H414 or W760

U

UncleDoc

New member
Alright all you reloading experts, here is the question for the day. Is Hodgdon 414 the same as Winchester 760? I have read many articles and postings about the similarities and even read one posting that said that Hodgdon repackaged 760 they purchased from Winchester. So what's the scoop? H414 shoots about as good as any powder I have ever tried in my .243 with lighter bullets. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
 
They are the same powder. It is now produced by SMP. It may have at one point been produced by Olin, but likely was always produced by SMP. Just realize that they may not both be from the same production lot. Therefore the same rule of thumb still holds, drop back 10% and work up.
John
 
The problem with saying that this or that powder is the same is that some poor smuck may be in a hurry at 10:00 at night to load something for the next day's hunt and substitute one of the other. Lot to Lot variances can't be stressed enough.
 
Quote:
They are the same powder. It is now produced by SMP. It may have at one point been produced by Olin, but likely was always produced by SMP. John



The Olin H-414 is not the same powder as the current H-414.


I recently bought some H-414, and compared it to some 20 year old H-414.

They may have the same burning rate...

... but they are definitely not the same powder!
 
Thanks to everyone who responded. I got curious enough and called Hodgdon to get it from the horse's mouth so to speak. The guy at Hodgdon (which owns both IMR and Winchester powders) said the only difference in the H414 and the W760 currently produced is the package it comes in and the label on it. According to him they are the same powder, manufactured and packaged in the same plant.

The information on the lot to lot consistency is excellent. That fact not withstanding, the load data, pressure, performance, etc. should all be the same (and interchangable).
 
I want to get it down to buying all of my powders in 8 lb jugs so I don't have to worry about lot to lot varition as often. This is something you should consider doing after you have some good loads developed.
 
Excellent advice. I have a shooting buddy who does just that and I thought that might be too much to keep on hand. But you make a very good point. I'm now shopping for 8# of H414...and my wife is so happy. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-006.gif
 


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