Published: 2026 | Last updated: May 2026
Hodgdon H335 is a medium-fast-burning, double-base spherical powder with a military heritage – originally developed as a 5.56 NATO propellant and subsequently adopted by civilian reloaders as the standard high-volume 223 Remington and 222 Remington powder for progressive press AR-15 loading. It sits in the burn rate position between Hodgdon H322 and Ramshot TAC on the Hodgdon chart, covering the medium-fast range where small-bore varmint cartridges and 5.56 NATO-class loads operate most efficiently.
The powder’s defining properties are straightforward: ball geometry metering consistency that makes high-volume progressive press production practical, and a burn rate calibrated specifically for 223 Remington with standard 40-69 grain bullets and 222 Remington at full performance. Its temperature sensitivity (approximately 1.0-1.5 fps per degree Fahrenheit) is the acknowledged trade-off for ball powder chemistry – manageable for the high-volume training and varmint applications where it is most used, requiring acknowledgment for seasonal precision applications.
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 H335 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 H335 is a double-base, spherical powder manufactured in the United States. The double-base chemistry – nitrocellulose plus nitroglycerin – provides the energy density that generates adequate chamber pressure in the 223 Remington case at the military-specification velocities for which it was developed. The nitroglycerin content also provides reliable cold-weather ignition in the sub-freezing conditions that military 5.56 NATO ammunition must function through.
The spherical geometry is the dominant practical property. Uniform spheres pack into a powder measure drum consistently at any cycling speed, flow through drop tubes without bridging, and produce charge-to-charge variance of 0.04-0.07 grains on quality progressive equipment. For an AR-15 shooter loading 1,000 rounds per session for training, this metering consistency is the property that makes H335 the practical choice – it eliminates the scale verification overhead that extruded alternatives require at high volume.
Bulk density is approximately 0.980 g/cc – high for a medium-fast powder, reflecting the dense packing of small spheres. In 223 Remington with standard 55-69 grain bullets at working charge weights, case fill runs 90-97% – the range where consistent primer contact and low position sensitivity occur without compression in standard loads.
The original article’s density range of “0.950-1.010 g/cc” is atypically wide for a commercial powder and likely reflects measurement method variation rather than actual product variation. The working bulk density is approximately 0.980 g/cc.
The pressure curve is calibrated for the 5.56 NATO gas system timing. The burn rate produces adequate gas port pressure for reliable bolt carrier group cycling in standard 16-inch and 20-inch AR-15 barrels. In very short barrels (10.5 inches and under), the gas port timing becomes less optimal and other powders may cycle more reliably – but for standard-length AR configurations, H335 is one of the most specifically documented powders for the platform.
Strengths:
- Best-in-class metering (0.04-0.07 grain variance) for a medium-fast rifle powder – enables accurate high-volume progressive press production
- Military 5.56 NATO heritage – the burn rate and pressure curve were specifically developed for this case and bore combination; decades of documentation in commercial and military data
- High bulk density (~0.980 g/cc) produces 90-97% case fill in 223 Remington at working charges – good position sensitivity resistance
- Reliable cold-weather ignition from double-base nitroglycerin content
- Deep published data library covering 222 Remington, 223 Remington, and associated small-bore cartridges across all major North American manuals
Limitations:
- Temperature sensitivity of 1.0-1.5 fps/°F – standard double-base ball powder sensitivity. Loads developed in summer may produce elevated pressure at high temperatures; loads developed in cool weather produce lower velocity in winter. Not at Extreme or Enduron stability levels
- 308 Winchester application is narrow – appropriate only for light 147-150 grain loads where specific gas port pressure requirements apply; not the standard 308 Winchester precision load (see section below)
- More muzzle flash in short barrels than single-base powders – the double-base nitroglycerin produces additional flash from unburned combustion products in ultra-short (10.5-inch and under) barrels without a suppressor
- Not at Extreme series stability levels – Hodgdon Varget is substantially more temperature-stable for 223 Remington precision applications where seasonal consistency matters
Technical Characteristics
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Hodgdon Powder Company |
| Heritage | Military 5.56 NATO propellant |
| Type | Double-Base Spherical (Ball) |
| Bulk Density (g/cc) | ~0.980 |
| Grain Shape | Small Spherical |
| Coating | Graphite and Deterrent |
| Burn Rate Category | Medium-Fast Rifle |
| Temperature Sensitivity | ~1.0-1.5 fps / °F |
The 308 Winchester Application – Important Clarification
The original article lists 308 Winchester as a primary H335 application alongside 223 Remington. This requires specific context.
H335 in 308 Winchester is specifically for light-weight 147-150 grain “reduced” loads calibrated for specific semi-automatic gas systems where standard-pressure 308 Winchester loads produce too much gas port pressure. The M1 Garand is the classic example: the rifle’s gas system operates in a specific pressure window, and standard medium-slow powders like Hodgdon Varget or IMR 4064 can over-gas the system. H335 in 308 Winchester with 147-150 grain bullets produces the gas port pressure profile that works with these systems.
H335 is not appropriate for standard precision 308 Winchester loads. For bolt-action precision, AR-10 service rifle loads, or hunting loads in 308 Winchester, Hodgdon Varget, IMR 4064, or Hodgdon H4895 are the appropriate medium-burn choices. The burn rate of H335 is too fast for optimal pressure development in 308 Winchester at normal pressure levels.
For the same reason, 338 Federal with H335 (as listed in the original article) is similarly specific – only for reduced loads in gas-operated platforms with specific port pressure requirements, not for standard hunting loads.
Temperature Stability – Practical Context for AR-15 Use
1.0-1.5 fps per degree Fahrenheit means H335 produces approximately 50-75 fps velocity variation across a 50°F temperature swing. For the primary application contexts:
High-volume AR-15 training loads at 0-400 yards: The 50-75 fps variation from a 50°F temperature swing produces less than 1 inch of point-of-impact shift at 300 yards. For a shooter running the same load from summer to winter range sessions, this variation is within practical training tolerances. No seasonal adjustment is needed for standard training distances.
Varmint hunting at 400+ yards: At 400 yards on prairie dogs, 75 fps velocity variation produces approximately 1.5-2 inches of vertical shift – meaningful for a 4-inch target. A temperature-corrected drop chart helps when shooting across significantly different seasonal temperatures.
Precision match shooting: For PRS-style competition at 600+ yards, the 1.0-1.5 fps/°F sensitivity is a real limitation. Hodgdon Varget at <0.5 fps/°F is the more appropriate choice for year-round competition where seasonal consistency is required.
| Powder | 50°F Swing | At 300 yards | At 500 yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon Varget | ~25 fps | <0.5″ | ~1″ |
| Alliant AR-Comp | ~30-40 fps | ~0.5-1″ | ~1.5″ |
| Hodgdon H335 | ~50-75 fps | ~1″ | ~2-3″ |
| Winchester 748 | ~60-90 fps | ~1.5″ | ~3-4″ |
Burn Rate Comparison and Competing Powders
| Powder | Type | Density (g/cc) | Key Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon H322 | Single-Base Extruded | 0.895 | Faster – 6mm PPC, Extreme stability |
| Accurate 2200 | Double-Base Ball | 0.960 | Slightly Faster – 6.8 SPC |
| Alliant AR-Comp | Double-Base Extruded | 0.950 | Similar – AR optimized, partial stability |
| Hodgdon H335 | Double-Base Ball | 0.980 | Reference – 223 Rem / 5.56 ball powder |
| Ramshot TAC | Double-Base Ball | 0.985 | Slightly Slower – 223 Rem, 308 Win |
| Hodgdon BL-C(2) | Double-Base Ball | 0.990 | Slightly Slower – 308 Win specialist |
| Hodgdon Varget | Single-Base Extruded | 0.910 | Slower – Extreme stability, 308 precision |
| Winchester 748 | Double-Base Ball | 0.980 | Similar – 223 Rem competitor |
vs. Hodgdon Varget: The most important comparison for 223 Remington reloaders choosing between the two. Varget is a single-base extruded Extreme series powder at a slower burn rate – ~<0.5 fps/°F temperature stability, better case fill in 308 Winchester and 223 Remington with heavier 69-77 grain bullets, and the accuracy record for precision 223 Remington and 308 Winchester competition. H335 meters better for progressive press production and is better matched for lighter 40-62 grain 223 Remington varmint loads. The choice is direct: high-volume progressive press training and light-bullet varmint applications favor H335; precision competition and heavier-bullet loads favor Varget.
vs. Ramshot TAC: Ramshot TAC is a double-base ball powder at a slightly slower burn rate, specifically optimized for 223 Remington with 50-69 grain bullets and 308 Winchester target loads. Its temperature sensitivity is comparable to H335. TAC is better matched for 308 Winchester standard loads than H335. Both offer ball geometry metering; load development in the specific rifle guides the final choice between them.
vs. Winchester 748: Winchester 748 is a double-base ball powder at a comparable burn rate to H335 with a similar application range and temperature sensitivity profile. It has a long published data history in 223 Remington and 308 Winchester. The two are largely interchangeable in application, with load development in the specific barrel guiding the final choice. Charge weights are not interchangeable between the two.
vs. Alliant AR-Comp: Alliant AR-Comp is a double-base extruded powder specifically developed for AR-15 gas system timing with a partial temperature-stabilizing additive. It meters less consistently than H335 from its extruded geometry but offers slightly better temperature stability. For shooters who use 223 Remington for both training and precision applications where seasonal consistency matters somewhat, AR-Comp is a middle-ground option. For pure high-volume progressive press production, H335’s ball geometry is the metering advantage.
vs. Hodgdon BL-C(2): Hodgdon BL-C(2) burns slightly slower than H335 and is specifically documented for 308 Winchester target loads and 223 Remington with heavier 62-77 grain bullets. For 223 Remington with 55-grain standard bullets, H335 is typically better matched. For 308 Winchester at standard pressures (not the Garand-specific reduced loads), BL-C(2) is a more appropriate ball powder choice than H335.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
Hodgdon H335 is most efficiently used in small-to-medium capacity cases with light-to-standard bullet weights where the medium-fast burn rate produces optimal pressure development.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 223 Remington | 40-69 gr | Primary application – full weight range |
| 222 Remington | 40-55 gr | Classic small-bore varmint |
| 22-250 Remington | 40-55 gr | Light varmint loads only |
| 6mm ARC | 90-108 gr | Verify current Hodgdon data |
| 30 Carbine | 110 gr | M1 Carbine standard loads |
| 308 Winchester | 147-150 gr | Reduced M1 Garand / semi-auto gas system loads ONLY |
| 338 Federal | 180-200 gr | Reduced semi-auto loads only – see note |
223 Remington with 40-69 grain bullets is the application for which H335 was developed and where it produces its most documented results. The burn rate is specifically calibrated for this case volume and bore diameter combination. With 55-grain FMJ bullets – the standard AR-15 training load – H335 produces velocities of 3,100-3,240 fps from a 20-inch barrel at appropriate SAAMI pressures, matching military M193 ball ammunition specifications.
The 22-250 Remington application is specifically for light 40-52 grain varmint bullets where the larger case volume is partially compensated by the lighter projectile. With standard 55-grain 22-250 Remington loads, H335’s burn rate is slightly too fast for optimal efficiency – Hodgdon Varget or Hodgdon H4895 are better matched.
Bullets
Hodgdon H335 is optimized for light-to-standard weight varmint and tactical projectiles in small-bore rifle calibers.
| Brand | Model | Weight | Cartridge | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra | BlitzKing | 40-55 gr | 223 Rem / 222 Rem | Precision Varmint |
| Hornady | V-MAX | 40-55 gr | 223 Rem / 222 Rem | Varmint Hunting |
| Nosler | Varmageddon | 40-55 gr | 223 Rem | Varmint Control |
| Speer | TNT | 40-55 gr | 223 Rem / 22-250 | Explosive Varmint |
| Barnes | Varmin-A-Tor | 36-50 gr | 223 Rem | Lead-Free Varmint |
| Hornady | FMJ / Match | 55-69 gr | 223 Rem | Training / Tactical |
| Sierra | MatchKing | 52-69 gr | 223 Rem | Precision Target |
| Winchester | Varmint X | 40-55 gr | 223 Rem / 22-250 | Varmint Hunting |
| Federal | Power-Shok | 55-62 gr | 223 Rem | Deer / Predator |
| Hornady | NTX | 32-35 gr | 223 Rem | Lead-Free Varmint |
Have you loaded Hodgdon H335? Your practical data on charge weights, accuracy nodes, temperature behavior, or cycling reliability in AR-15 platforms helps other reloaders more than any spec sheet. Leave a comment below.
Primers
Hodgdon H335 as a double-base ball powder with a deterrent coating responds well to magnum small rifle primers for maximum consistency, particularly in AR-15 semi-automatic platforms where complete ignition is critical for reliable gas system function. The original article’s recommendation for magnum primers is well-supported in published data – standard primers work but often produce higher extreme spread than magnum primers with H335 in 223 Remington.
For AR-15 semi-automatic platforms, the CCI No. 41 mil-spec cup primer is the standard safety recommendation to prevent slam-fire from a free-floating firing pin.
| Primer | Type | Application |
|---|---|---|
| CCI No. 41 | Small Rifle Magnum (Mil-Spec) | Required for AR-15 semi-auto |
| CCI 450 | Small Rifle Magnum | Maximum ignition consistency |
| Federal GM205MAR | Small Rifle Match (AR) | Competition AR-15 precision |
| Federal GM205M | Small Rifle Match | Bolt-action competition |
| CCI BR-4 | Small Rifle Benchrest | Precision bolt-action loading |
| Remington 7-1/2 | Small Rifle Bench Rest | Benchrest consistency |
| Winchester WSR | Small Rifle Standard | General use |
| CCI 400 | Small Rifle Standard | General development |
| Fiocchi Small Rifle Magnum | Small Rifle Magnum | Consistent European magnum alternative |
| RWS 4033 | Small Rifle | Premium European precision option |
| Ginex Small Rifle | Small Rifle Standard | Cost-effective general use |
| Sellier & Bellot V360247 | Small Rifle Standard | Consistent international option |
Metering and Equipment Compatibility
Hodgdon H335’s ball geometry metering is the defining practical advantage of the powder. On any quality progressive press equipment, charge-to-charge variance under 0.05-0.07 grains is achievable at normal cycling speeds.
For high-volume AR-15 production on a Dillon XL 750 or Dillon RL 1100, the Dillon Precision Case Activated Powder Measure Assembly handles H335 with near-liquid flow consistency. For a shooter loading 500-1,000 rounds per session, this metering efficiency translates directly to session productivity.
For precision bench loading, the Redding Competition 10X and Lyman Brass Smith Powder Measure produce consistent charges with H335’s fine spherical grains. Auto-dispensers including the RCBS ChargeMaster Link and Hornady Auto-Charge Pro handle the fine spheres efficiently.
Static electricity management: fine spherical grains accumulate static charge in plastic hoppers in dry conditions. Ground the drop tube or treat the hopper with an anti-static dryer sheet for winter loading sessions.
Reloading Safety Notes
All charge weights must come from current published Hodgdon load data for H335 specifically. Do not substitute Hodgdon Varget, Ramshot TAC, or Winchester 748 charge weights without independent verification.
Temperature protocol: loads developed at maximum at warm temperatures may produce elevated pressure in summer heat. 223 Remington at maximum pressure is near SAAMI limits; summer temperature increases can push near-maximum loads over safe limits. Develop the final maximum charge at the highest expected firing temperature.
CCI No. 41 in semi-automatic AR-15 platforms is not optional – the harder mil-spec cup prevents slam-fire from a free-floating firing pin. Standard primers in dense ball powder charges in AR platforms carry slam-fire risk.
Start 10% below the listed maximum and work up in 0.2-grain increments for 223 Remington and similar small-capacity applications. Pressure signs: flattened primers, stiff bolt lift, ejector marks.
See the overpressure in reloading guide for systematic pressure sign identification.
FAQ
Is H335 good for 308 Winchester precision loads?
No – H335 is too fast for standard 308 Winchester precision loads. It is specifically documented for reduced-pressure 308 Winchester loads calibrated for semi-automatic gas systems like the M1 Garand and for 147-150 grain loads in specific gas-operated platforms. For bolt-action precision, AR-10 competition, or hunting loads in 308 Winchester, Hodgdon Varget or IMR 4064 are the appropriate choices.
Does H335 work for 223 Remington with 77-grain heavy bullets?
H335 is at the fast end for 223 Remington with 75-80 grain heavy match bullets – the burn rate is slightly too fast for the heavier bullet’s longer, deeper seating. Hodgdon Varget or Hodgdon H4895 produce better standard deviations with 75-80 grain bullets. H335 is optimal with 40-69 grain bullets.
Can H335 be used in bolt-action 223 Remington for competition?
Yes – H335 produces accurate bolt-action 223 Remington loads and is documented for competition use. The temperature sensitivity (1.0-1.5 fps/°F) is the limiting factor for year-round competition where zero consistency across seasons is required. For single-season competition or ranges where temperature variation is modest, H335’s accuracy potential is competitive. For year-round precision competition, Hodgdon Varget is the more seasonally consistent choice.
Conclusion
Hodgdon H335 holds its position as the benchmark high-volume 223 Remington ball powder through a combination of military-heritage burn rate calibration, ball geometry metering consistency, and decades of documented performance in AR-15 training and varmint applications. For the shooter loading 500-1,000 rounds of 223 Remington training ammunition per session on a progressive press, it is the practical default.
The temperature sensitivity and the narrow 308 Winchester application window are the honest limitations. Both are manageable with appropriate application selection and protocol.
Choose Hodgdon H335 if you load 223 Remington at high volume on a progressive press for AR-15 training or varmint hunting with 40-69 grain bullets and want ball powder metering at this burn rate with the deepest military-heritage data library. Choose Hodgdon Varget if 223 Remington precision competition with heavy 69-80 grain bullets, year-round temperature consistency, or standard 308 Winchester precision loads are the primary applications. Choose Ramshot TAC if 223 Remington with 55-69 grain bullets and 308 Winchester standard loads from a single ball powder supply is the goal. Choose Alliant AR-Comp if you want slightly better temperature stability than H335 with AR-15 gas system optimization in a single powder.
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 H335, share your results in the comments.
Editorial note: Originally published 2026, revised May 2026. The revision added the dedicated 308 Winchester application section clarifying that H335 is appropriate only for reduced M1 Garand-type gas system loads, not standard 308 Winchester precision or hunting loads. Added the temperature stability comparison table with specific inches-at-distance for typical AR-15 use conditions. Corrected the bulk density from the imprecise original range of 0.950-1.010 g/cc to the working value of ~0.980 g/cc. Added the Alliant AR-Comp and Hodgdon BL-C(2) competitor comparisons. Added the 22-250 Remington heavy bullet limitation. Extended the bullet and primer tables with full internal links. Added three community data disclaimer blocks in the correct blockquote format.
