Description
Somchem's S385 is a single-base powder exhibiting a slow burn rate with a burn rate factor of 0.9, making it particularly suited for high-performance rifle applications. The powder's burn characteristics lend themselves well to the loading of large capacity cases where controlled burn is essential to maintain accuracy and performance, such as in calibers like .300 Winchester Magnum and 7mm Remington Magnum. The S385 is a cylindrical powder which, although slightly challenging to meter due to its shape, provides consistent charge weights when measured using high-quality dispensing systems. S385 is known for its stability across varying temperature conditions, ensuring reliable performance whether shooting in high heat or cooler climates. Reloaders appreciate this powder for its capability to deliver optimal velocity and pressure levels without sacrificing safety. During load development, careful consideration of the powder's slower burn rate is important to achieve the best accuracy and velocity while adhering to safe load practices. The S385's reputation in the handloading community is bolstered by Somchem's commitment to quality and precision, making it a favored choice for crafting precision hunting and long-range ammunition.
Specifications
Burn Rate
2 (Medium-Slow)
Bulk Density
0.930 g/cm³
Density
1.600 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 — Somchem S385
Verified load data combinations using Somchem S385.
.22 Creedmoor
A-Square .224 | 72gr | A-Square e 72gr
.22 Creedmoor
Barnes .224 | 69gr | Barnes Match Burner BT 69gr
.22 Creedmoor
Barnes .224 | 70gr | Barnes TSX BT 70gr
.22 Creedmoor
Barnes .224 | 70gr | Barnes TAC-X 70gr
.22 Creedmoor
Barnes .224 | 77gr | Barnes Match Burner BT 77gr
.22 Creedmoor
Barnes .224 | 77gr | Barnes LRX BT 77gr
.22 Creedmoor
Barnes .224 | 78gr | Barnes TSX BT 78gr
.22 Creedmoor
Barnes .224 | 85gr | Barnes Match Burner 85gr
.22 Creedmoor
Berger .224 | 69gr | Berger BT Target 69gr
.22 Creedmoor
Berger .224 | 70gr | Berger VLD Target 70gr
.22 Creedmoor
Berger .224 | 70gr | Berger LTB 70gr
.22 Creedmoor
Berger .224 | 73gr | Berger BT Target 73gr
.22 Creedmoor
Berger .224 | 75gr | Berger VLD Target 75gr
.22 Creedmoor
Berger .224 | 77gr | Berger OTM Tactical 77gr
.22 Creedmoor
Berger .224 | 77gr | Berger LTB 77gr
.22 Creedmoor
Berger .224 | 80gr | Berger VLD Target 80gr
.22 Creedmoor
Berger .224 | 80.5gr | Berger Fullbore Target 80.5gr
.22 Creedmoor
Berger .224 | 82gr | Berger LTB 82gr
Subsonic Loads — Somchem S385
Verified subsonic load data combinations using Somchem S385.
.30-06 Spring.
Berger .308 | 230gr | Berger Hybrid OTM Tactical 230gr
.30-06 Spring.
Berger .308 | 230gr | Berger Hybrid Target 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 | 190gr | AERO SUB,- smax:23.90 190gr
.308 Win.
Lapua .308 | 200gr | Lapua Subsonic 200gr
.308 Win.
MAKER .308 | 220gr | MAKER 300 blackout 220gr
6.5 Creedmoor
Lehigh Defense .264 | 130gr | Lehigh Defense Controlled Chaos 130gr
6.5 Creedmoor
RWS .264 | 159gr | RWS TMR 159gr
7.5 x 55 Swiss
Berger .308 | 210gr | Berger VLD Target 210gr
Community Loads — Somchem S385
Sample load data calculated with Somchem S385.
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| Cartridge | Bullet | Barrel (in) | Charge (gr) | OAL (in) | Case Volume (GoW) | Max. Pressure (psi) | Muzzle Velocity (fps) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .308 | 150gr | Barnes TSX FN FB | 26.0 | 74.0 | 3.60 | 85.9 | 56,028 (90%) | 3159 | |
| .308 | 150gr | Barnes TSX FN FB | 26.0 | 74.0 | 3.60 | 85.9 | 51,097 (82%) | 3077 | |
| .308 | 180gr | Swift Scirocco | 24.0 | 70.0 | 3.60 | 85.9 | 60,872 (98%) | 2907 | |
| .308 | 195gr | Hornady ELD Match | 24.0 | ••.• | 3.34 | 90.5 | 57,348 (92%) | 2792 | |
| .308 | 195gr | Hornady ELD Match | 24.0 | ••.• | 3.34 | 90.5 | 55,796 (89%) | 2772 | |
| .308 | 195gr | Hornady ELD Match | 24.0 | ••.• | 3.34 | 90.5 | 54,824 (88%) | 2756 | |
| .308 | 195gr | Hornady ELD Match | 24.0 | ••.• | 3.34 | 90.5 | 56,724 (91%) | 2746 | |
| .308 | 195gr | Hornady ELD Match | 24.0 | ••.• | 3.34 | 90.5 | 52,402 (84%) | 2720 | |
| .308 | 195gr | Hornady ELD Match | 24.0 | ••.• | 3.34 | 90.5 | 50,125 (80%) | 2684 | |
| .308 | 195gr | Hornady ELD Match | 24.0 | ••.• | 3.34 | 90.5 | 47,964 (77%) | 2648 | |
| .308 | 180gr | Hornady SST InterLock | 24.0 | ••.• | 2.86 | 81.3 | 42,728 (67%) | 2625 | |
| .338 | 230gr | Axe Copper Spitzer | 29.0 | ••.• | 3.68 | 114.0 | 65,137 (107%) | 3025 | |
| .338 | 230gr | Axe Copper Spitzer | 29.0 | ••.• | 3.68 | 114.0 | 60,698 (100%) | 2972 | |
| .415 | 400gr | Rhino Solid Shank | 25.0 | ••.• | 3.75 | 127.5 | 40,451 (86%) | 2290 | |
| .264 | 143gr | Hornady ELD-X | 24.0 | ••.• | 2.96 | 68.0 | 66,311 (102%) | 2936 | |
| .264 | 143gr | Hornady ELD-X | 24.0 | ••.• | 2.87 | 68.0 | 61,366 (94%) | 2867 | |
| .264 | 143gr | Hornady ELD-X | 24.0 | ••.• | 2.96 | 68.0 | 59,016 (91%) | 2841 |
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