Description
Herco, a versatile propellant powder from Alliant Powder, exhibits a medium burn rate characterized by its designation number 8.8. This burn rate is particularly advantageous for handgun and shotgun reloading, offering adaptability across various applications. Herco's physical form consists of large flake granules, which can present some challenges in metering, requiring careful adjustment of powder measures for consistent charge weights. Despite this, its burn characteristics provide efficient energy transfer, contributing to uniform velocities and pressures in cartridges. This powder is recognized for its temperature stability, maintaining reliable performance across diverse environmental conditions. Herco's versatility is well-suited for popular handgun calibers such as 9mm Luger, .45 ACP, and .38 Special, allowing reloaders to develop well-balanced loads for both target and defensive shooting applications. In load development, Herco offers the potential for slightly higher velocity loads compared to some faster-burning powders, enhancing its appeal for custom applications. Its reputation in the handloading community is solidified by the consistent quality and reliability synonymous with Alliant Powder products, making it a preferred choice for those seeking robust performance and adaptability in their ammunition crafting endeavors.
Specifications
Burn Rate
7.4 (Medium-Fast)
Bulk Density
0.577 g/cm³
Density
1.640 g/cm³
Temperature Sensitivity
Low
Suitable Substitutes
Powders with a similar burn rate that may be suitable alternatives (also see burn rate chart):
Standard Loads — Alliant Herco
Verified load data combinations using Alliant Herco.
.22 Picra
Barnes .224 | 36gr | Barnes Varmint Grenade FB 36gr
.22 Picra
Barnes .224 | 45gr | Barnes BND SPIT-FIRE 45gr
.22 Picra
Fox Bullets .224 | 50gr | Fox Classic Hunter 50gr
.22 Picra
Rhino Bullets .224 | 40gr | Rhino Solid Shank 40gr
.22 Picra
Styria Arms | AERO .224 | 50gr | AERO SOLR,- smax:9.55 50gr
.22 Picra
Styria Arms | AERO .224 | 51gr | AERO SB,- smax:9.50 51gr
.22 TCM
Speer .224 | 30gr | Speer TNT Green 30gr
.30 Picra
H&N .309 | 86gr | H&N RN HS 86gr
.30 Picra
H&N .311 | 86gr | H&N RN HS 86gr
.30 Picra
LEE .311 | 93gr | LEE Mold 311-093-1R 93gr
.30 Picra
Prvi Partizan .31 | 85gr | Prvi Partizan FMJ 85gr
.30 Picra
Sellier & Bellot .310 | 85gr | Sellier & Bellot FMJ 85gr
.30 Super Carry
CamPro .312 | 115gr | CamPro FP 115gr
.30 Super Carry
H&N .311 | 86gr | H&N RN HS 86gr
.30 Super Carry
H&N .309 | 86gr | H&N RN HS 86gr
.30 Super Carry
H&N .313 | 90gr | H&N WC 90gr
.30 Super Carry
H&N .313 | 90gr | H&N WC KB Match 90gr
.30 Super Carry
H&N .314 | 100gr | H&N WC HS Match 100gr
Subsonic Loads — Alliant Herco
Verified subsonic load data combinations using Alliant Herco.
.30-06 Spring.
Berger .308 | 230gr | Berger Hybrid Target 230gr
.30-06 Spring.
Berger .308 | 230gr | Berger Hybrid OTM Tactical 230gr
.30-06 Spring.
Discreet Ballistics .308 | 188gr | Discreet Ballistics Selous Machined Expander 188gr
.30-06 Spring.
Hornady .308 | 175gr | Hornady Sub-X 175gr
.30-06 Spring.
Hornady .308 | 190gr | Hornady Sub-X 190gr
.30-06 Spring.
Lapua .308 | 200gr | Lapua Subsonic 200gr
.30-06 Spring.
MAKER .308 | 200gr | MAKER 200 Grain .308 Expanding Subsonic Blackout Bullets 200gr
.30-06 Spring.
MAKER .308 | 220gr | MAKER 300 blackout 220gr
.30-06 Spring.
Peregrine .308 | 155gr | Peregrine Subsonic 155gr
.30-06 Spring.
Reichenberg .308 | 154gr | Reichenberg HDB Subsonic 154gr
.30-06 Spring.
Reichenberg .308 | 200gr | Reichenberg Subsonic 200gr
.30-06 Spring.
Sierra .308 | 220gr | Sierra MatchKing 220gr
.30-06 Spring.
Styria Arms | AERO .308 | 95gr | AERO SUB-I,- smax:11.30 95gr
.30-06 Spring.
Styria Arms | AERO .308 | 115gr | AERO SUB,- smax:11.40 115gr
.30-06 Spring.
Styria Arms | AERO .308 | 190gr | AERO SUB,- smax:23.90 190gr
.300 AAC Blackout
Barnes .308 | 180gr | Barnes MRX BT 180gr
.300 AAC Blackout
Discreet Ballistics .308 | 188gr | Discreet Ballistics Selous Machined Expander 188gr
.300 AAC Blackout
MAKER .308 | 200gr | MAKER 200 Grain .308 Expanding Subsonic Blackout Bullets 200gr
Community Subsonic Loads — Alliant Herco
Sample load data calculated with Alliant Herco.
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| Cartridge | Bullet | Barrel (in) | Charge (gr) | OAL (in) | Case Volume (GoW) | Max. Pressure (psi) | Muzzle Velocity (fps) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .358 | 158gr | LEE Mold C358-158-SWC | 4.6 | 7.9 | 1.59 | 25.6 | 28,094 (65%) | 1112 |
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