Another convert to HS-6 for .45 Colt

The local store had a couple 1-lb. cannisters of HS-6, so I picked up a can. Didn't even bother working up a load, just went straight to the Linebaugh load of 13 grains with a 260 grain lead bullet (actually, my Lee Autodisk threw 13.3 grains, and I used a 255 grain LSWC from Missouri Bullet).

I'll tell you what folks, I could not miss with this load at 25 yards. The recoil let you know you were shooting something with authority, but it was very mild compared to the heavier H-110 or 2400 loads I shoot. I have no doubt that whatever was on the receiving end of this combo would not be long for this earth. Quite frankly, I don't really know why I should keep messing with H-110 or 2400, unless it's just to show off, or shoot Water Buffalo...

The cases were almost as clean as they were before I fired them. No smoke, no smell (well, there was a little smell, but it was nice...).

Clean, accurate, powerful. What more could you want?

No chrono data this time, but I'd guess they were doing 1000+ fps out of my 4 5/8" tube.

If you haven't tried this load in your Blackhawk, you are missing out.

I agree and always recommend HS-6 for the 45colt.
In fact, I use it in all my pistols with excellent results.

Psssst: It works really well under lead in the 41 and 44 Mags, too, and makes +P 9x19 if you want. It is superb in the 41 AE under lead --although WSL is better-- and superior under the 170g Sierra and Speer 180g Gold Dot jacketed choices, even in subguns. It works exceedingly well under 45 Colt lead up to about 300g.

I use HS6 and the 140g XTP-HP in 38 Special for my wife's M38.

Sounds like a winner. I have not tried it yet but I do like mid level 'Ruger only' loads & I may try some in the future. Right now I get by with mostly Unique & then H-110 for the top end.

13 gr. gives me 1080 fps with the rcbs 270 saa in a 7 1/2 inch. barrel. Pretty good thumper in my opinion. I use 7 gr. with a 158 gr in .357 which makes a nice plinking load. I use the Lee dippers for the .357 load which makes charging cases quick and easy.

HS6 is a great powder for mid-range big bore loads. I have also had great accuracy in .357 mag with 9.0 gr under a Remington 158gr JHP and standard pistol primers. I am also working up loads in 10mm with this powder and the accuracy of the loads is very promising.

Yep, my favorite load is also 13 grs HS-6/WLP/WW case behind anything in the 250 gr range. I get same velocity as catfish621 in my NM 7.5" BH. Easy to manage recoil, yet plenty of thump for a "packing load". If I'm wandering in the woods, I've got a CCI shotshell first (snakes) backed by 5 of that load...If I want more "horsepower", I either increase to 14 grs (gives around 1140 fps) or switch to W296 and a heavier bullet :wink:

I also like HS-6 but use a lighter load of 11.5g under a 250g lasercast
bullet (BHN 24) at about 1000 fps out of my Bisley 5.5". But the big
thing is the SD is always in the 10-20 range and that shows up on the
target. I like HS-6 !!

FrontSite

I tried HS-6 in .357 and was very dissapointed. I had so much unburned powder left in the cases after shooting it would rattle around and gum up things. Maybe it was because I was using standard primers?

I've used both standard and magnum primers with HS-6 and had the same results. For me, the cases are quite clean with 13 gr under a 250 gr projectile (45 Colt). This load is in the 20,000 psi range. Lesser loads may result in boogers left over for low pressure? 13.5 grains of HS-6 under the same boolet is also very nice, and accurate to boot! Under this level I use Universal, over this I have been using Lil'Gun.

It is a great powder right up to the 500 Linebaugh. I just bought 8# of it.

protoolman":32qzd8od said:

I tried HS-6 in .357 and was very dissapointed. I had so much unburned powder left in the cases after shooting it would rattle around and gum up things. Maybe it was because I was using standard primers?

Click to expand...

Because if it's slower burn, I'd imagine your best results will be with a heavy for caliber bullet, and a really firm crimp.

I've not seen any load data that says to use anything other than standard primers.

Ditto: Redding Profile Crimp Die, medium-firm or more.

I always use good heavy roll crimps and such. What I may have done wrong was using lighter loads. I can't say I experimented heavily after my initial dissappointment. I should have tried a heavier powder charge before giving up possibly.

There is plenty of published data showing Mag primers with HS6 (anyone ever look through their Hodgdon Annual Manuals?).

WESHOOT2":12jtqjle said:

There is plenty of published data showing Mag primers with HS6 (anyone ever look through their Hodgdon Annual Manuals?).

Click to expand...

I don't have any of the published manuals, but I use their online loading center data all the time. I've never noticed this before, but they don't list primer type in their load data. Am I missing it?

Ah, not everything is on the net.........

Hammerdown77":26qc28ug said:

WESHOOT2":26qc28ug said:

There is plenty of published data showing Mag primers with HS6 (anyone ever look through their Hodgdon Annual Manuals?).

Click to expand...

I don't have any of the published manuals, but I use their online loading center data all the time. I've never noticed this before, but they don't list primer type in their load data. Am I missing it?

Click to expand...

Hammerdown77,
If you select the print option it will open another window. They list the primer used and the test barrel used.

Cary





Hodgdon Powder Company
Cartridge Load Recipe Report - 8/31/2010
data.hodgdon.com 357 Magnum
Load Type: Pistol Powder: Universal
BW: 158

Cartridge Information
Case: Winchester Barrel Length: 10"
Twist: 1:18.75" Trim Length: 1.285"
Primer: WINCHESTER SPM

357 Magnum
Cartridge Load Data Starting Loads

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Loads

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bullet Weight (Gr.) Powder Bullet Diam. C.O.L. Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure
158 GR. CAST LSWC Universal .358" 1.610" 4.0 890 15,700 CUP 6.2 1247 33,400 CUP
158 GR. HDY XTP Universal .357" 1.580" 5.8 1026 32,100 CUP 6.3 1133 39,300 CUP


NEVER EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS

Thanks! Learn something new every day....

THAT primer is to be used ONLY when called for; it is NOT 'interchangeable' with other SPM primers.