Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Hodgdon superformance powder

Hi, first time posting in the reloading page. Would like to know if anyone here has used Hodgdon's superformance powder? If so, what were your results? Curious how it works with either a 300 wsm, or 270 wsm? Thanks.

gundog

I tried Superformance in the 300 WSM with 150 Ballistic tips, partly because I wanted to see 3400 on the chronograph and partly because I've got a case of it that wasn't doing anything. It showed promise at 100 yards and completely fell apart at 500. Since it was basically a whim in the first place I never pursued it farther. The rifle shoots like a house on fire with H4350 and 165s and 180s.

There's not a lot data on the 270 WSM with Superformance, probably for good reason. Some time ago I had come across an internet posting where someone had claimed to have worked up some loads with 150s and were getting great speeds. Although I can't remember the specifics, I started low and gave it a try. I had to conclude the "testers" were delusional. I couldn't get within 100 miles of their charges or speeds. Theres probably a lesson in there about lack of published data and internet loads but I refuse to learn it.;)

I tried it with a 300 WSM because of the speeds listed on Hodgdon's web site. I never got good enough accuracy to even bother chronographing.

So it works by being VERY progressive in it's burn curve. Meaning regular powders spike to pressure peak, then fall off very quickly. Superformance rises the same, then tabletops for a bit before it drops off. That powder was developed for the 39-06, and this works very well in the Creedmoor, which is what I use it in.
In my testing, the higher pressure you run, the more traditional the curve gets.
Here are some examples, regular powder Vs. Superformance.

It seems to work pretty well, 75 gr. Amax in a fast twist .22-250. I shot some really good groups this morning at 3,200 fps. Hodgdon max is 3,400 fps.

DF

I don't see it listed with the Creed on the Hodgdon site, did you develop the data on your own? I have some of this powder but haven't really found a use for it. Friend ofmine has a 6.5 Creedmore, if it works good in that maybe I can pawn it off on him.

It's in the current Hornady manual (9th).

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the responses. I am getting the impression that it is not a very popular powder and is a bit finicky.

gundog

Whazzzz up ? Have I missed a new cartridge ?

This load held just over 1/2 MOA @ 600 yards.

Wildcatting at it's finest.

M S -

I'd say so. It would probably shadow the 9.3 <G>

The answer for those that think the .400 Whelen doesn't have enough shoulder.

Sorry, Excited fingers...
It was designed around the 30-06, NOT a 39-06

In the cartridges I've tested it in, it is a very NOT fickle powder.
Just may not be "Magic" compared to anything else in other applications. Since it was touted as Magic, don't want to put out data that shows it as anything but.

Since things of this nature are always built around a specific set of circumstances, they may not be stellar outside that condition.
Take their Extreme Series. In the applications designed for, they typically aren't statistically any different anywho. None the less, Varget was designed for the 308 with 145-165gr bullets.
While the results are perfectly fine in the 223 with 55gr bullets, Denton has shown that, technically speaking, it is far more temp sensitive than H335.

And........H335 is not an Extreme powder.

I tried it in my 300 wsm, it did not give me any higher speed or better accuracy then RL 17.

Barnes' data shows velocities substantially higher than anything else in several weights for .260 Rem. If you could get those speeds and maintain accuracy, it would extend the reliable expansion range somewhat. Anyone here try Superformance in .260 with TTSX or LRX?

Check the .260 load thread. Someone had velocities up on the 3rd page or so.

For the extreme weather in Oz?

I use it in my 30-06 with 150 gr bullets and it is more than acceptable. Accuracy and velocity wise. I killed a 5 point mule deer two years ago with this combo.

I tried it in my 300 wsm, never even got close to their published speeds, I called Hodgeon and they told me that I have to use the same bullet that they used, I think that is a bunch of bunk.

Extreme weather in Oz, is hot and bloody hot, but my point was that H 335 is not an Aussie product included in the Extreme range marketed here in the US.

Yes... My point being that a very old ball powder can be a better fit a any specific application, than an extreme powder.

The devil is indeed in the details.

I tried Superformance in my 270 Winchester. It worked
well with 130gr and best with 140gr bullets. Pressure
seemed to jump using 150gr bullets. Also very
accurate with the Nosler 140gr Accubonds.

Thanks GT,

Good to know.