Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles H380 and the 243

I did a powder inventory today, just to see what all I have, as I'm still using powder I inherited from my late brother. Some of it is 10 years old, and some of the surplus is a lot older than that. I found 2 pounds of H380, and I don't use it for a thing now, though I once used for a 22-250. I noticed there was a load listed on the label for a 65 grain bullet in the 243. I shoot 65 grain Bergers, loading them with W760. So, I thought I'd try some of the 380. The load listed was 45.0 grains, and I loaded 3 rounds to try. Those 3 shot into .39 inches at 100 yards. By comparison, 3 of the 65 Bergers loaded with 48.0 grains of 760 shot into .80 at a 100. The load with 760 chronographs 3550 out of a 22 inch LVSF. I was shooting a 24 inch barreled Model 700 today, one that pretty much shoots everything extremely well. I went back and loaded up 20 more, and will chronograph them and see how they do at longer distances. That 65 grain Berger will absolutely put the smack down on a coyote. Does anyone else like H380 in the 243?

I've used it in the 243 with bullets of 80 grains and under.. and it has done a very good job for velocity and especially accuracy.....

H 380 is another "old" ignored powder in today's world, were only the latest greatest seems to sell....or is talked about...

I tend to prefer most of the old tried and true stuff...

it is a great powder with uses beyond just the 22.250..

I know I'm old fashioned, and slow to jump on the bandwagon of new stuff. All of my reloading is for rifles, and I probably have somewhere between 20-25 different powders on hand. The "newest" powder I have is probably Varget, as the others are all what I'd call "old school". I'm sure that the new powders work just as good, and maybe even better. But, I'm comfortable with the powders I've used for many years, and somewhat reluctant to quit using them.

I happen to have an 8 pounder of H380 and of Varget. A few cans of Unique and 7828 and I can put something in the case of about anything.

Agreed, I still use H-380 in my 22-250, AND, I don't believe there to be another powder out there that will make a 338-06 sing like H-380 does, damn sure not sing to the tune of 210 gr of Partition bullet at 2800 fps.

I tried H380 in the 22-250, and though I got some good results, it seemed that W760 and Varget were always just a little bit better.

Jerry, you got that right on the 338/06....

its a powder that is overlooked by most 338/06 users... just because it isn't something new...

good old 4895 ( IMR) is also a great powder with a 200 or 210 grain bullet in that caliber...

I use H-380 in my 7-08s and have for ten years or more. It is a tack driver in them! The only negative about it is it's temp sensitivity.