29 June 2011, 00:30
reloadermanBenchmark powder
I've got about 5 pounds of this ( Benchmark ) powder that I use in my 6BR with great results. I'd like to try it in my 30-40 Krag and 357 Mag, for some reduced loads. I checked the Hodgdon web site but they don't list any loads in these calibers, does amybody know of any? At least a good starting point.
Thanks
My immediate thought is that Benchmark is too fast for one and too slow for the other. Hodgdon usually publishes data for all of their powders appropriate for a cartridge. So if they don't have data for that powder in a given cartridge, it probably isn't suited to it.
LWD
30 June 2011, 02:16
reloadermanProbably so. I'll have to keep it for my 6BR

30 June 2011, 02:23
jeffeossobenchmark is a really good, flexible powder.. too big-for-results in a 357.. likely just fine in a 30-40 -- slightly faster than 3031, slower than h335...
never tried riflepowder in pistols carts..
*I* user h335 from 222 - 550 magnum
30 June 2011, 06:35
TX NimrodJust because Hodgdon does not publish a certain powder for a particular cartridge does NOT automatically mean only those powders listed are suitable. A cartridge with limited appeal like the .30-40 Krag is seldom even tested by manual makers. Hodgdon doesn't list any of the old Olin powders - does that mean propellants like W748 are not suitable for the .30-40 Krag? Of course it doesn't. Certainly there are many powders not suitable, but not because they are missing in data manuals.
.Very suitable for 30-40, not so for 357 Mag.
For data go to the ADI (the manufacturer) website. They have data for their powders for 30-40 but that does not include Benchmark (BM2 as it is known downunder) However a very close approximation can be extrapolated from the burning rates of related powders, the charts are on this site as well. Just use normal working up protocols.