Published: 2026 | Last updated: May 2026
Hodgdon Benchmark is a fast-to-medium-burning, single-base extruded powder from the Hodgdon Extreme series, engineered specifically for small-bore benchrest competition and high-velocity varmint applications. It was developed to solve a long-standing tension in precision reloading: extruded single-base powders produce the most consistent combustion for accuracy work, but their grain geometry traditionally meters poorly compared to ball powders. Hodgdon’s solution was a “micro-grain” cut – extremely short, fine stick segments that flow through measure drums with near-ball-powder consistency while retaining the single-base accuracy advantages.
The result is a powder that sits in an almost unique position: Extreme series temperature stability (~<0.5 fps/°F), single-base clean burning, and metering variance of ±0.1-0.15 grains on quality equipment – a combination that no ball powder alternative in the same burn rate class can match.
Its primary applications are 204 Ruger, 223 Remington with light-to-standard 40-55 grain bullets, 22-250 Remington light varmint loads, and 6mm PPC benchrest competition. These are not incidental – the burn rate is specifically positioned for these case volumes and bullet weight ranges.
This article is based on published manufacturer specifications, established load data, and documented field reports. Specifications and performance figures can vary between lots, rifles, and conditions. If you have loaded Hodgdon Benchmark in practice – leave a comment below: real-world experience from the reloading bench is what separates verified data from manufacturer claims.
Powder Description and Technical Profile
Hodgdon Benchmark is a single-base, micro-grain extruded powder. The single-base formulation – nitrocellulose without nitroglycerin – is the chemical basis for the Extreme series stability advantage and the clean-burning behavior that varmint hunters running 200-round sessions specifically value.
The micro-grain geometry is the engineering achievement. Traditional extruded powders cut to long stick lengths produce grain sizes that bridge in measure apertures and shear during cycling. Benchmark’s very short grains eliminate most of these issues. They pack uniformly into the measure drum, flow consistently through drop tubes, and settle in the case without the void-and-bridge behavior of long sticks. The result is metering performance that is markedly better than standard extruded alternatives at the same burn rate.
The Extreme series deterrent coating is the mechanism behind the documented ~<0.5 fps/°F temperature stability. At the fast-to-medium burn rate position where Benchmark operates – faster than Hodgdon Varget and comparable to Hodgdon H4895 – this Extreme stability is particularly valuable for varmint hunters who shoot across wide daily temperature swings from early morning cold to midday heat.
Bulk density is approximately 0.920 g/cc – higher than typical for extruded powders at this burn rate, reflecting the efficient packing of the fine micro-grain geometry. In 204 Ruger and 223 Remington at working charge weights, case fill runs 90-97%, adequate for consistent ignition without position sensitivity.
Strengths:
- Extreme series temperature stability (~<0.5 fps/°F) – the defining property; a shooter zeroing in autumn and hunting in winter sees negligible velocity or POI shift
- Micro-grain metering at ±0.1-0.15 grains – the best volumetric metering performance of any Extreme series extruded powder in this burn rate class; approaches ball powder consistency
- Single-base clean burning – less carbon residue per round than double-base ball powders at equivalent pressures; barrel maintenance intervals are extended in high-volume varmint use
- Very low extreme spread – consistent combustion from Extreme series chemistry and near-complete case fill produces the low standard deviations that benchrest shooters use as the primary accuracy metric
- 204 Ruger specialist – burn rate is specifically well-matched to this case and the 32-40 grain bullets it is optimized for
Limitations:
- Too fast for heavy-for-caliber bullets in medium cases – in 308 Winchester with standard 150-175 grain bullets, the burn rate is too fast; Hodgdon Varget or Hodgdon H4895 are appropriate there
- 308 Winchester light-bullet application is narrow – with 110-125 grain very light bullets only, where effective case volume approaches the small-case burn rate window; verify from published Hodgdon data
- Not the highest-velocity option at this burn rate – Alliant AR-Comp and similar double-base alternatives produce more velocity from nitroglycerin energy content; Benchmark accepts this trade for the Extreme series stability
- Premium price point relative to ball powder alternatives in the same burn rate class
Technical Characteristics
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Hodgdon Powder Company |
| Series | Hodgdon Extreme |
| Type | Single-Base Micro-Grain Extruded |
| Bulk Density (g/cc) | ~0.920 |
| Grain Shape | Very Short Cylindrical (Micro-Grain) |
| Coating | Extreme Series Technical Deterrents |
| Burn Rate Category | Fast-to-Medium Rifle |
| Temperature Stability | ~<0.5 fps / °F (Extreme series) |
Where Benchmark Fits – The Fast-Rifle Extreme Series Position
Benchmark is the Extreme series powder in the fast-to-medium burn rate range – faster than Hodgdon H4895 and Hodgdon Varget, slower than Hodgdon H4198. This positions it for the small-bore varmint cases and the 204 Ruger where the Extreme series advantage is most practically visible:
| Powder | Type | Density (g/cc) | Burn Position | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon H4198 | SB Short-Cut | 0.865 | Faster | Extreme |
| Hodgdon H322 | SB Extruded | 0.895 | Slightly Faster | Extreme |
| Hodgdon Benchmark | SB Micro-Grain | 0.920 | Reference | Extreme |
| Hodgdon H4895 | SB Extruded | 0.880 | Slower | Extreme |
| Hodgdon Varget | SB Short-Cut | 0.910 | Slower | Extreme |
| Accurate 2230 | DB Ball | 0.960 | Similar | Standard |
| Alliant AR-Comp | DB Extruded | 0.950 | Similar | Partial |
The most important positioning note: Benchmark sits between the two other Extreme series fast-rifle options. H322 is the better choice for the smallest cases (6mm PPC, 222 Remington) where Benchmark’s slightly slower burn is at the slower edge. Benchmark is the better choice when case capacity increases toward 204 Ruger and 223 Remington with light bullets, where H322 can be too fast for efficient combustion.
Temperature Stability – The Varmint Hunter’s Advantage
~<0.5 fps per degree Fahrenheit is the Extreme series performance for Benchmark. The application where this matters most is varmint hunting – specifically the prairie dog town scenario where a shooter arrives at dawn in 40°F conditions and may still be shooting in 85°F afternoon heat.
A 204 Ruger load with Benchmark at 3,800 fps at 40°F will produce approximately:
- At 85°F (+45°F afternoon warming): 3,800 + (45 x 0.4) = approximately 3,818 fps – 18 fps faster
- At 300 yards on a prairie dog: approximately 0.1 inches of POI shift – completely negligible
The same load with Accurate 2230 at 1.5 fps/°F:
- At 85°F: 3,800 + (45 x 1.5) = approximately 3,868 fps – 68 fps faster, with corresponding pressure increase
- At 300 yards: approximately 0.3-0.4 inches of POI shift – still small but roughly 3-4x the Extreme series variation
For the benchrest competitor shooting through a multi-hour match with temperature change: Benchmark’s Extreme series stability eliminates a variable that affects every other non-Extreme powder in the same burn rate class.
| Powder | 45°F Daily Swing | At 300 yards | At 400 yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon Benchmark | ~18-22 fps | <0.2″ | <0.3″ |
| Hodgdon H322 | ~18-22 fps | <0.2″ | <0.3″ |
| Accurate 2230 | ~45-68 fps | ~0.3-0.5″ | ~0.5-0.8″ |
| Alliant AR-Comp | ~27-40 fps | ~0.2-0.3″ | ~0.3-0.5″ |
Burn Rate Comparison and Competing Powders
vs. Hodgdon H322: H322 burns slightly faster and is also Extreme series. It is better matched for 6mm PPC and 222 Remington where the smaller case volume works more efficiently with the faster burn. Benchmark becomes more appropriate as case capacity increases toward 204 Ruger and 223 Remington standard light loads. Both are Extreme series – no stability difference; the choice follows case volume and bullet weight.
vs. Vihtavuori N133: N133 is a single-base extruded powder at a comparable burn rate – exceptionally clean burning, excellent lot-to-lot consistency from Vihtavuori’s vertically integrated manufacturing, and temperature stability that is comparable to but typically not quite at Extreme series levels. For European-market access or shooters who value Vihtavuori’s burn consistency, N133 is a fully legitimate benchrest alternative. In North American markets, Benchmark is more widely stocked and documented. The accuracy ceiling of both is competitive with the best benchrest powders available.
vs. Accurate 2230: Accurate 2230 is a double-base ball powder – better ball geometry metering (±0.04-0.07 vs Benchmark’s ±0.1-0.15 grains) and higher velocity from double-base energy, but standard temperature sensitivity (~1.5 fps/°F vs Benchmark’s <0.5 fps/°F). For high-volume progressive press 223 Remington production where metering efficiency is paramount and temperature variation is managed, Accurate 2230 is the practical choice. For precision benchrest and varmint work where Extreme series stability and single-base cleanliness are the priorities, Benchmark is more appropriate.
vs. IMR 8208 XBR: IMR 8208 XBR burns slightly slower and is specifically documented for 6.5 Grendel with 120-123 grain bullets, 308 Winchester light bullet target loads, and medium-capacity cases where Benchmark’s burn rate is slightly fast. Benchmark is more appropriate for 204 Ruger and 223 Remington with 40-55 grain bullets; IMR 8208 XBR as case capacity and bullet weight increase.
vs. Alliant AR-Comp: Alliant AR-Comp is a double-base extruded powder at a comparable burn rate with a partial temperature-stabilizing additive (~0.6-0.8 fps/°F) – between standard double-base sensitivity and Extreme series levels. It is specifically developed for AR-15 gas system optimization. Benchmark is more appropriate for bolt-action precision and benchrest work where the full Extreme series stability is the priority.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
Hodgdon Benchmark is specifically efficient in small-to-medium capacity cases with light-to-standard bullet weights.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 204 Ruger | 24-40 gr | Primary application – optimal burn rate match |
| 223 Remington | 40-55 gr | Light varmint and standard match loads |
| 22-250 Remington | 40-52 gr | Light varmint loads only |
| 6mm PPC | 68-75 gr | Benchrest competition |
| 222 Remington | 50-55 gr | Precision varmint – verify vs H322 |
| 6.5 Grendel | 90-100 gr | Light-bullet loads – verify data |
| 308 Winchester | 110-125 gr | Very light bullets only – see note |
204 Ruger is the application where Benchmark’s burn rate is most precisely matched. The case capacity, bore diameter, and the 32-40 grain bullet weights that define 204 Ruger varmint use all align specifically with Benchmark’s burn rate position. With 32-grain Hornady V-MAX and 40-grain Hornady NTX bullets, Benchmark produces the near-complete case fill that generates consistent ignition and the low standard deviations that define 204 Ruger at its best.
223 Remington with 40-55 grain varmint bullets is the second core application. The Extreme series stability is specifically valuable for a long prairie dog session where the thermal consistency eliminates the POI drift that double-base ball powders show across a day’s temperature change. For 223 Remington with 69-77 grain heavy match bullets, Hodgdon Varget or Hodgdon H4895 are better burn rate matches.
308 Winchester note: The original article lists 308 Winchester as an application. Benchmark in 308 Winchester is specifically for very light 110-125 grain bullets only – the effective case volume reduction from these light, shorter projectiles brings the burn rate window down toward Benchmark’s range. With standard 150-175 grain 308 Winchester loads, Hodgdon Varget or Hodgdon H4895 are the appropriate choices.
6.5 Grendel note: For 6.5 Grendel with 90-100 grain light bullets, Benchmark may have published data – verify from current Hodgdon online data. For standard 6.5 Grendel loads with 120-123 grain bullets, IMR 8208 XBR is typically better matched.
The Benchrest Pro Tip – Loading Density and Pressure
The original article’s “Expert Pro Tip” about experimenting at the lower end of the charge range for 52-grain match bullets is valid benchrest guidance and worth expanding.
Many benchrest shooters discover their tightest groups occur in the lower-to-middle portion of the published charge range, not at maximum. This happens because:
- Near-maximum pressure can induce bore alignment issues – the peak gas force is so high that even small variations in neck tension, primer seating, or powder lot produce small but consistent velocity differences
- Optimal load density – for single-base extruded powders, near-complete case fill (92-97%) without compression often produces the most consistent standard deviations; finding the charge that achieves this without approaching maximum pressure is the target
- Velocity node – accuracy nodes in benchrest loads are often narrow charge windows where the bullet exits at a consistent barrel harmonic phase; these nodes can occur well below maximum
The practical approach: develop loads in 0.2-grain increments across the full published range, shoot 5-shot groups at each increment, and look for the charge weight where both group size and extreme spread are minimized. This charge is often not at maximum.
Bullets
Hodgdon Benchmark pairs best with light, high-velocity varmint and benchrest precision bullets in small-bore calibers.
| Brand | Model | Weight | Cartridge | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady | V-MAX | 32-55 gr | 204 Ruger / 223 Rem | Varmint Hunting |
| Hornady | NTX | 32-35 gr | 204 Ruger | Lead-Free Varmint |
| Sierra | BlitzKing | 40-55 gr | 204 Ruger / 223 Rem | Precision Varmint |
| Nosler | Varmageddon | 40-55 gr | 204 Ruger / 223 Rem | Field Control |
| Nosler | Ballistic Tip | 40-55 gr | 223 Rem / 22-250 | Long-Range Varmint |
| Sierra | MatchKing | 52-53 gr | 223 Rem | Benchrest Competition |
| Berger | Target | 68-70 gr | 6mm PPC | Benchrest |
| Barnes | Varmin-A-Tor | 36-50 gr | 204 Ruger / 223 Rem | Lead-Free Varmint |
| Berger | Varmint Explosive | 40-52 gr | 223 Rem | Match Varmint |
| Sierra | Varminter | 40-53 gr | 223 Rem / 22-250 | Classic Varmint |
Have you loaded Hodgdon Benchmark? Your practical data on charge weights, accuracy in 204 Ruger or 223 Remington, temperature stability across a day’s varmint session, or comparison with H322 or N133 helps other reloaders more than any spec sheet. Leave a comment below.
Primers
Hodgdon Benchmark as an Extreme series single-base powder responds well to standard and benchrest small rifle primers. Magnum primers are not required for standard varmint and target applications. For AR-15 semi-automatic platforms, the CCI No. 41 mil-spec cup primer prevents slam-fire from a free-floating firing pin.
| Primer | Type | Application |
|---|---|---|
| CCI BR-4 | Small Rifle Benchrest | Benchrest competition – lowest SD |
| Federal GM205M | Small Rifle Match | Competition precision |
| Remington 7-1/2 | Small Rifle Bench Rest | Classic benchrest pairing |
| Federal 205 | Small Rifle Standard | Consistent precision varmint |
| CCI 400 | Small Rifle Standard | General varmint and development |
| Winchester WSR | Small Rifle Standard | General precision use |
| CCI 450 | Small Rifle Magnum | Cold weather below 10°F |
| CCI No. 41 | Small Rifle Magnum (Mil-Spec) | AR-15 semi-auto platforms |
| RWS 4033 | Small Rifle | Premium European precision |
| Fiocchi Small Rifle | Small Rifle Standard | Volume production alternative |
| Ginex Small Rifle | Small Rifle Standard | Cost-effective general use |
| Sellier & Bellot V360247 | Small Rifle Standard | Consistent international option |
For benchrest competition, CCI BR-4 and Remington 7-1/2 have established the deepest competition track record with Benchmark in 223 Remington and 6mm PPC applications. The extremely consistent cup hardness of benchrest primers contributes directly to the low extreme spread that makes Benchmark competitive at the highest precision levels.
Metering and Equipment Compatibility
Hodgdon Benchmark’s micro-grain geometry is the defining practical advantage over traditional extruded powders. On quality volumetric equipment including the Hornady Lock-N-Load Bench Rest Powder Measure and Redding Competition BR-30, ±0.1-0.15 grain variance is achievable at normal cycling speeds – meaningfully better than long-cut or standard extruded alternatives in the same burn rate class.
For precision benchrest loading, the workflow that achieves maximum consistency: throw to within 0.05-0.08 grains of target weight using a calibrated measure, then trickle to exact weight with a Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler on a high-resolution scale like the RCBS MatchMaster or Lyman Gen 6 Compact. This achieves ±0.02 grain charge consistency – the precision floor that benchrest accuracy requires.
For high-volume varmint production, the RCBS ChargeMaster Supreme and Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper 2.0 handle the fine grains efficiently at production speeds.
Reloading Safety Notes
All charge weights must come from current published Hodgdon load data for Benchmark specifically. Do not substitute Hodgdon H322, IMR 8208 XBR, or Vihtavuori N133 charge weights without independent verification.
Start 10% below the listed maximum and work up in 0.2-grain increments for small-capacity applications (204 Ruger, 223 Remington). Pressure signs in small cases: flattened primers, stiff bolt lift, ejector marks, sticky extraction.
The Extreme series stability means seasonal pressure variation is minimal – but still develop maximum charges at the highest expected firing temperature as standard protocol.
See the overpressure in reloading guide for systematic pressure sign identification.
FAQ
Is Hodgdon Benchmark the best powder for 204 Ruger?
It is the most specifically well-matched Extreme series powder for 204 Ruger with 32-40 grain bullets. The burn rate, case fill, and Extreme series stability combine to produce the consistent, low-SD loads that 204 Ruger’s flat-shooting varmint application requires. The primary alternatives worth testing are Hodgdon H322 (slightly faster, also Extreme series, may suit lighter loads better) and Vihtavuori N133 (very clean burning, comparable precision). Load development in the specific barrel determines the final choice.
How does Benchmark compare to N133 for 6mm PPC benchrest?
Both are used competitively at the highest benchrest levels. N133 is respected for its exceptional clean burning and the extremely tight lot-to-lot consistency that Vihtavuori’s single-facility manufacturing produces. Benchmark’s Extreme series stability is marginally better in temperature-varied conditions. For competition shooters who compete in a single season in controlled conditions, the difference is small. For shooters who need year-round consistency across wide seasonal swings, Benchmark’s Extreme series advantage is more meaningful.
Why does Benchmark produce lower SD than many other powders?
Three contributing factors: First, the Extreme series deterrent coating regulates the ignition phase consistently across the charge, reducing the thermal variation that causes SD. Second, the near-complete case fill (90-97%) at working charge weights eliminates airspace that contributes to position-sensitive ignition. Third, the progressive linear pressure curve from single-base chemistry produces more consistent bullet-base pressure at the moment of movement than double-base alternatives that may spike more sharply.
Conclusion
Hodgdon Benchmark delivers on its designed brief: Extreme series temperature stability at a fast-to-medium burn rate with micro-grain geometry that approaches ball powder metering performance. For 204 Ruger varmint work and 223 Remington with light bullets where those three properties are specifically valuable, no competing powder in the burn rate class matches all three simultaneously.
Choose Hodgdon Benchmark if you load 204 Ruger or 223 Remington with 40-55 grain varmint bullets for precision work where Extreme series year-round stability and single-base cleanliness across high-volume sessions are the priorities. Choose Hodgdon H322 if the primary applications are 6mm PPC and 222 Remington where the slightly faster burn is a better case-volume match. Choose Vihtavuori N133 if extreme burning cleanliness and Vihtavuori lot consistency are the priorities and Extreme series stability is secondary. Choose Accurate 2230 if high-volume progressive press production with maximum metering efficiency and velocity is the primary requirement and Extreme stability is not essential.
Editor’s note: Published load data and manufacturer specifications are the starting point – not the final word. Field experience from reloaders who have actually worked with this powder is the most reliable guide to what it does in practice. If you have used Hodgdon Benchmark, share your results in the comments.
Editorial note: Originally published 2026, revised May 2026. The revision added the Extreme series burn rate positioning table showing Benchmark between H322 and H4895/Varget. Added the temperature stability table with specific inches-at-distance figures for varmint shooting conditions. Added the 308 Winchester light-bullet-only restriction with explanation. Added the 6.5 Grendel caveat for standard-weight bullets. Expanded the benchrest “lower charge” Pro Tip with the three mechanical reasons why this phenomenon occurs. Added the Alliant AR-Comp competitor comparison. Extended the bullet and primer tables with full internal links. Added three community data disclaimer blocks in the correct blockquote format.
