Reliable H4350 reloading data can be found directly through the Hodgdon online data center and in published manuals from major bullet manufacturers like Hornady, Nosler, Sierra, and Barnes. Published data for this powder normally includes the specific cartridge, bullet weight, bullet manufacturer, starting powder charge, maximum powder charge, muzzle velocity, and test barrel length. Available data covers a massive spectrum of medium to large rifle cartridges, representing lightweight 90 grain bullets in the .243 Winchester up to heavy 220 grain bullets in the .30-06 Springfield. As an extruded propellant in the Hodgdon Extreme series, H4350 load data is highly sought after by precision shooters, though results will still vary by brass case volume, primer choice, barrel length, and bullet seating depth.
H4350 Reloading Data
| Cartridge | Bullet | Bullet Weight | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity | Barrel Length / Firearm | Source |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | Hornady ELD-X | 143 grain | 38.0 gr | 41.8 gr | 2539 fps to 2713 fps | 24 inch Barrel | Hodgdon |
| .30-06 Springfield | Sierra SPBT | 165 grain | 53.0 gr | 59.0 gr | 2684 fps to 2938 fps | 24 inch Barrel | Hodgdon |
| .243 Winchester | Hornady BTSP | 100 grain | 34.0 gr | 40.0 gr | 2688 fps to 2971 fps | 24 inch Barrel | Hodgdon |
| .270 Winchester | Hornady SP | 130 grain | 51.0 gr | 55.0 gr | 2822 fps to 3010 fps | 24 inch Barrel | Hodgdon |
| 6mm Creedmoor | Hornady A-MAX | 105 grain | 38.0 gr | 41.5 gr | 2872 fps to 3102 fps | 24 inch Barrel | Hodgdon |
| .260 Remington | Nosler Partition | 140 grain | 41.5 gr | 45.5 gr | 2617 fps to 2786 fps | 24 inch Barrel | Hodgdon |
| 7mm-08 Remington | Barnes TTSX | 140 grain | 44.0 gr | 48.0 gr | 2636 fps to 2841 fps | 24 inch Barrel | Hodgdon |
Understanding The H4350 Reloading Data
When utilizing an H4350 load data chart, it is critical to understand exactly what each metric represents to maintain safety during load development.
- Starting load: The minimum tested powder charge recommended by the publisher to safely cycle the bullet out of the barrel and begin load development.
- Maximum published load: The absolute highest safe powder charge tested by the manufacturer that stays within the SAAMI maximum average pressure limit for the given cartridge.
- Velocity: Measured in feet per second (fps), this indicates how fast the projectile travels when leaving the muzzle.
- Pressure: The internal chamber pressure generated upon firing, measured in psi or CUP depending on the cartridge standards.
- Bullet weight: The mass of the projectile measured in grains.
- Powder: Hodgdon H4350 is a medium slow burning extruded rifle powder.
- Barrel length: The length of the test barrel, which directly impacts the recorded velocity.
- Firearm used for testing: Specifies whether the test was conducted with a universal receiver or a specific commercial rifle.
- Test conditions: Atmospheric variables present during the manufacturer testing sequence.
- Cartridge overall length (COAL): The total length of the loaded round for proper magazine feeding and chambering.
Different published sources may produce different results because slight variations in brass case capacity, primer ignition heat, and bullet bearing surface directly affect how this powder burns.
H4350 Bullet Weight And Cartridge Reloading Data
Hodgdon H4350 is arguably the most popular powder for the 6.5 Creedmoor and a staple for the .30-06 family of cartridges. Manufacturers provide vast amounts of data for various projectile weights across these calibers.
- 6.5 Creedmoor (140 to 147 grain): H4350 is considered the gold standard powder for this cartridge. Published data for the 143 grain ELD-X shows velocities up to 2713 fps, providing exceptional extreme spread numbers for long range precision.
- 30-06 Springfield (150 to 180 grain): H4350 provides an excellent burn rate for medium to heavy hunting bullets in the .30-06. It easily pushes a 165 grain bullet past 2900 fps, making it highly effective for elk and deer hunting.
- .243 Winchester (90 to 100 grain): While faster powders work for light varmint bullets, H4350 is widely published for heavier 100 grain deer bullets, ensuring maximum velocity without dangerous pressure spikes.
- .270 Winchester (130 to 150 grain): Published data heavily features H4350 for the classic 130 grain bullet weight, driving it over 3000 fps and delivering very flat trajectories.
- 6mm Creedmoor (105 to 115 grain): Precision rifle shooters rely on H4350 load data to push heavy, high ballistic coefficient 6mm bullets to competitive velocities around 3100 fps.
H4350 Powder Load Data
| Cartridge | Bullet | Bullet Weight | Published Starting Load | Published Maximum Load | Published Velocity | Source |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | Hornady ELD-X | 143 grain | 38.0 gr | 41.8 gr | 2539 to 2713 fps | Hodgdon |
| .30-06 Springfield | Sierra SPBT | 165 grain | 53.0 gr | 59.0 gr | 2684 to 2938 fps | Hodgdon |
| .243 Winchester | Hornady BTSP | 100 grain | 34.0 gr | 40.0 gr | 2688 to 2971 fps | Hodgdon |
| .270 Winchester | Hornady SP | 130 grain | 51.0 gr | 55.0 gr | 2822 to 3010 fps | Hodgdon |
| 6mm Creedmoor | Hornady A-MAX | 105 grain | 38.0 gr | 41.5 gr | 2872 to 3102 fps | Hodgdon |
H4350 Bullet And Primer Combinations
Exact component combinations matter immensely when reloading with H4350 powder. Because it is a stick propellant, it fills cases efficiently and sometimes creates compressed loads at maximum charges.
Bullet construction is a major variable. A solid copper monolithic bullet like the Barnes TTSX has a longer bearing surface than a traditional lead core bullet of the identical weight. This creates more barrel friction and alters the pressure curve, requiring slightly reduced powder charges. Seating depth directly influences cartridge overall length. Pushing a bullet deeper into the brass reduces internal case capacity, which significantly increases pressure.
Primer selection is also critical. While H4350 is relatively easy to ignite, reloading data for large capacity cases like the .300 Winchester Magnum utilizing H4350 will specifically call for Large Rifle Magnum primers. Conversely, standard Large Rifle primers are mandated for the .30-06 and 6.5 Creedmoor. Shooters must verify the exact primer specified in the published data.
H4350 Velocity From Published Data
Comparing published velocity data highlights the efficiency of H4350 across a diverse array of modern and historical cartridges.
- 6.5 Creedmoor 143gr ELD-X: Manufacturer published data shows a maximum velocity of 2713 fps utilizing 41.8 grains of H4350.
- 30-06 Springfield 165gr Sierra SPBT: Manufacturer published data shows a maximum velocity of 2938 fps utilizing 59.0 grains of H4350.
- 270 Winchester 130gr Hornady SP: Manufacturer published data logs a maximum velocity of 3010 fps using 55.0 grains of H4350.
It is necessary to clearly distinguish manufacturer published velocity derived from controlled universal receiver barrels from independent chronograph testing done at local ranges. Ballistic calculator estimates should never replace actual measured muzzle velocity.
H4350 Reloading Data By Barrel Length
Barrel length heavily affects published H4350 velocity. Most official manufacturer data utilizes a 24 inch barrel as the industry standard for testing cartridges that pair well with this medium slow burning powder.
The 24 inch barrel provides ample time for the extruded powder to completely combust, translating to high velocities. When fired from a shorter 20 inch hunting barrel, actual muzzle velocities will drop by approximately 20 fps to 30 fps per inch of barrel lost. Conversely, testing conducted with 26 inch or 28 inch barrels common in precision rifle competitions will yield slightly higher velocities than the published manual figures. Shooters must identify the test firearm and barrel length for every velocity figure provided.
H4350 Subsonic vs Supersonic Data
The vast majority of published H4350 reloading data is strictly for supersonic applications.
Supersonic load data pushes bullets well past the speed of sound, delivering massive kinetic energy and flat trajectories required for long range target shooting and ethical hunting. H4350 is an extruded rifle powder engineered explicitly to maximize velocity in medium capacity cartridges.
There is absolutely no published subsonic load data for H4350 powder. Attempting to create subsonic ammunition by drastically reducing a medium slow powder like H4350 can cause unpredictable secondary explosive effects in the case volume, leading to catastrophic firearm failure. Data for standard supersonic rifle loads cannot be safely scaled down to create subsonic ammunition.
H4350 Energy And Ballistics
Reliable source data shows that H4350 is a premier powder for maximizing downrange energy and consistent ballistics.
Part of the Hodgdon Extreme series, H4350 is famously insensitive to temperature changes. A maximum load developed in the winter will not drastically spike in pressure or velocity during summer months, resulting in incredibly consistent muzzle velocities.
When applied to the 6.5 Creedmoor, a 143 grain bullet leaving the muzzle at 2713 fps produces roughly 2337 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. Thanks to the highly consistent velocity generated by H4350 and the high ballistic coefficient of the bullet, it retains over 1200 foot-pounds of energy at 500 yards.
Manufacturer Data vs Independent Testing
Manufacturer published reloading data is derived from highly controlled laboratory environments using precise piezoelectric pressure sensors. This data is the safest benchmark for load development.
Independent chronograph testing occurs when reloaders or competitive shooters test their H4350 handloads in the field. While useful for seeing real world velocities in specific rifle actions, these independent measurements often differ from published figures due to variations in brass lot volume, chamber tolerances, and specific neck tension. Shooters should give absolute priority to official, pressure tested manufacturer data to prevent safety issues.
H4350 Pressure And Safety
Following published H4350 reloading data exactly is paramount for safety. Every cartridge has a specific Maximum Average Pressure dictated by SAAMI or CIP specifications.
Always begin with the published starting load. Never jump straight to the maximum published powder charge. Component substitutions are highly dangerous. Swapping a standard primer for a magnum primer when not called for can dangerously elevate chamber pressure. Likewise, using military brass with thicker walls reduces case capacity and spikes pressure compared to commercial brass. Altering the bullet seating depth to make a shorter cartridge overall length will also drastically increase the internal pressure curve. Always adhere strictly to the powder manufacturer specifications.
Best Sources For H4350 Reloading Data
The strongest current sources for H4350 reloading data are the major powder and bullet manufacturers who maintain dedicated ballistic laboratories.
Hodgdon provides an extensive, free online data center covering their entire family of Extreme extruded powders, featuring hundreds of specific recipes for H4350 across dozens of cartridges. Hornady publishes highly detailed H4350 load data in their official reloading manual, particularly for their popular ELD Match and ELD-X bullet lines. Nosler and Sierra also provide excellent, component specific load data directly in their manuals and on their websites. Shooters should prioritize these authoritative sources over user submitted load reports.
FAQs
Where can I find H4350 reloading data?
Authoritative H4350 load data is published directly by Hodgdon in their online data center, as well as in reloading manuals from Hornady, Nosler, Speer, and Sierra.
What cartridges use H4350 reloading data?
Published H4350 data is highly popular for the 6.5 Creedmoor, .30-06 Springfield, .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, 6mm Creedmoor, and .260 Remington.
Is H4350 a temperature sensitive powder?
No. Hodgdon H4350 is part of the Extreme series of extruded powders, explicitly designed to resist temperature fluctuations and provide consistent velocities in both hot and cold weather.
Does Hodgdon publish H4350 load data?
Yes, H4350 load data Hodgdon tables are extensively available on their official website, offering accurate recipes for nearly every compatible modern rifle cartridge.
Does Hornady publish H4350 load data?
Yes, H4350 load data Hornady manuals feature highly detailed sections utilizing H4350 for their proprietary bullet lines, especially for the 6.5 Creedmoor.
What is the difference between starting and maximum H4350 data?
The starting load is the lowest safe powder charge recommended to begin load development, while the maximum load is the highest tested powder charge that remains within safe SAAMI pressure limits.
Does barrel length affect H4350 velocity?
Yes. A traditional 24 inch or 26 inch barrel will yield higher velocities and allow for more complete powder combustion than a shorter 20 inch barrel.
Why does H4350 data vary between sources?
Data varies because different publishers use different test platforms, barrel lengths, brass case internal volumes, bullet bearing surfaces, and primer types, all of which alter internal pressure.
Can I use H4350 for subsonic loads?
No. H4350 is a medium slow burning rifle powder designed for high velocity applications and is not safe or suitable for subsonic reloading.
Where can I find pressure tested H4350 data?
Pressure tested data is found directly through official reloading manuals published by bullet manufacturers and the Hodgdon online data center.