HS-6 Hodgdon data vs. Lyman data in .357

[Cosmic_Charlie]

A while back I picked up a used Hodgdon #26 manual. Prior to that I had been using the Lyman Cast handbook 4th addition mostly. The Hodgdon data lists HS-6 for a 160 gr. boolit as 7.0/ 1,100 fps to 8.0/ 1,161 fps. The Lyman book is 8.5/ 1,046 to 9.7/ 1,225. These are lead boolit loads. The Lyman data specifies linotype as the alloy and it is close to the Hodgdon jacketed bullet data. What is surprising is the discrepancy in velocity. I've got a bunch loaded over 7.5 grains and I was thinking these were doing 1,100 fps easy. I'll have to get the chrono out and see where I'm at.

Note: The Hodgdon data used a 7" barrel while the Lyman data used a 4".

[lotech]

From my notes... H&G #51, 160 grain SWC, ww alloy; 7 grs. HS-6. 6" barrel (Python, I think, but it could have been a Model 27 S&W) = 993 fps.

[Cosmic_Charlie]

Thanks lotech, I might have to stiffen my load up a bit.

[lotech]

Thanks lotech, I might have to stiffen my load up a bit.

I've used a good bit of HS-6 and am finishing off an 8 lb. jug now. I probably won't buy any more (as if I could right now) as it's just not very versatile. I have no personal documentation on this, but based on my own eyeball results and reviewing (reputable and questionable) loading sources, I think HS-6 may vary in burn rate from one lot to another a little more than most of us are used to. Certainly not a dangerous variance. I've been wrong before.

[Cosmic_Charlie]

HS 6 works nicely in 44 mag, 12 gr. under a 240. It also works in 9mm, 6 gr. under a 124. Might be better powders for .357 though. I'm working on an 8 lb. jug too but I have 6# or so left. Maybe I'll stiffen the alloy up and try some 2400.

[Larry Gibson]

What is surprising is the discrepancy in velocity.........Note: The Hodgdon data used a 7" barrel while the Lyman data used a 4".

Ya think? Not being facetious just pointing out the obvious. Besides different test guns, different lots of components, jacketed vs cast bullet along with either might or might not have been velocity converted to muzzle vs screen distance......

[derek45]

5" custom 686

158gr Missouri bullet SWC

9.5gr HS-6

CCI mag primer

1184fps
notes state - "smokey but good"
ES-28
SD-12
https://i.imgur.com/8RhhnET.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/sxpoT1D.jpg

[Cosmic_Charlie]

What is surprising is the discrepancy in velocity.........Note: The Hodgdon data used a 7" barrel while the Lyman data used a 4".

Ya think? Not being facetious just pointing out the obvious. Besides different test guns, different lots of components, jacketed vs cast bullet along with either might or might not have been velocity converted to muzzle vs screen distance......

Yes. It finally occured to me to look at the barrel lengths, hence the note. Just pointing out the obvious.......

[5614estell]

I use quite a bit of HS6 in 357 and larger straight wall cases.

[1006]

HS-6 definitely responds to longer barrels.

The 9mm load: 135 grain Powder Coated Bayou Bullet, CCI magnum primer, and 6.6 grains HS6.

Sig 226 produced 1132FPS/Colt AR 16inch produced 1390FPS