability to resist air resistance and maintain velocity over distance.
Powder: H335
As previously mentioned, H335 is a popular choice for reloading the .223 Remington, thanks to its spherical shape, meterability, and medium burn rate. The powder’s performance will differ based on the bullet weight.
H335 Load Data for .223 Remington
Important Safety Notes and Warnings
Before reviewing the load data, it’s important to reiterate the paramount importance of safety. *Always* start with the minimum recommended load and gradually increase the powder charge, carefully observing for pressure signs. Never exceed the maximum load recommended in reliable load data sources. Overpressure can cause serious damage to both the firearm and the shooter. Signs of excessive pressure include flattened primers, hard bolt lift, case head expansion, or ejector marks on the case head.
When working with H335 powder, double-check that all the variables, including the bullet weight, the primer, and case type match the data being used. If there are any discrepancies, consult a reputable loading manual or a trusted source of load data.
Never rely on a single source of load data; compare information from multiple sources to verify the data. Use a chronograph to track the velocity of each round, as the velocity can give you insight into the pressure in the case.
Load Data Charts
*(The following is an example of load data. Always consult reliable loading manuals, websites, or other sources of data before loading any cartridges. This data should be used for illustrative purposes only and is not a substitute for reliable load data.)*
Bullet Weight: 55 Grain FMJ
Primer: Small Rifle
Case: (Brand)
Starting Load: 24.0 grains H335 / approx. 2800 fps (feet per second)
Maximum Load: 25.3 grains H335 / approx. 3100 fps
Notes: Start low, and work your way up while carefully monitoring for pressure signs.
Bullet Weight: 62 Grain FMJ
Primer: Small Rifle
Case: (Brand)
Starting Load: 23.5 grains H335 / approx. 2700 fps
Maximum Load: 24.8 grains H335 / approx. 3000 fps
Notes: Consult your loading manual for specific data.
Bullet Weight: 40 Grain Varmint Bullet
Primer: Small Rifle
Case: (Brand)
Starting Load: 26.0 grains H335 / approx. 3200 fps
Maximum Load: 27.5 grains H335 / approx. 3500 fps
Notes: Very effective for varmint hunting. Always begin with the minimum charge and carefully look for any signs of excessive pressure.
Bullet Weight: 69 Grain Match Bullet
Primer: Small Rifle
Case: (Brand)
Starting Load: 23.0 grains H335 / approx. 2700 fps
Maximum Load: 24.2 grains H335 / approx. 2900 fps
Notes: Designed for target shooting.
*(Data source: For illustrative purposes only – always consult a reputable loading manual, such as the Hodgdon reloading data website or a reloading manual published by a reputable publisher like Sierra, Hornady, or Speer. All reloading is done at your own risk)*
Working Up a Load
The process of developing a safe and accurate load involves careful steps, all performed at the range. Begin by setting up your reloading equipment and having all components readily available. Before the first round is loaded, ensure your load data is correct, and that the primer and case type match the data being used. Start with the minimum recommended powder charge. Load a small number of rounds (typically three to five). Take the ammunition to the range. When firing these rounds, monitor the performance and pressure signs.
Increase the powder charge in small increments (e.g., 0.3 to 0.5 grains). Reload additional rounds at the new charge. Repeat this process, carefully looking for signs of overpressure with each increase in charge. If the rifle’s performance begins to show any sign of trouble, immediately stop increasing the powder charge.
As you increase the powder charge, measure the velocity using a chronograph. The chronograph can give you insight into what pressure the ammunition is generating. This information is extremely valuable in making decisions about whether to increase the powder charge further. Once the velocity approaches that in your data, or when you begin to see signs of excessive pressure, stop increasing the powder charge.
Reloading Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Reloading is a methodical process, encompassing several steps that must be followed in the correct sequence.
Preparing the Cases
Begin with case preparation. This includes cleaning, inspecting, trimming, and deburring the case mouths. Consistent case preparation is paramount to safe and reliable reloading.
Priming the Cases
After preparing the cases, the cases are primed. Using a priming tool, insert the primers into the primer pockets, taking care to seat the primers to the correct depth.
Powder Charging
Carefully measure the correct powder charge using a powder measure and dispense the powder into each case. The correct charge is a critical component to consistent and safe reloading.
Seating the Bullet
The bullet is then seated into the case using a bullet seating die. Seating depth is another variable that impacts accuracy. The seating depth should be consistent.
Inspecting and Verifying
Before the cartridges are put into the firearm, always inspect them for any errors in the process. Examine the loaded cartridges to make sure all steps were completed, and ensure they are visually correct.
Safety Considerations and Tips
Maintain your reloading equipment and perform regular inspections.
Be attentive to any signs of overpressure.
Store reloaded ammunition in a secure and well-organized manner.
Always confirm load data by cross-referencing it with multiple sources.
Accuracy and Performance
The accuracy and performance of reloaded .223 Remington ammunition is dependent on several factors. Proper component selection, powder charge optimization, and bullet seating depth are all crucial. The bullet’s ballistic coefficient will also affect the accuracy of the loaded ammunition.
Optimizing your load for accuracy involves finding the powder charge and seating depth that yields the smallest group sizes. To do this, begin by shooting groups at different powder charges, using a target. Measure the group sizes to identify the most accurate load.
Conclusion
Reloading .223 Remington ammunition with H335 powder can be a rewarding endeavor. By carefully following the steps outlined in this guide, and by prioritizing safety above all else, reloaders can create high-quality ammunition tailored to their specific needs. Reloading offers opportunities for cost savings, and the ability to tailor the ammunition to the specific firearm for increased accuracy. Reloading is a process of continuing improvement.
Always remember, safety is paramount. Prioritize safe reloading practices and consult reliable reloading manuals and data sources to develop loads that are safe and accurate. Never try to exceed the maximum loads.
To improve your knowledge, consult the Hodgdon website, and explore the resources available through reputable reloading manuals. Reloading can be a very rewarding endeavor.
Disclaimer & Legal Notice
Reloading ammunition involves inherent risks. This article is provided for informational purposes only. The author is not responsible for any misuse of the provided information. Always consult reliable reloading manuals and data sources. The author makes no guarantee or warranty about the safety or accuracy of any load data provided. Reloading activities are inherently dangerous, and improper practices can cause serious injury or death. Always take full responsibility for your actions and safety. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional instruction. All reloading is done at your own risk.
