The Original CZ Forum
GENERAL => Ammunition, questions, and handloading techniques => Topic started by: Wobbly on April 15, 2015, 09:42:24 PM
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HS-6 [aka Winchester 540] is one of Hodgdon's imported powders. It's one of the pistol powders that seems to be easy to find right now. You may be out of powder and find nothing else in your local store, which is what happened to me. It was a choice between 8 pounds of 700X or 1 pound of HS-6. I've never used either, but it took all of 3 Milli-seconds to decide not to experiment with a $140 can of powder.... which is how the HS-6 followed me home.
Upon opening the can the first thing you'll think is that someone tapped your 3/4 full can !! This is a VERY dense powder. Second thing you'll think is "this stuff looks like Unique"; its all rough, coarse, black crystals exactly like Unique. Last surprise is the load-to-case fill. You read that a load is going to be in the 6gr range and expect spillage, but then you see it only half fill the tiny 9x19 case.
Based on a quick work-up in the backyard, I loaded RMR 124gr RN at 1.130" with 6.2gr. I found this load safe in my SP-01, but probably way over PF (~1100 fps ??). I would not go that high next time for target loads, because it had no problem operating my slide with the stock 18# spring. However even at this higher load, HS-6 was still somewhat sooty. The receiver was totally clear of unburned trash, but still it made me think this might be a better match for something that could digest higher pressure loads.
On the up side, it metered well, and the accuracy was splendid. I took 100 rounds each of VV N330, IMR 7625 with 2 different 124gr bullets, and the RMR 124gr to a lunchtime fun shoot today. In unsupported plinking, shooting 10 of this, then 10 of that... HS-6 out-shot them all.
Bottom line: I don't think HS-6 is going to displace any of my favorite powders, but if you need powder don't be afraid to buy a pound. It's a workable 9mm and 40 powder. I'd certainly pick HS-6 over large-flake powders like Blue Dot or 800X.
Hope this helps! ;)
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Good info. Thanks.
I'm told some of the competitors make major PF with it.
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Cool good to know thanks!
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I use HS-6 for loading 9mm Major. HS-6 is a relatively slow powder that creates lots of gas to operate my compensators but as noted its dirties up your gun pretty quick. In USPSA open division it's probably the most popular powder (along with Winchester AutoComp) for 9 major loads.
As far as 9mm minor loads go, HS-6 isn't on my list of powders. Dirty and harsh recoil is how I would describe HS-6 loads. Faster powders work much better. My go to 9mm powder is VV N320 but I also like TiteGroup, WST and HP-38 (W231).
I suppose HS-6 for 9mm is better than nothing though.
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I have being using HS-6 since the early 90's (Winchester 540) i used it for my 38 super and Revolver Major factor, i now use it for my new Czechmate and to reload 357 Sig.
It's not the cleanest powder out there but it gets the job done for compensated pistols. Its easy to find and the price ok.
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(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/16/bc4541df07fd9f80c5bd7bfdb72d5df2.jpg)
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Thats with my Czechmate at 15 yards 8.1 grains of GS-6 1400fps
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I've used HS-6/W540 and done extensive performance load development with it, but never for target loads. It's nice to see that it can suffice for that, though. For Target loads I would use it with cast bullets. It's one of my favorite powders for 9mm 147 grain Bullet loadings. I also use it for 9mm +P JHP loadings.
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I haven't used HS-6 in 9mm, but I have played with it in .40 quite a bit. It's a fantastic power for that application. If you've loaded with and liked the velocities that Silhouette, Longshot, or CFE-Pistol have given you, you'll like HS-6.
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HS-6 is a relatively slow powder that creates lots of gas.....
As far as 9mm minor loads go, HS-6 isn't on my list of powders. Dirty and harsh recoil is how I would describe HS-6 loads. Faster powders work much better. .
I suppose HS-6 for 9mm is better than nothing though.
3 excellent points that match my findings. ;)
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Based on a quick work-up in the backyard, I loaded RMR 124gr RN at 1.130" with 6.2gr. I found this load safe in my SP-01, but probably way over PF (~1100 fps ??). I would not go that high next time for target loads, because it had no problem operating my slide with the stock 18# spring. However even at this higher load, HS-6 was still somewhat sooty. The receiver was totally clear of unburned trash, but still it made me think this might be a better match for something that could digest higher pressure loads.
On the up side, it metered well, and the accuracy was splendid. I took 100 rounds each of VV N330, IMR 7625 with 2 different 124gr bullets, and the RMR 124gr to a lunchtime fun shoot today. In unsupported plinking, shooting 10 of this, then 10 of that... HS-6 out-shot them all.
Bottom line: I don't think HS-6 is going to displace any of my favorite powders, but if you need powder don't be afraid to buy a pound. It's a workable 9mm and 40 powder. I'd certainly pick HS-6 over large-flake powders like Blue Dot or 800X.
Similar experience here. Was bringing a friend into reloading during the panic, and about the only multi-caliber (incl. 9mm) suitable powder to be found was HS6, so he grabbed 8# of it, and I worked up some initial loads for him and tested/chrono'd them as part of teaching him how to reload.
Using 124gr Montana Gold JHP at 1.10" OAL (too long for my CZ, but good for his guns), 5.6gr HS6 was DIRTY, PF of 124 out of a G19. 6.0gr w/same bullet/OAL gave a PF of 132(~1070 FPS), and was cleaner as well as a bit better accuracy, but seemed like it still 'wanted' to be run hotter.
I'd buy if it I were out of powder and NEEDED some in 9mm - easy metering, works 'well enough' for plinking, match or SD/STHF loads, but certainly a bit on the slow side (thus why some have used it to load 9mm Major...).
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...is relatively slow that creates lots of gas...
Sounds like my experience at the Mexican Restaurant last week! :o
Dirtiness of a power has never really bothered me. I've shot enough Bullseye and Unique that NOTHING gets to me anymore! That being said, my experience with just about every powder in this burn rate has been that it isn't as "sooty" when shot at the upper 1/2 of the load window. I've had good luck with this powder and cast bullets in .40.
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I have used a lot of HS-6 over the years. My experience follows what others have said, not the best for target loads. It is also much less sooty when used in the upper portions of its range.
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Equipment
Caliber: 10mmAuto
Bullets: RMR 165gr plated RNFP
Brass: StarLine (new)
Primer: Winchester Large Pistol WLP
OAL: 1.250"
Pistol: Dan Wesson 10mm Pointman (5" 1911)
Qty: 8 rounds each, slow fired
Weather: 40F and highly overcast
Chrono: ProChrono DLX
Powder: Hodgdon HS-6 (9.3-10.4gr from Lyman #49)
Max Velocity: 1235 fps
Load Avg Vel SD
9.0gr 1119 16
9.4 1180 26
9.8 1215 19
10.2 1257 17
NOTES
• Meters very nicely
• Fairly dense powder
• Good case fill due to higher weights
• HS-6 was one of the better accuracy powders in 9mm, but can be dirty low down
• Respectable accuracy
• 9.0gr might be a little low !!
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I use HS6 to make 9mm major and with 155s in my comp'd 45 ACP and have used it for a couple decades. Found out right away it performs best at or near max. Very popular with Open class shooters but I agree it's not the best choice for more standard loads.
HS6 stepped in to take the place of Win 540 when it was discontinued. I believe it's still manufactured by St. Marks Powder in Crawfordville, FL, a division of General Dynamics. They also make some Winchester, Ramshot and other Hodgdon ball powders just to name a few.
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Thanks for that tip about 9mm major. Any other fav powders for 9mm M please advise? Leaning toward power pistol or HS-6.
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FWIW, I've also used HS-6/W540 in light 110 to 125 grain Bullet loadings in the .357 Magnum, with excellent results.