Hodgdon H335 is a high-performance propellant originally developed for military applications and has since become a cornerstone for civilian reloaders specializing in small to medium rifle cartridges. As one of the most popular spherical powders in the Hodgdon lineup, Hodgdon H335 is renowned for its exceptional metering capabilities and its ability to produce high velocities in the 223 Remington.
- Main Application: High-velocity varmint and target loads for small-bore rifles.
- Key Advantage: Superior volumetric metering through progressive and automated equipment.
- Burn Rate: Mid-range rifle propellant, typically positioned between Hodgdon H322 and Hodgdon BL-C-2.
- What This Guide Covers: Physical properties, burn rate comparisons, metering equipment recommendations, and optimized cartridge/component pairings.
Best For: High-volume shooters using progressive presses for 223 Remington and 308 Winchester.
Powder Description & Technical Profile
Hodgdon H335 is a double-base powder consisting of fine, spherical granules. This physical geometry is its greatest strength, allowing it to flow through powder measures with the fluidity of liquid, ensuring nearly identical charge weights from one throw to the next.
The expert “feel” of Hodgdon H335 is characterized by a rapid pressure build, making it highly efficient in shorter-barreled rifles. While it is a double-base propellant containing nitroglycerin for increased energy density, it is designed to minimize overpressure spikes when kept within recommended loading data.
Pros
- Flows flawlessly through mechanical measures.
- High energy density provides excellent velocities in the 222 Remington and 223 Remington.
- Ideal for high-volume reloading on progressive machines.
- Very consistent ignition when used with appropriate primers.
Cons
- More sensitive to temperature fluctuations than the Hodgdon Extreme series.
- Can produce more muzzle flash in very short barrels compared to single-base powders.
- Requires careful work-up to avoid overpressure in hot climates.
Technical Characteristics
The uniform shape of Hodgdon H335 allows for high packing density within the cartridge case, which is particularly beneficial for the relatively small internal volume of the 223 Remington.
| Property | Specification |
| Manufacturer | Hodgdon Powder Company |
| Powder Type | Spherical |
| Chemical Base | Double-Base |
| Density (g/cc) | 0.950-1.010 |
| Burn Rate Index | Medium-Fast Rifle |
| Color | Dark Gray |
Temperature Stability & Burn Rate Analysis
While Hodgdon H335 is not part of the Extreme line, it remains a reliable performer for the majority of shooting conditions. However, reloaders should be aware that spherical powders of this generation can exhibit more velocity variation across extreme temperature spreads than extruded propellants.
| Powder | Stability Rating | Velocity Shift (Approx.) |
| Hodgdon H335 | Moderate | 1.0-1.5 FPS per degree |
| Hodgdon Varget | Exceptional | < 0.5 FPS per degree |
| Winchester 748 | Moderate | 1.2-1.8 FPS per degree |
Powder Comparison
Comparing Hodgdon H335 against its competitors highlights its position as a fast-to-medium rifle propellant, ideal for lighter projectiles.
| Powder | Burn Rate | Density (g/cc) | Primary Cartridges |
| Accurate 2200 | Faster | 0.970 | 6.8 SPC, 223 Remington |
| Hodgdon H322 | Faster | 0.885 | 6mm BR, 223 Remington |
| Hodgdon H335 | Standard | 0.980 | 223 Remington, 308 Winchester |
| Ramshot TAC | Slower | 0.985 | 223 Remington, 308 Winchester |
| Hodgdon BL-C-2 | Slower | 0.990 | 308 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield |
Performance, Metering & Equipment
The metering of Hodgdon H335 is arguably the best in its class. It flows through the Dillon Precision Case Activated Powder Measure Assembly RL550, XL650, XL750 with extreme precision, making it a favorite for high-volume AR-15 reloading.
For precision bench reloading, the Redding Competition 10X-Pistol and Small Rifle Powder Measure or the Lyman Brass Smith Powder Measure will throw remarkably consistent charges. If you require digital accuracy, the RCBS ChargeMaster Supreme Digital Powder Scale and Dispenser handles this fine spherical grain with ease, with zero risk of the “clogging” issues sometimes seen with large-stick powders.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
Hodgdon H335 is the quintessential “varmint” powder but is equally at home in general-purpose rifle loads.
| Cartridge | Primary Application |
| 222 Remington | Classic Varmint Hunting |
| 223 Remington | AR-15 Target and Defensive Loads |
| 22-250 Remington | High-Velocity Pest Control |
| 6mm ARC | Modern Small-Frame Precision |
| 30 Carbine | Efficient Energy Transfer |
| 308 Winchester | Standard 150gr Hunting Loads |
| 338 Federal | Heavy-Hitting Short Action |
Bullets
Because of its burn rate, Hodgdon H335 is most efficient when paired with light to medium-weight projectiles for a given caliber.
| Bullet Brand | Recommended Model | Application |
| Sierra | Sierra BlitzKing | Explosive Varmint Performance |
| Hornady | Hornady V-MAX | High-Velocity Varminting |
| Nosler | Nosler Varmageddon | Field Pest Control |
| Speer | Speer TNT | Rapid Fragmentation |
| Barnes | Barnes Varmin-A-Tor | Accurate Pest Management |
| Winchester | Winchester Varmint X | Specialized Predator Hunting |
| Federal | Federal Power-Shok | Traditional Deer Hunting |
Primers
As a spherical powder with a relatively high deterrent coating, Hodgdon H335 often benefits from a “magnum” primer or a very hot standard primer to ensure complete and uniform ignition.
- CCI 450 – Small Rifle Magnum; highly recommended for Hodgdon H335 in 223 Remington.
- CCI No. 41 – Military primer; ideal for semi-auto use with this powder.
- Federal GM205MAR – Match primer designed for the AR platform.
- Winchester WSR – Standard Small Rifle with consistent ignition.
- Remington 7-1-2 – Known for benchrest-quality consistency.
- Fiocchi Small Rifle Magnum – Strong ignition for European-sourced spherical propellants.
- Ginex Small Rifle – A reliable international option with robust cups.
- Sellier-Bellot V360247 – Consistent performance in standard target loads.
- RWS 4033 – Premium choice for high-precision varmint work.
- CCI BR-4 – Benchrest Small Rifle for the tightest possible groups.
Expert Verdict
Hodgdon H335 remains the gold standard for high-volume loading in the 223 Remington. Its legendary metering and high energy yield make it an essential propellant for any shooter who prioritizes efficiency and reliable performance. While it lacks the extreme temperature stability of newer formulations, its performance in the field and at the bench has been proven over decades of service.
Expert Pro Tip: For the best results in the 223 Remington, pair Hodgdon H335 with a Small Rifle Magnum primer such as the CCI 450. The hotter spark helps penetrate the deterrent coatings on spherical grains, leading to lower standard deviations and more consistent vertical grouping at longer ranges.
