Gonna use Hodgdon HS-6 for "everything"

[genesis]

Haven't posted to this board in quite awhile. Been busy shooting. I'm lucky enough to have a shooting range on my property and a bullet stop that allows me to capture the lead for re-melting. I have plenty of primers (standard - not magnum), but I haven't been able to get "any" smokeless powder this whole year in Northeast Wisconsin. I cast my own boolits and 00 buckshot. I reload for 38 Special, 357 Mag, 40 S&W, 44 Mag, 44 Special, and 12 gauge. I'm not a bulls-eye shooter, mostly combat stuff. After considerable searching I was able to find (2) 8 pound canisters of Hodgdon HS-6 on the internet for $394.50. That includes shipping and haz-mat fee. That comes to $24.65 per pound which I think is reasonable. I've found loading data for this powder for everything I shoot. Having never used HS-6 before, my question is, are there any special considerations I need to be aware of.

Thanks guys

Don <><

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

From my experience, HS-6 is a great powder for 'standard' loads in 44 mag. I'm not aware of any special considerations.

[genesis]

Thanks Jon. I don't load "hot stuff" anymore. I'm pushing 70 so this ol bod likes genteeeel loads :) Between my 70 year old girlfriend (who lives alone and in the sticks, like me) and I, we throw a lot of lead down range every year (including winter). She liked shooting my pump shotgun a lot, so she got a Stoeger Double Defense (double barrel) 12 gauge shotgun. It's hamerless and just a single trigger. Very simple manual of arms. Just load it and it goes BANG! BANG! It's a hoot ta shoot, and she's deadly with it. Puts her right at the top of the food chain. I bought and installed a tactical light on it. I almost like it better then my Stevens 350 pump. Here's a video of her shooting it.


http://youtu.be/olqlswMakQo

[mattw]

I have run out of HS-6, it is one of my favorites. It will work in almost anything, but I like it in .40's and 45ACP.

[starmac]

By golly she throws that gun up to the right shoulder too. lol

[blackpowder man]

I have used quite a bit of HS6 and I usually get slightly better groups running mag primers with it.

[tazman]

By golly she throws that gun up to the right shoulder too. lol

NO! She uses her left shoulder.

[freebullet]

Hs6 works good. I've used quite a bit. Only thing I'd warn is with low powered loads you might find unburned powder in the bore and accuracy will be off a little. It has worked good with med to standard magnum power loads.

[5Shot]

NO! She uses her left shoulder.

I believe he meant the "Correct" shoulder...I'm guessing he's a southpaw too.

[tazman]

I guess I should have used purple font.

[genesis]

I believe he meant the "Correct" shoulder...I'm guessing he's a southpaw too.

OP here.
We're both "righties", but she's blind in her right eye (also a cancer survivor), so I had to teach her to shoot "lefty".
Now "that" was a challenge. But this video shows that almost anyone can handle a 12 gauge comfortably.
She'll go through 50 12 gauge shells and want more. Sometimes I have to drag her off the range.
I'm very patient with her and she really, really appreciates that. (I'm a retired computer instructor, and X firearms competitor)
Right from the git-go, had her pull that sucker in real tight to her shoulder and plant her cheek firmly on the stock, shift her weight and balance slightly forward, "press" (not jerk) the trigger, don't anticipate the shot (flinch) and always, always, always, be safe, safe, safe. We constantly practice defensive drills, along with just enough bulls-eye stuff to maintain proper shooting fundamentals. Every other year she helps me recover 500 to 700 pounds of lead from the range.

Don <><

[w5pv]

I use HS 6 in 45Colt good powder

[bobthenailer]

A excellent powder ! I currently have a 8lb jug . i only use it in handguns for loads over 1,000 fps

[tazman]

OP here.
We're both "righties", but she's blind in her right eye (also a cancer survivor), so I had to teach her to shoot "lefty".
Now "that" was a challenge. But this video shows that almost anyone can handle a 12 gauge comfortably.
She'll go through 50 12 gauge shells and want more. Sometimes I have to drag her off the range.
I'm very patient with her and she really, really appreciates that. (I'm a retired computer instructor, and X firearms competitor)
Right from the git-go, had her pull that sucker in real tight to her shoulder and plant her cheek firmly on the stock, shift her weight and balance slightly forward, "press" (not jerk) the trigger, don't anticipate the shot (flinch) and always, always, always, be safe, safe, safe. We constantly practice defensive drills, along with just enough bulls-eye stuff to maintain proper shooting fundamentals. Every other year she helps me recover 500 to 700 pounds of lead from the range.

Don <><

Excellent program and plan. She sounds like a keeper to me.
I had a similar problem with my eyes when I was young. I am right handed and right eye dominant. I had extremely poor vision in my right eye. I also had to learn to shoot left handed. It was the only way I could see the sights.
I got my vision corrected now and have switched back to right handed.

[crashguy]

I use it for cast in 9mm .... 38 spl +p and 12 ga 1oz slug it does like the upper end of it's band for clean burn / accuracy .. I have use mag primers but really just use standard. Meters well and works good for me in my application. I would think it would be right at home in the 40 S&W.. Plenty of info out there on HS-6 also same as discontinued W 540 . FWIW, I'd be happy having the powder .. powder at LGS around here is $30 for pound can... not many jugs around these days...

[frnkeore]

I've used it in a 32/20 (.308 groove) 26" bbl. 5.5 gr gave me 1021 fps, 4.6 SD, 12.6 ES and a 100 yd 1" group using a 180 gr bullet (yes, 180 gr). This load was breech seated.

My QL said it was suppose to be a 100% burn but, it was a bit dirty.

Frank

[sandman228]

NO! She uses her left shoulder.

were all born right handed but some of us overcome it lol

[genesis]

OP here. Well the powder arrived yesterday. 16 pounds is "A LOT" of powder. I would usually buy just one or two (1) pound cans at a time. But I can't get "any" smokeless powder locally anymore. This should last me a few years. I was able to score at Walmart on 22 ammo - twice so far this year. 1500 rounds each time. It pains me to no end - first for the loss of life, and then for the panic that ensued about guns, mag capacities, assault weapons, ammo shortage, etc, cause by the Sandy Hook tragedy. I can remember when, not that many years ago, I could get a brick of 500 22's on sale at Walmart for $9.99.

[5Shot]

I only have 6lbs on hand, but I'll be buying another pound or two every chance I get. Going to use it for 38 Spl and 45 Colt.

[selpaw]

Have used HS-6 in 357 45LC and 12 ga with good results in all three. I have couple of pounds left. Once gone I will have to sort through the other powders I have to try to find one as versatile. Not sure I'll be able to. Selpaw

[TMenezes]

Genesis you sound in the same boat I am. Can NOT find any, and I mean ANY powder locally. I was lucky enough to come across an older reloader that was closing up his gun shop for retirement. He sold me a keg of Win 540 (HS6) and a keg of of Win 570 (HS7).

I did some research and the common thread was many said HS6 often prefers magnum primers (not always) and mid range loads and up for best accuracy / clean burn.

A real clean burn isn't important to me since in my desperation I tried black powder. Wow, what a mess. Didn't help that I didn't know what the neck I was doing and made everything messier than it needed to be. I was so surprised that Hoppes #9 had little to no affect on it lol.

As for load data there is tons for HS6, not so much with the HS7. I loaded up some HS6 in 45 Colt (best round ever invented), some in 38 Special, and some in 357 mag. Unfortunately haven't had a chance to test them lately so no personal experience yet. Not really sure what to do with the keg of HS7. If anyone has any loads for that in 357 or 45 Colt feel free to shoot me a pm. Or if you live in CA and you want it I could make you a good deal on it.

Genesis be sure to let us all know how you like it. Oh just fyi, Jon Linebaugh's pet load for general carry when not in Grizzly country is 13gr of HS6 under a 260gr Kieth type semi wadcutter. He says it's good for about 950 fps in his S&W model 25 with a 4in barrel. My Speer Manuel #12 lists 12gr max for stardard pressure loads that they got 945 fps from their test barrel. The manual says they used a 6in S&W model 25. So Jon's 13gr load may be slightly +P. Just keep that in mind if you have an 1873 Colt or levergun that could accidentally injest that load.

[Three44s]

First off, you have a very good powder ...... VERY GOOD!

I like HS-6 probably better than all the other powders I used in the .44 mag. It will do very well in the .357 and 12 ga as well.

For my .44's ..... I like to use magnum primers and I'll add one more thing that you will likely not like .... I use a inside flash hole deburing tool on ALL my metalics.

So with that caveat, this is what I most prefer for my .44's ......

I like the RCBS 250K bullet on top of 11.8 gr. of HS-6 with the Federal mag primer.

I don't think that 11.8 is a magic load ...... it's just what I settled on. This data can be found in the Hodgdon's #26 manual. Later books list the powder at heavier charges and that's all well and good but I find that wheel weights cast in the above mold with a little tin added are kicked in the seat of the pants just the right amount with an upper 11 gr. load in the cartridge I have mentioned.

It's running right around 26K psi and that's right in line with Richard Lee's book and the alloy I am running.

The group size, standard deviation etc. are stupendous! The recoil is pleasant even in my 39 oz Smith Mountain gun. The velocity is decidely better than with Unique ... another stalwart lead powder!

VIVA HS-6!

Good luck and great shooting!

Three 44s

[TMenezes]

I'm definitely going to try that load! Anybody have any other pet loads in 38/357, 44 spec/44mag, 45 Colt, or 480 Ruger in HS6?

(or HS7 for me, sorry, don't mean to hijack OP's thread)

[Geezer in NH]

HS-6 makes a sweet 147grn load for 9mm for suppressor use very quite to the Hollywood level with my CAC 9 from Bowers

[mizzouri1]

I can remember when, not that many years ago, I could get a brick of 500 22's on sale at Walmart for $9.99....yup me too!

[wlc]

HS-6 makes a sweet 147grn load for 9mm for suppressor use very quite to the Hollywood level with my CAC 9 from Bowers

Geezer mind sharing the load? If you don't want to do so publicly I understand. A PM will work. I assume (you know what that means) its probably like most 147 gr 9mm loads and will be in the 3.5-4.0 gr range?

[harley45]

I find it works best in the medium to high end of its data also. I load it in 44 mag 45 colt 10MM and 38-357 plus some 45 acp. I may try it in 380 someday also.

[Gofaaast]

I found when using magnum primers with 540 and now hs-6 I have much less unburnt powder left in my barrels, especially in shotgun and noticeable in pistol.

[genesis]

I found when using magnum primers with 540 and now hs-6 I have much less unburnt powder left in my barrels, especially in shotgun and noticeable in pistol.

OP here. MMMmmm. I have over 20,000 "standard" primers, but no magnum.

[harley45]

I have been using standard primers also as that is what I have, I don't notice an undue amount of extra powder and it certainly isn't bad enough to tie up the actions on any of my guns.

[genesis]

I have been using standard primers also as that is what I have, I don't notice an undue amount of extra powder and it certainly isn't bad enough to tie up the actions on any of my guns.

OP here. Say......... Would you be Harley45ACP on youtube?

[harley45]

No that's not me I do have some plans for after the first of the year for my website that will include a YouTube channel. I'm going to concentrate on writing and videoing about the non tactical fun side of handguns.
thanks for the question.

[skeettx]

I have been burning up many pounds of Win 540 loading 20 gauge ammo for the skeet range.
Works well, a bit dirty, my fault for loading light loads :)
Mike

[genesis]

No that's not me I do have some plans for after the first of the year for my website that will include a YouTube channel. I'm going to concentrate on writing and videoing about the non tactical fun side of handguns.
thanks for the question.

OP here. I checked your web site. "VERY" nice work ! ! !

[harley45]

Thank you Sir!! I'm hoping to have more time after I retire in January to expand on it a bit!

[happie2shoot]

HS-6 is also one of the best 9mm major powders

[doghawg]

genesis

I'm about 40 miles south of you and I use alot of HS6. I like it in 9mm, .44spec and mag, .454 and .475 Linebaugh. My favorite deer hunting load in the .475 is a 380 gr. LBT GC over 16 gr. of HS6 with WLP primer for 1220 fps....hits like a truck! Like some of the posters I'm thinking it performs best with mid-range loads and magnum primers although I've had standard primers work well too.
I don't try to make a .357 into a grizzly gun so had a quite a few small pistol mag primers that haven't been getting used. On a whim I loaded up some tumble lubed unsized 158 gr. Lee RF's over 7.9 grs. of HS6 and magnum primers. Haven't chrony'd that load (guessing 1100 fps) but it shoots like a laser out of a red dotted 586 and scoped FA 97. Makes a quick and easy plinking load and I can keep the 50 yard swinger busy with it. FWIW

[Newtire]

Came by a "Vintage" 3 lb. can of 540 (hs-6 from what I gather) and made up 44 mag loads with 10.0 grains and the Lee 200 RNFP. Used the Win Large pistol " for std or magnum" primer and made a nice plinker with a punch sort of.Not real dirty that I noticed.

Thinking of using it this year if Winnemucca is a happening thing and any troublesome boards happen to endanger the group as they are sometimes known to do.

Used to use that stuff in 1-1/4 oz. 12 gauge and 1 oz. 20 gauge loads. If I can get it to function the M1 carbine, I'll be all set.

Wondered if anyone has a load, using this powder, that can be used against URL's or HTTP's. The guy that sold me this stuff is being pestered by these and tin foil hats just aren' t working.

[Wrbjr]

I just found HS-6 in stock at Powder Valley. Picked up 9 lbs. Still in stock as of this posting if anyone would like some.

[dougader]

I guess I'm odd man out on HS6. I never could get it to burn well, even with mag rifle primers. 9mm major? No help there, either, with scads of unburned powder in the guts of my pistols. Maybe it works better in 44 mag or 45 Colt with heavier bullets, IDK, but after I used up my first lb. of HS6 I never bought another.

For one powder I'd go to the old workhorse, Unique, or Power Pistol. I realize a guy has to buy what's available in this market but I was able to order 12 lbs. of powder a few weeks ago from Powder Valley. You just have to be ready to strike fast when it appears in stock.

I'm glad the HS6 works so well for you guys, but I just never warmed to it.

[Wrbjr]

I guess I'm odd man out on HS6. I never could get it to burn well, even with mag rifle primers. 9mm major? No help there, either, with scads of unburned powder in the guts of my pistols. Maybe it works better in 44 mag or 45 Colt with heavier bullets, IDK, but after I used up my first lb. of HS6 I never bought another.

For one powder I'd go to the old workhorse, Unique, or Power Pistol. I realize a guy has to buy what's available in this market but I was able to order 12 lbs. of powder a few weeks ago from Powder Valley. You just have to be ready to strike fast when it appears in stock.

I'm glad the HS6 works so well for you guys, but I just never warmed to it.

My primary powder is Power Pistol.... been looking for it for 2 years now. sigh.....

[dougader]

Same here. I'd buy a pound or two if I could find it.

[rintinglen]

Troubled by pesky URL's or http:s?

This will take care of them.139799139799

[FergusonTO35]

I've been thinking alot lately about making some fast .38 Specials and .357's for my Marlin 1894. The 18" barrel gives these cartridges and powders a completely different personality. I never shoot hot ammo out of my handguns so they are well taken care of with Bullseye, HP-38, and Titegroup. Unless you're loading hot ammo, the slower powders are just wasted in them. Case in point: my 1894 really likes Blue Dot, which doesn't work worth a poop in .38 Special or 9mm for me. Anybody ever try HS-6 out of a carbine? Blue Dot is extinct here, but HS-6 can often be found.

[harley45]

I have a load we use in my son's 1894. It's about book max under a 180gr NOE WFN gas check. That powder really makes the little gun in 357 hell on hogs

[FergusonTO35]

Mind to share it with me via PM? I find the Lee 358-158-RF takes a gas check no problem and works great in my 1894.