Hodgdon H-108

[4296]

Just got an 8 pound jug of H-108. Any one use it? Would like to know what canister powder it is comparable to as I would like to CAREFULLY work up a load for 357 Sig.

[felix]

WC820. Use #9 or 2400 data, which ever is in the books. ... felix

[dougader]

Where did you find more H108? I bought an 8# keg in 2004 and thought it was all long gone by now.

What calibers are you planning on loading?

I have a limited data sheet from Hodgdon for H108.

I've only loaded it in 45 Colt so far, which isn't on the data sheet BTW.

[4296]

The powder I obtained was through a friend-not current production. He said he bought it years ago.

[felix]

Keep in mind that H116 is a WW680 flavor, and is another old one prolly not listed anywhere today. ... felix

[dougader]

Like Felix says, I would start with AA #9 data and work up slowly from there. My guess is you'll run out of room before you see great velocity in 357 Sig. Still, start low and work up SLOW.

At least with my jug of H108, (and in 45 Colt Ruger level loads) the pressure rose up to similar loads with H110 but the velocity was about 80 fps less. This was using Ken Waters' case head expansion method, so its measured but still not nearly as accurate, obviously, as modern equipment like an Oehler 43.

In my 7-1/2" SRH 454, with 45 Colt Federal once fired brass:

22.0 grains H110 under a 300 grain SSK hardcast plain base bullet = 1196 fps

19.2 grains H108 with the same bullet gave me 1115 fps.

Notice I worked up my 45 Colt loads in a 454 revolver.... added measure of safety.

[mtgrs737]

I have a 8 pound jug of H-108 also, got it back in 2003. I have the factory load data sheet for it. I t covers 30M1 carbine, 7.62 x 39, 32-40, 357 mag, 44 mag, and 454 casull. If you would like I would fax you a copy or mail you a copy of it. PM me with the fax number or address and I will get it out to you.

[felix]

Anything like 13 grains with a 150 grainer would be fine, and should cause no alarm. That is what I typically use in 357 maggie, and it is nowhere near top. Prolly no more than 35K cup.

Also, in your 45 colt with 300 grainer, use 25 grains (full case) RL7. You should get more than 1200 fps because of the extra energy afforded by the 3 extra grains of powder. That would be no more than 30K cup.

... felix

[dougader]

Really? Alliant Reloader 7? That's the first time I've ever heard of anyone using RL 7 or any powder that slow in 45 Colt.

Is this a load you've used, Felix?

Cool. I love the wealth of knowledge on this site.

[felix]

Yep, RL7 because it is small grained, like 2400. That and WW680/H116/AA680 work as well and that will give you 28 grains in the same volume as RL7. I have not chronoed either, but the 20 inch levers kick more than enough for me. 'Bout like a trapdoor with standard military load. ... felix

[dougader]

Thanks!

[Lloyd Smale]

In my opinion for what its worth 108,aa9 and wc820 are all the same powder. they all very a little more then usual from lot to lot though so anytime you get a new jug of any of them approach your top end loads with caution.

[dougader]

In my experience AA9 is a faster powder than my jug of H108.

[4296]

Finally got around to trying H108 in my Springfield XD40 with a Barsto 357 Sig barrel (4 inch). Barrel took FOREVER to receive.

Speer brass-CCi Small Pistol Magnum Primer-Berrys 124 Plated FP

12.5 grains - 1200 fps. avg.
12.8 grains - 1227 fps. avg.
13.1 grains - 1275 fps. avg.

While the velocities I got were somewhat low for this cartridge, next time out I will try 13.4 grains, but I will probably stick with the 13.1 load.

(7.8 grains of Herco gave me 1291 fps. avg.)

[5Shot]

I used WC820 in a High Pressure 45LC Load and experienced Single Digit Standard Deviation over 20+ rounds.

That stuff is very consistent, and H108 should be very similar.