Description
Hodgdon HP38 is a fast-burning spherical powder designed primarily for handgun and pistol applications. Its burn rate is classified as fast, making it ideal for a variety of pistol calibers where quick, efficient ignition is beneficial. HP38 is particularly well-suited for calibers such as 9mm Luger, .38 Special, .45 ACP, and .44 Special, offering excellent velocity control and performance consistency. The spherical granules of HP38 ensure superior metering capabilities, allowing for precise and consistent powder charges critical for high-volume reloading. Leveraging Hodgdon's renowned reputation, HP38 exhibits excellent temperature stability, ensuring consistent performance across a range of environmental conditions. This powder offers a distinct advantage in load development, as it provides a broad serviceable load range, allowing handloaders to optimize performance and accuracy tailored to specific bullet weights and performance goals. For reloaders seeking a versatile and reliable powder with proven performance across popular handgun calibers, HP38 stands as a preferred choice in the handloading community.
Specifications
Burn Rate
8.4 (Fast)
Bulk Density
0.770 g/cm³
Density
1.550 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 — Hodgdon HP38
Verified load data combinations using Hodgdon HP38.
Subsonic Loads — Hodgdon HP38
Verified subsonic load data combinations using Hodgdon HP38.
.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
Ferrobull Europe .308 | 180gr | Ferrobull Tripple Expand Jagd 180gr
Community Subsonic Loads — Hodgdon HP38
Sample load data calculated with Hodgdon HP38.
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| Cartridge | Bullet | Barrel (in) | Charge (gr) | OAL (in) | Case Volume (GoW) | Max. Pressure (psi) | Muzzle Velocity (fps) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .356 | 147gr | LEE Mold 356-147-TC | 6.5 | 3.5 | 1.10 | 13.8 | 31,763 (93%) | 991 |
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