Hodgdon H335 Smokeless Gun Powder

Hodgdon H335 Smokeless Gun Powder is a versatile spherical rifle propellant widely used for reloading small‑to‑medium rifle cartridges. Known for its reliability and consistent performance, H335 has become one of the most popular powders for shooters loading ammunition for .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO rifles.

Originally developed as a military powder, H335 quickly gained popularity among civilian reloaders because of its dependable burn characteristics and ability to deliver reliable velocities in modern rifle cartridges. Its formulation makes it especially suitable for semi‑automatic rifles where reliable cycling and consistent pressure are essential.

H335 belongs to the category of spherical (ball) smokeless powders, which are known for their high density and excellent metering characteristics. This design allows the powder to flow smoothly through reloading equipment, helping reloaders achieve precise powder charges with minimal variation.

Because of its balanced burn rate and versatility, Hodgdon H335 is frequently used for varmint hunting, target shooting, and high‑volume rifle training. Reloaders who shoot large quantities of ammunition often choose H335 because it offers dependable performance and efficient powder charges.

Whether you are loading ammunition for AR‑15 rifles, bolt‑action varmint rifles, or other small‑caliber hunting rifles, Hodgdon H335 powder remains one of the most trusted options available in the reloading market.

Key Features

• Spherical smokeless rifle powder

• Originally developed as a military propellant

• Ideal for .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO cartridges

• Excellent metering through powder measures

• Consistent burn characteristics

• Suitable for semi‑automatic rifle platforms

• Reliable velocity and pressure performance

• Popular for varmint hunting and target shooting

• Manufactured by Hodgdon Powder Company

• Factory sealed packaging

Why Reloaders Choose Hodgdon H335 Powder

Military‑Proven Powder Design

H335 powder was originally designed for military ammunition applications, particularly for cartridges used in modern sporting rifles. This military heritage means the powder was engineered to provide consistent ignition and dependable ballistic performance.

Because of this reliability, reloaders often select H335 when loading ammunition for rifles that require smooth cycling and consistent pressure characteristics.

Excellent Performance in .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO

H335 powder is best known for its outstanding performance in .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO cartridges. These cartridges are among the most widely used rifle calibers in the world, especially for AR‑15 platforms and varmint hunting rifles.

The powder’s burn rate allows it to generate the pressure curve needed for reliable cycling in semi‑automatic rifles while maintaining safe operating pressures.

Because of these characteristics, H335 has become a popular choice among reloaders producing ammunition for:

• AR‑15 rifles

• Varmint hunting rifles

• Target shooting rifles

• Tactical and competition shooting platforms

Spherical Powder for Reliable Metering

H335 is manufactured as a spherical (ball) powder, which offers several advantages during the reloading process.

Ball powders are generally denser and flow smoothly through powder dispensers, allowing for consistent powder measurement during reloading. This helps ensure that each cartridge receives a uniform powder charge.

Uniform powder charges are essential for maintaining consistent velocities and reliable ballistic performance.

Balanced Burn Rate for Small Rifle Cartridges

The burn rate of H335 places it in the medium rifle powder category, making it suitable for small to medium rifle cartridges.

This burn rate provides efficient pressure development for cartridges with moderate case capacity, allowing reloaders to achieve reliable velocities without excessive pressure.

The powder performs best when used with cartridges designed for lighter rifle bullets and moderate case volumes.

Hodgdon H335 Powder Specifications

H335 is classified as a medium‑burning rifle powder, which allows it to perform efficiently in smaller rifle cartridges such as .223 Remington.

Common Cartridges for Hodgdon H335

H335 powder is frequently used for reloading several small‑caliber and medium‑caliber rifle cartridges.

Popular applications include:

• .223 Remington

• 5.56 NATO

• .222 Remington

• .308 Winchester

• .30‑30 Winchester

These cartridges benefit from H335’s balanced burn rate and reliable ignition characteristics, making it an excellent powder for varmint shooting and high‑volume rifle training.

Always follow official Hodgdon load data when developing ammunition loads.

Applications of Hodgdon H335 Powder

AR‑15 Ammunition Reloading

One of the most common uses of H335 powder is for reloading ammunition for AR‑15 rifles chambered in .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO.

Because semi‑automatic rifles rely on gas pressure to cycle the action, powders used in these platforms must provide consistent pressure curves. H335 meets this requirement by delivering reliable ignition and steady combustion characteristics.

Varmint Hunting

H335 is widely used by varmint hunters who require fast, accurate ammunition for small game such as prairie dogs and coyotes.

Cartridges loaded with H335 can achieve the velocities necessary for flat trajectories, making it easier to hit small targets at longer distances.

Target Shooting and Range Training

Shooters who train frequently often choose H335 because it allows them to produce reliable and consistent practice ammunition.

Because it meters easily and performs consistently, H335 is suitable for reloaders producing large quantities of ammunition for range sessions or competition practice.

Storage and Safety Guidelines

Like all smokeless powders, Hodgdon H335 should be handled responsibly and stored correctly.

Follow these general safety guidelines:

• Store powder in the original factory container

• Keep away from open flames or heat sources

• Store in a cool, dry environment

• Follow all recommended reloading safety procedures

Proper storage helps preserve powder stability and ensures safe reloading operations.

FAQ

What is Hodgdon H335 powder used for?

Hodgdon H335 powder is used for rifle ammunition reloading, especially for small‑caliber cartridges such as .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO.

Is Hodgdon H335 a spherical powder?

Yes. H335 is a spherical (ball) smokeless powder, which allows it to meter smoothly through reloading equipment.

What calibers work best with H335 powder?

H335 performs particularly well in .223 Remington, 5.56 NATO, .222 Remington, .308 Winchester, and .30‑30 Winchester cartridges.

Is H335 good for AR‑15 rifles?

Yes. H335 powder is commonly used for AR‑15 rifle ammunition because it produces reliable pressure curves that help the rifle cycle properly.

Is Hodgdon H335 easy to measure when reloading?

Yes. Because it is a spherical powder, H335 flows smoothly through powder measures, helping reloaders achieve consistent powder charges.

Is H335 good for varmint hunting loads?

Yes. H335 is widely used for varmint hunting cartridges, particularly those designed for small‑caliber high‑velocity rifles.