Hodgdon H380 occupies a legendary status within the handloading community, particularly among those who specialize in varmint hunting and precision long-range shooting. This propellant is famously named after the favorite load of Bruce Hodgdon himself, who discovered that a 38.0-grain charge behind a 52-grain bullet in the 22-250 Remington produced world-class accuracy and velocity. As a staple in the Rifle Powder category, it has stood the test of time, offering a unique combination of ease of use and high performance in medium-capacity cartridges.
The primary appeal of Hodgdon H380 lies in its physical geometry. As a Spherical Powder, it provides the kind of volumetric consistency that Extruded Powder simply cannot match in high-speed production environments. Whether you are loading five rounds for a benchrest match or five hundred for a weekend in a prairie dog town, Hodgdon H380 ensures that every charge dropped is virtually identical to the last.
Executive Summary
- Main Application: Optimized for high-velocity varmint cartridges and medium rifle rounds such as the 22-250 Remington and 243 Winchester.
- Key Advantage: Exceptional metering characteristics allow for precision charges directly from a powder measure.
- Burn Rate: Medium-slow rifle burn rate, situated near Winchester 748 and Alliant Reloder 15.
- What This Guide Covers: Chemical composition, temperature stability data, competitive market analysis, and optimized component matching for various calibers.
Best For: High-volume varmint hunters and target shooters who prioritize metering consistency and high velocity in 22 to 30 caliber cartridges.
Powder Description & Technical Profile
Hodgdon H380 is a Double-Base Powder, a classification that indicates the inclusion of nitroglycerin in addition to the nitrocellulose base. This chemical structure is what allows Hodgdon H380 to achieve higher energy densities and higher velocities than many Single-Base Powder alternatives. The “ball” or spherical geometry is achieved through a specific manufacturing process where the propellant is formed into tiny spheres, which are then flattened slightly or “crushed” to control the burn rate and surface area.
The history of Hodgdon H380 is deeply intertwined with the development of the 22-250 Remington. Before the cartridge was officially standardized by Remington, it existed as a “wildcat” known as the 22-250 Varminter. Bruce Hodgdon’s advocacy for this powder helped cement both the powder and the cartridge as the premier choice for long-distance varmint control.
The Expert “Feel”
When working with Hodgdon H380, the most immediate observation is the “liquid-like” flow through reloading equipment. Unlike the “crunch” often felt when using a stick powder like IMR 4064, Hodgdon H380 glides through the internal rotors of a measure with zero resistance. This leads to a very smooth reloading experience and reduces the fatigue associated with high-volume sessions. In terms of internal ballistics, it provides a consistent, high-pressure push that is ideal for driving mid-weight bullets to their maximum potential.
Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Best-in-class metering for consistent charge weights.
- High energy density allows for maximum velocities in cartridges like the 243 Winchester.
- Clean burning when used at the upper end of its pressure range.
- Versatile across multiple popular calibers from 22 caliber to 30 caliber.
- Cons:
- More sensitive to temperature fluctuations than the Hodgdon Extreme series (like Hodgdon Varget).
- May require a magnum primer in some applications to ensure consistent ignition of the spherical grains.
Technical Characteristics
The physical properties of Hodgdon H380 are engineered for volumetric efficiency and stable storage.
| Property | Specification |
| Density (g/cc) | 0.930-0.950 |
| Burn Rate Category | Medium-Slow Rifle |
| Shape | Spherical (Ball) |
| Coating | Graphite and Deterrents |
| Base | Double-Base (Nitrocellulose/Nitroglycerin) |
The high density of Hodgdon H380 means it takes up less room in the cartridge case than many extruded alternatives. This makes it an excellent choice for cartridges where case capacity is a limiting factor for reaching desired velocities, as it avoids the need for heavily compressed loads.
Temperature Stability & Burn Rate Analysis
A critical aspect of Hodgdon H380 performance is its temperature sensitivity. Because it is a traditional Double-Base Powder, it lacks the specific chemical coatings found in the Hodgdon Extreme line that stabilize the burn rate across extreme temperature ranges.
In field testing, Hodgdon H380 may exhibit a velocity increase of 1.5-2.0 feet per second for every degree of temperature rise. While this is negligible for hunters taking a single shot at a deer in moderate conditions, it is a significant factor for long-range target shooters or varmint hunters working in the 100-degree heat of summer. It is essential to develop your loads in the conditions you plan to shoot in to avoid potential Overpressure issues.
Stability Table
Comparing Hodgdon H380 against its more modern and older counterparts provides context for its environmental sensitivity.
| Powder | Stability Rating |
| Hodgdon H380 | Standard (Sensitive) |
| Hodgdon Varget | High (Stable) |
| Winchester 748 | Moderate-Low |
Powder Comparison
To understand the specific niche Hodgdon H380 fills, it is helpful to compare it to four key competitors in the medium-burn rifle category.
1. Hodgdon Varget
While Hodgdon Varget is the king of temperature stability, it is an Extruded Powder that does not meter as smoothly as Hodgdon H380. In the 22-250 Remington, H380 often produces higher velocities, whereas Varget is chosen for its consistency across seasons.
2. Winchester 748
Winchester 748 is another Spherical Powder but burns slightly faster than Hodgdon H380. It is widely used in the 223 Remington and 308 Winchester, while H380 is typically better suited for the larger cases and heavier bullets in the 6mm and 25 caliber range.
3. Alliant Reloder 15
Alliant Reloder 15 is an Extruded Powder that offers exceptional accuracy and is a close burn-rate match to Hodgdon H380. It is often more stable than H380 but requires more effort in the metering phase.
4. IMR 4064
IMR 4064 is one of the most versatile propellants ever made, but its large stick geometry makes it a nightmare to run through a progressive press. Hodgdon H380 provides a similar burn profile with significantly better handling characteristics.
| Feature | Hodgdon H380 | Hodgdon Varget | Winchester 748 | Alliant Reloder 15 |
| Geometry | Spherical | Extruded | Spherical | Extruded |
| Stability | Moderate | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Metering | Superior | Moderate | Excellent | Moderate |
| Density | 0.940 g/cc | 0.910 g/cc | 0.950 g/cc | 0.920 g/cc |
Performance, Metering & Equipment
The absolute standout feature of Hodgdon H380 is how it interacts with reloading hardware. Its uniform spherical shape means it fills the cavity of a powder measure with perfect density every time.
Metering Precision
For high-volume reloading, Hodgdon H380 is the gold standard. Using a RCBS MatchMaster Digital Powder Scale & Dispenser or a Hornady Auto Charge Pro with this powder results in extremely fast cycle times. However, it is so consistent that many reloaders find they can achieve 0.1-grain accuracy using a standard manual measure like the Redding Match Grade 3BR.
Ignition Requirements
Due to the heavy deterrent coatings on spherical grains, Hodgdon H380 can sometimes be more difficult to ignite than porous extruded powders. In cold weather or when loading for large cases like the 30-06 Springfield, it is often recommended to use a magnum primer to ensure a complete and consistent burn. This helps reduce velocity spreads and prevents vertical stringing at long range.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
Hodgdon H380 is a versatile workhorse for several of the most popular hunting and target cartridges in the world.
| Cartridge | Primary Application |
| 22-250 Remington | Long-Range Varmint Hunting |
| 243 Winchester | Varmint and Medium Game |
| 257 Roberts | Classic Deer Hunting |
| 308 Winchester | Target and Tactical Shooting |
| 30-06 Springfield | General Big Game Hunting |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | Precision Long Range |
| 6mm ARC | Modern Performance Carbine |
In the 22-250 Remington, Hodgdon H380 is legendary for driving 50-grain and 55-grain bullets at speeds exceeding 3,700 FPS with match-grade accuracy. In the 308 Winchester, it is an excellent choice for 150-grain to 165-grain hunting loads.
Bullets
Matching Hodgdon H380 with the right projectile ensures that you are taking full advantage of its high-velocity capabilities.
| Bullet Brand | Recommended Model | Application |
| Hornady | Hornady V-Max | Explosive Varmint Results |
| Sierra | Sierra MatchKing | Precision Target Shooting |
| Nosler | Nosler Partition | Big Game Integrity |
| Barnes | Barnes TSX | All-Copper Hunting Performance |
| Berger | Berger Hybrid Target | Long-Range Competition |
For varmint shooters, the Hornady V-Max in 50-grain or 55-grain is the classic companion for Hodgdon H380. For those hunting deer with the 243 Winchester, the Nosler Partition provides the terminal performance needed at the high impact velocities H380 can generate.
Primers
Since Hodgdon H380 is a Double-Base Powder with deterrent coatings, primer selection is vital for consistency.
- CCI 200 Large Rifle – A standard for reliability in moderate temperatures.
- Federal 210 Large Rifle – Preferred for its sensitivity and consistent ignition.
- Winchester WLR – A hotter standard primer that works exceptionally well with spherical powders.
- CCI BR-2 – The top choice for competition loads requiring the smallest velocity spreads.
- Remington 9-1-2 – A classic American primer suitable for medium rifle rounds.
- Federal 215 Large Rifle Magnum – Highly recommended for cold-weather hunting with H380.
- CCI 250 Large Rifle Magnum – Provides the extra flame needed for consistent spherical powder ignition.
- Winchester WLRM – A magnum primer often used to flatten out velocity deviations.
- RWS 5333 – A premium magnum primer for those seeking ultimate European quality.
- Fiocchi Large Rifle – A reliable and clean-burning option for high-volume shooters.
Conclusion & Expert Verdict
Hodgdon H380 remains a cornerstone of the reloading world because it solves one of the most persistent problems in handloading: metering consistency. While it requires the user to be mindful of temperature changes and primer selection, the reward is a powder that can produce incredibly small groups and high velocities with minimal effort at the reloading bench. For the 22-250 Remington enthusiast, it is not just a powder; it is the powder that defines the cartridge.
Expert Pro Tip: When developing a precision load with Hodgdon H380, try using a magnum primer even if the loading manual lists a standard primer. In many cases, the increased flame intensity of a magnum primer like the CCI 250 or Winchester WLRM will significantly reduce your Extreme Spread (ES) and Standard Deviation (SD) numbers, particularly when shooting in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This simple change can be the difference between a good group and a one-hole group at long range.
