Hodgdon HS-6 Smokeless Gun Powder

Clear Product Overview

Hodgdon HS-6 Smokeless Gun Powder is a versatile fine-granule spherical propellant engineered for high-performance handgun calibers and field shotshell loads. Manufacturer Hodgdon Powder Company designed it to deliver smooth, controllable pressures and clean burn characteristics across high-volume handgun cartridges and medium shotshell gauges.

First, HS-6 is renowned among USPSA and IPSC competitive shooters as a premier powder choice for loading 9mm Major and .38 Super race-gun ammunition. Consequently, its burn rate produces sufficient gas volume to make power factor while effectively working compensators and red-dot slide actions. In addition, its fine spherical ball structure flows through volumetric powder drops with extreme consistency. As a result, it is a top choice for target marksmen and hunters reloading 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, .38 Super, .45 ACP, and 28-gauge shotshells. Furthermore, it excels in heavy 12-gauge field loads. Therefore, it provides match-grade velocity stability, excellent metering, and reliable energy on target.

Relevant Specifications

• Brand: Hodgdon Powder Company

• Product Line: Spherical Smokeless Propellants

• Powder Name: HS-6

• Powder Type: Double-Base Fine Spherical (Ball) Powder

• Burn Rate: Medium Handgun / Medium Shotshell (Similar class to Winchester 540, Alliant Power Pistol, and Vihtavuori N340)

• Primary Applications: Handgun Cartridges (9mm Luger / 9mm Major, .40 S&W, .38 Super, .357 Magnum, .45 ACP) and Shotshell (28 Gauge & Heavy 12 Gauge Field Loads)

• Available Sizes: 1 lb Canister & 8 lb Container

• Country of Origin: USA / Packaged in USA

Real-World Use Information

Handloaders select Hodgdon HS-6 because it meters effortlessly through automated progressive presses like Dillon, Hornady, and Lee. Consequently, reloaders achieve tight velocity spreads and exact charge weights without needing to constantly tweak volumetric powder drops.

Additionally, its medium-slow handgun burn rate fills small pistol cases nicely, reducing the likelihood of accidental double charges. Therefore, it provides an added layer of safety during high-speed reloading sessions. Furthermore, its clean-burning formulation reduces lead and carbon buildup in pistol actions, compensators, and shotgun chokes.

Compatibility & Requirements

• Application Use: Performs best in medium-to-heavy handgun cartridges, competition race-gun calibers, 28-gauge shotshells, and heavy 12-gauge loads.

• Load Data: Always consult official Hodgdon reloading data tables prior to charging handgun brass or shotshell hulls.

• Storage: Keep this powder in its original sealed container in a cool, dry area away from direct heat sources.

Pros & Limitations

Pros:

• Competition Benchmark: Highly favored for 9mm Major and .38 Super open-class match ammunition.

• Flawless Volumetric Metering: Fine spherical ball geometry flows with extreme accuracy through press powder measures.

• Case Fill Density: Generous charge volumes help visually prevent double-charging in handgun brass.

• Shotshell Utility: Excellent versatility for 28-gauge clay/field loads and heavy 12-gauge hunting shells.

Limitations:

• Requires Firm Ignition: Performs cleanest near top-end operating pressures; light target charges can leave minor unburned powder granules.

• Magnum Primer Helpful: Standard primers work well, but magnum primers can improve combustion completeness in lower-pressure handgun loads.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is Hodgdon HS-6 good for loading 9mm Luger?

A: Yes! HS-6 is excellent for 9mm Luger, especially when loading medium-to-heavy bullet weights (124gr and 147gr) or loading 9mm Major for competition use.

Q: Is Hodgdon HS-6 identical to Winchester 540?

A: Yes. Historically, Hodgdon HS-6 and Winchester 540 shared the exact same chemical formulation and reloading data.

Q: Does Hodgdon HS-6 meter well on progressive reloading presses?

A: Absolutely. Because it is a fine spherical (ball) powder, HS-6 flows through volumetric powder measures with exceptional precision and consistency.

Shipping & Delivery Information

• HazMat Fee: Requires a Federal HazMat shipping fee per order.

• Shipping Method: Ground shipping only across the USA.

• Restrictions: No air shipping, P.O. Boxes, or overseas orders.

• Return Policy: All powder sales are final due to safety rules.