Powder for 17 Hornet

[beanieboy]

Limited choice of powders available to me locally. Can't get Vihtavuori n110 or n120. Other recommended powders like CFEBLK and AA1680 are also not available. My choice extends to the following Hodgdon powders (not all REACH compliant, but still available)
H110
H322
H4198
I have some Lilgun left from my previous reloading for 22 Hornet, which I may use in reduced loads from those recommended by Hodgdons (these seemed to result in excessive pressures). Have heard good things about the H4198 in spite of the fact that it fills the wee 17 hornet case to capacity. Would be keen to hear from anyone using either of the Hodgdon powders listed above.

 

[Roedeer 1962]

Shame you can't get 1680 i found it to be the best !!!!

 

[beanieboy]

Shame you can't get 1680 i found it to be the best !!!!

Yeah, I've heard nothing but good reports about it.

 

[David N]

Have tried H110 not for me with 20gn fine with 17gn
N120 works well
Lovex d063 works well

I would go with the n120 if you can not get Lovex.

 

[bullet chucker]

Have you any buddies that can get you some from over here? Any one going stalking from here?

BC.

 

[xavierdoc]

Did you look for DO63? It used to be identical to AA1680 (both made by Explosia) and the tubs I've got even have labels stating it's the same stuff. I use it with 25gr bullets (surprising velocities, without killing brass.)

I tried H322 but didn't get the accuracy or velocity of DO63 or Lil Gun. You are right to be cautious about Hodgdon's data for Lil Gun; their starting load was over pressure at same OAL and primer in my gun!

 

[Roedeer 1962]

Have you any buddies that can get you some from over here? Any one going stalking from here?

BC.

Where are you ?

 

[Zetter]

From expierience I would give the 4198 a miss I used it for a fair while but its really close to the mark on case capacity I am now giving Vit120 a spin

 

[beanieboy]

I'm in Northern Ireland. Very limited choice of powders available to me. Can't get DO63 either. 4198 does fill the cases, but pressures are low and good accuracy is reported.

 

[beanieboy]

I loaded some 20g rounds with 9gr of Lilgun, using BR4 primers and crimping lightly. Compared them with Hornady factory 20g and found the POI practically identical at 100 yards. The case necks on the Lilgun rounds were 'sooty whilst the factory rounds were not. No signs of pressure with the 9gr load, so I'm thinking of moving up to 9.1 and 9.2gr to see if this helps. Don't wish to go any higher despite the stated Hodgdon minimum load being 9.4g. Should say factory and Lilgun handloads shooting .6" at 100 yards.

 

[David N]

get a chrono to check your speeds. If your shooting rabbits should be ok, I run some 17gn bullets at 3000fps that are fine for rabbits but would want move fps or a 20gn for foxes.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

I have a can of Du Pont Sporting Rifle #80 that they stopped making in 1939. I am using it up on .22 Hornets at 4 grains per case.