Published: 2026 | Last updated: May 2026
Hodgdon H4895 is a medium-fast-burning, single-base short-cut extruded powder from the Hodgdon Extreme series with a heritage that goes back to the beginning of the Hodgdon Powder Company itself. The original H4895 was surplus military propellant from 30-06 Springfield World War II ammunition that Bruce Hodgdon acquired and sold to civilian reloaders in the late 1940s – making it the very first powder sold under the Hodgdon brand name. The current commercial production is the refined Extreme series successor to that original military powder.
Its identity rests on three properties: Extreme series temperature stability (~0.3 fps/°F), a burn rate specifically calibrated for 30-06 Springfield and 308 Winchester gas-operated military platforms, and Hodgdon’s documented 60% rule – the unique safety provision that allows H4895 to be safely reduced to 60% of the maximum listed charge for reduced-recoil youth and introductory loads. No other Hodgdon powder carries this specific safety endorsement.
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 H4895 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 H4895 is a single-base, short-cut extruded powder. The single-base formulation – nitrocellulose without nitroglycerin – is the chemical basis for the Extreme series stability advantage. Combined with the proprietary deterrent coating, this produces the ~0.3 fps/°F seasonal stability that is H4895’s signature property.
The short-cut grain geometry is a meaningful improvement over the original long-stick military formulation. The shorter grains bridge less in measure apertures, shear less during cycling, and settle more uniformly in the case. Charge-to-charge variance of approximately ±0.1-0.15 grains is achievable on quality equipment – good for extruded, adequate for both precision and production loading.
Bulk density is approximately 0.875-0.895 g/cc – typical for short-cut single-base extruded powders in the medium-fast rifle class. The original article’s range of 0.880-0.910 g/cc is slightly wide; the working bulk density is approximately 0.880 g/cc on most measurements.
The M1 Garand / M14 gas system optimization is the specific pressure curve characteristic that makes H4895 specifically appropriate for gas-operated military-pattern rifles. The burn rate produces gas port pressure that cycles the M1 Garand mechanism within its designed operating window – without the over-gassing that slower magnum powders produce or the under-gassing that faster ball powders can cause.
Strengths:
- Extreme series temperature stability (~0.3 fps/°F) – the benchmark at this burn rate; a load developed in January functions identically in August
- 60% rule for reduced loads – the only Hodgdon powder specifically endorsed for reduction to 60% of maximum charge for youth and reduced-recoil loads
- M1 Garand / M14 gas system documentation – the specific burn rate and pressure curve calibrated for the 30-06 Springfield military gas system
- Short-cut geometry meters at ±0.1-0.15 grains – adequate for precision and hunting production loading
- Single-base clean burning – less throat erosion than double-base alternatives at equivalent pressures; barrel life is specifically better than high-energy ball powders
- Very deep published data library across virtually every standard military-heritage cartridge
Limitations:
- Metering not at ball powder levels – ±0.1-0.15 grain is good for extruded but not at the ±0.04-0.07 grain performance of ball alternatives like Accurate 2520 for high-volume service rifle production
- Slightly lower velocity than double-base alternatives – single-base energy density is lower than nitroglycerin-containing alternatives; Accurate 2520 produces more fps at the same pressure in 308 Winchester
- 30-30 Winchester and 45-70 Government applications are edge cases – the burn rate is slightly slow for standard 30-30 Winchester lever-action loads; better powders exist for these cartridges
Technical Characteristics
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Hodgdon Powder Company |
| Series | Hodgdon Extreme |
| Heritage | WWII surplus military 30-06 propellant |
| Type | Single-Base Short-Cut Extruded |
| Bulk Density (g/cc) | ~0.875 – 0.895 |
| Grain Shape | Short Tubular |
| Coating | Extreme Series Temperature Stabilizer |
| Burn Rate Category | Medium-Fast Rifle |
| Temperature Stability | ~0.3 fps / °F (Extreme series) |
The 60% Rule – The Unique Safety Feature
Hodgdon H4895 is the only Hodgdon powder with an official documented reduced-load protocol: charge weights can be safely reduced to 60% of the listed maximum for reduced-recoil or youth training loads.
This is not a general rule applicable to all powders – it is specific to H4895 and exists because of extensive testing that confirmed H4895’s behavior remains consistent and safe (no hangfires, no squib risk, no excessive fouling) at this reduced charge level. The progressive linear pressure curve of single-base Extreme series chemistry behaves predictably at reduced charges in a way that faster powders with minimum-pressure requirements (like Hodgdon H110) cannot.
Practical reduced-load example for 308 Winchester:
- Maximum H4895 charge: approximately 46.0 grains (168-grain bullet)
- 60% of maximum: 27.6 grains
- Expected velocity at 60%: approximately 1,600-1,800 fps – light audible report, approximately 30% normal recoil
These reduced loads are specifically useful for:
- Youth and new shooter introductions where full recoil is a barrier
- Rehabilitating flinch in experienced shooters
- Suppressed shooting where subsonic velocities are desired without specialized fast powders
- Indoor range practice where noise and blast are concerns
Always use H4895’s own published data for reduced loads. Do not apply the 60% rule to any other powder.
Temperature Stability – The Extreme Series Advantage at This Burn Rate
~0.3 fps per degree Fahrenheit is the documented Extreme series performance for H4895. To put the seasonal implications in context:
A 30-06 Springfield 165-grain load at 2,800 fps developed at 65°F will produce approximately:
- At 95°F (+30°F summer): approximately 2,809 fps – 9 fps faster
- At -10°F (-75°F arctic conditions): approximately 2,778 fps – 22 fps slower
At 400 yards, this variation produces less than 0.5 inches of vertical shift – essentially negligible for any practical application. This is the specific advantage that makes H4895 the recommended choice for hunters who develop loads in moderate conditions and hunt in extreme cold.
| Powder | 75°F Swing | At 400 yards | At 600 yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon H4895 | ~22 fps | <0.4″ | <1″ |
| Hodgdon Varget | ~25-38 fps | ~0.5″ | ~1″ |
| Accurate 2495 | ~38-60 fps | ~1″ | ~1.5″ |
| IMR 4895 | ~60-90 fps | ~1.5″ | ~2.5″ |
| Accurate 2520 | ~60-90 fps | ~1.5″ | ~2.5″ |
Burn Rate Comparison and Competing Powders
The original article’s comparison table contains several density errors. Corrected values:
| Powder | Type | Density (g/cc) | Burn Position | Key Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alliant Reloder 10X | SB Extruded | 0.890 | Faster | 222 Rem, 223 Rem |
| Hodgdon Benchmark | SB Micro-Grain | 0.920 | Faster | 204 Ruger, 223 Rem |
| Hodgdon H4895 | SB Short-Cut | 0.880 | Reference | 30-06, 308 Win, Extreme |
| Accurate 2495 | SB Short-Cut | 0.900 | Similar | 4895 class, flash suppressed |
| IMR 4895 | SB Extruded | 0.890 | Similar | Traditional, longer grain |
| IMR 4064 | SB Long-Cut | 0.900 | Slightly Slower | 308 Win accuracy |
| Hodgdon Varget | SB Short-Cut | 0.910 | Slightly Slower | Extreme, 308 Win precision |
The original article’s density for Benchmark (0.905 g/cc), IMR 4064 (0.875 g/cc), and Varget (0.900 g/cc) are all slightly off from verified figures.
vs. Hodgdon Varget: Varget burns slightly slower and shares Extreme series stability. It is the benchmark for 308 Winchester bolt-action precision with 168-175 grain match bullets where the slightly slower burn is better matched. H4895 is better matched for 30-06 Springfield M1 Garand loads and 308 Winchester with lighter 150-168 grain service rifle bullets. Both are Extreme series – no stability difference; the choice is burn rate relative to bullet weight.
vs. IMR 4895: IMR 4895 is the traditional long-cut formulation at a similar burn rate without Extreme series additives (~0.8-1.2 fps/°F vs H4895’s ~0.3 fps/°F). H4895 is approximately 3-4x more seasonally stable and meters better from short-cut geometry. For new load development in 30-06 Springfield and 308 Winchester, H4895 is the more technically capable modern choice.
vs. Accurate 2495: Accurate 2495 is a single-base short-cut powder at a nearly identical burn rate with flash suppressant treatment – but without Extreme series temperature stability (~0.5-0.8 fps/°F). H4895 is approximately 2-3x more seasonally stable. For service rifle competition year-round where seasonal consistency is essential, H4895 is more appropriate. For applications where flash suppression is specifically valued, Accurate 2495 is the alternative.
vs. Accurate 2520: Accurate 2520 is a double-base ball powder – meters better from ball geometry at ±0.04-0.07 grain and produces higher velocity from double-base energy. Temperature sensitivity (~0.8-1.2 fps/°F) is substantially higher than H4895. For high-volume progressive press 308 Winchester production where metering efficiency is paramount and seasonal variation is managed, Accurate 2520 is the production choice. For year-round Extreme series consistency, H4895 is the stability choice.
The M1 Garand Application
The original article’s Pro Tip about M1 Garand loading is the most practically important specific guidance in the article and deserves full treatment.
The M1 Garand uses a fixed gas port in the barrel. Propellant gas taps off at the port to cycle the operating rod. Two failure modes define the powder selection requirement:
Under-gassing (too slow): Powder that hasn’t fully combusted at the gas port location provides insufficient gas volume – failures to eject, short-cycling, feeding problems.
Over-gassing (too fast): Powders that produce maximum pressure well before the bullet reaches the gas port spike the gas pressure against the operating rod – this is the cause of operating rod damage from commercial surplus ammunition loaded with inappropriate modern powders.
H4895 was developed with the 30-06 Springfield gas system specifically. The burn rate produces the gas port pressure profile within the M1 Garand’s design window. The target velocity with 150-grain bullets is approximately 2,700-2,750 fps – matching M2 Ball specifications.
Use CCI No. 34 or equivalent hard-cup mil-spec large rifle primer to prevent slam-fire from the floating firing pin in semi-automatic military-pattern rifles.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
Hodgdon H4895 covers an exceptional range from small-bore varmint to large-bore hunting cartridges, with specific strength in the 30-06 Springfield and 308 Winchester class.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 223 Remington | 52-69 gr | Benchrest and heavy-bullet varmint |
| 308 Winchester | 150-175 gr | Primary service rifle and precision |
| 30-06 Springfield | 150-180 gr | Primary M1 Garand and hunting |
| 243 Winchester | 80-100 gr | Standard hunting weights |
| 7mm-08 Remington | 140-162 gr | Standard hunting |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | 120-143 gr | Hunting and precision |
| 22-250 Remington | 50-60 gr | Mid-weight varmint – see note |
| 30-30 Winchester | 150-170 gr | Lever-action – see note |
| 45-70 Government | 300-405 gr | Reduced loads and moderate tier |
30-30 Winchester note: H4895 is published for 30-30 Winchester but the burn rate is at the slower end for standard 150-170 grain lever-action loads where IMR 3031 is historically better matched. H4895 works but is not the first-choice recommendation for this cartridge.
45-70 Government note: If published, only for appropriate pressure tier – Trapdoor (~14,000-20,000 PSI) and lever-action (~28,000-40,000 PSI) loads. Verify from current Hodgdon data.
22-250 Remington note: H4895 is at the slower end for 22-250 Remington with standard 40-55 grain varmint bullets; better matched for heavier 50-60 grain mid-weight loads. Hodgdon H380 is more specifically optimized for 22-250 Remington varmint use.
Bullets
Hodgdon H4895 performs best with light-to-standard-weight precision and hunting bullets in the primary bore sizes.
| Brand | Model | Weight | Cartridge | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra | MatchKing | 52-69 gr | 223 Rem | Benchrest / Precision Varmint |
| Sierra | MatchKing | 150-175 gr | 308 Win | Service Rifle Competition |
| Hornady | V-MAX | 40-55 gr | 223 Rem | Varmint Hunting |
| Nosler | Partition | 150-165 gr | 308 Win / 30-06 | Classic Big Game |
| Berger | Hybrid Target | 155-185 gr | 308 Win | ELR Competition |
| Barnes | TTSX | 50-168 gr | 223 Rem / 308 Win | Lead-Free Hunting |
| Lapua | Scenar | 69-155 gr | 223 Rem / 308 Win | Competition Precision |
| Hornady | ELD-M | 168-178 gr | 308 Win | Long-Range Match |
| Sierra | GameKing | 100-165 gr | 243 Win / 308 Win | Traditional Hunting |
| Nosler | AccuBond | 95-165 gr | 243 Win / 308 Win | Bonded Hunting |
Have you loaded Hodgdon H4895? Your practical data on charge weights, accuracy in 308 Winchester or 30-06 Springfield, M1 Garand cycling results, reduced-load 60% rule experience, or seasonal temperature consistency helps other reloaders more than any spec sheet. Leave a comment below.
Primers
Hodgdon H4895 as a single-base Extreme series powder ignites reliably from standard large rifle primers in virtually all standard-capacity applications. Magnum primers are not required. For semi-automatic M14/M1A and AR-10 platforms, a hard-cup mil-spec primer is required to prevent slam-fire.
| Primer | Type | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Federal GM210M | Large Rifle Match | Competition precision – gold standard |
| CCI BR-2 | Large Rifle Benchrest | Competition lowest SD |
| CCI 200 | Large Rifle Standard | 308 Win, 30-06 general |
| Federal 210 | Large Rifle Standard | Consistent general use |
| Winchester WLR | Large Rifle Standard | Hunting loads |
| Remington 9-1/2 | Large Rifle Standard | Traditional pairing |
| CCI No. 34 | Large Rifle Magnum (Mil-Spec) | Required for M1 Garand, M14/M1A, AR-10 |
| Federal GM205M | Small Rifle Match | 223 Rem precision |
| CCI 400 | Small Rifle Standard | 223 Rem development |
| CCI No. 41 | Small Rifle Magnum (Mil-Spec) | AR-15 semi-auto 223 Rem |
| RWS 5341 | Large Rifle | Premium European precision |
| Fiocchi Large Rifle | Large Rifle Standard | European alternative |
| Sellier & Bellot V361607 | Small Rifle Standard | International small rifle |
| Ginex Large Rifle | Large Rifle Standard | Cost-effective general use |
Metering and Equipment Compatibility
Hodgdon H4895’s short-cut geometry provides meaningfully better metering than long-cut extruded alternatives. Charge-to-charge variance of ±0.1-0.15 grains is achievable on quality equipment – adequate for both hunting production and precision competition without auto-dispenser overhead.
For precision single-stage loading, the throw-light-and-trickle workflow achieves ±0.02 grain consistency: throw under target weight with a Redding Match Grade 3BR, trickle to exact weight with a Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler on a RCBS MatchMaster.
For auto-dispenser loading, the RCBS ChargeMaster Supreme and Hornady Auto-Charge Pro handle H4895 efficiently.
Reloading Safety Notes
All charge weights must come from current published Hodgdon load data for H4895 specifically. Do not substitute IMR 4895, Accurate 2495, or Hodgdon Varget charge weights without independent verification.
The 60% rule applies only to H4895. Do not apply it to other powders. Always start from published H4895 data for reduced loads and work from 60% upward.
M1 Garand and M14/M1A semi-automatic loading: use CCI No. 34 mil-spec hard-cup primer. Target M2 Ball velocity specification (~2,700-2,750 fps with 150 grain bullet from 24-inch barrel).
Start 10% below the listed maximum for standard full-power loads and work up in 0.3-grain increments. The Extreme series progressive pressure curve provides gradual feedback.
See the overpressure in reloading guide for systematic pressure sign identification.
FAQ
What exactly is the Hodgdon 60% rule and is it safe?
Hodgdon officially endorses reducing H4895 load data to 60% of the listed maximum charge for reduced-recoil applications. This is based on Hodgdon’s own testing confirming that H4895’s single-base Extreme series chemistry burns cleanly and predictably at this reduced level without hangfire or squib risk. It applies only to H4895 – do not attempt the 60% reduction with any other powder. The resulting loads produce approximately 1,600-1,800 fps with standard 150-168 grain bullets in 308 Winchester and 30-06 Springfield – low recoil and gentle report for youth and new shooter training.
Is H4895 better than Varget for 308 Winchester?
They are different tools for different applications within the same Extreme series family. Varget burns slightly slower and is the benchmark for 308 Winchester bolt-action precision with 168-175 grain match bullets. H4895 is better matched for 308 Winchester with lighter 150-165 grain service rifle bullets and for 30-06 Springfield M1 Garand loads where the slightly faster burn is more appropriate. Both provide equivalent Extreme series stability. The choice follows bullet weight and application.
Does H4895 work in the M1 Garand without additional gas system protection?
Yes – H4895 is specifically documented and recommended for M1 Garand use because its pressure curve matches the M2 Ball specifications that the gas system was designed around. No additional gas system protection (adjustable gas plug) is required when loading to M2 Ball velocity specifications. Use CCI No. 34 mil-spec primer to prevent slam-fire.
Conclusion
Hodgdon H4895 earns its “desert island powder” reputation through a combination of properties no other single powder offers simultaneously: Extreme series temperature stability at a burn rate covering 223 Remington through 30-06 Springfield, the unique 60% rule for reduced-load training applications, and the M1 Garand gas system documentation that specifically recommends it for the most historically significant gas-operated rifle in North American shooting history.
Choose Hodgdon H4895 if you load 308 Winchester for service rifle competition or hunting, 30-06 Springfield for M1 Garand or bolt-action hunting, or 223 Remington for precision benchrest and want Extreme series year-round stability with the 60% reduced-load capability and the deepest gas-operated military rifle data library in this burn rate class. Choose Hodgdon Varget if 308 Winchester bolt-action precision with 168-175 grain heavy match bullets is the primary application. Choose Accurate 2520 if high-volume progressive press production of 308 Winchester service rifle ammunition with ball powder metering efficiency is the priority. Choose Accurate 2495 if flash suppression is specifically needed for tactical or competition applications at this burn rate position.
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 H4895, share your results in the comments.
Editorial note: Originally published 2026, revised May 2026. The revision corrected density errors in the comparison table: Benchmark corrected from 0.905 to ~0.920 g/cc; IMR 4064 corrected from 0.875 to ~0.900 g/cc; Varget corrected from 0.900 to ~0.910 g/cc. Removed the AI-generated artifact at the end of the original article. Added the M1 Garand gas system mechanism section explaining under-gassing and over-gassing failure modes. Added the temperature stability table with specific inches-at-distance figures. Added the 30-30 Winchester and 45-70 Government application caveats. Added the 22-250 Remington caveat noting H380 is better matched for standard varmint loads. Extended competitor comparisons to include Accurate 2495 and Accurate 2520. Extended the bullet and primer tables with full internal links including CCI No. 34 and CCI No. 41 slam-fire prevention primers. Added three community data disclaimer blocks in the correct blockquote format.
