H322 vs. H335 For .223/5.56 - Can Anyone Compare/Contrast The Two Powders?

[ar15barrels]

I was told that you can use H335 instead of water to measure case volume as it has the specific gravity as water does.

Water is 1.000 gm/cc at 4 Celsius

H335 is 1.620 gm/cc

[TrappedinCalifornia]

I found H322 to be an excellent powder. Good consistency lot to lot. Temp stable. I loaded it for gaming so only about 2800fps out of a 14.5. H335, I can see why its better for semi autos. It does seem gasser at similar velocities.

But I am in the same boat. H322 is too expensive now and will be turning my eye in another direction. CFE223 maybe.

As I said, I've used H322 for around 40 years and have had no complaints. Unfortunately, it's not just the cost, but the lack of availability now. I haven't seen any H322, literally, for a couple of years locally.

In some respects, this forced 'experimentation' in terms of powders is both a good and a bad thing. One should be able to load with a variety of powders for circumstances just like now; i.e., be able to utilize what's available. But, it can be tough when you have something you know works, it works well, and it's been 'readily' available all these years.

[Cowboy T]

As I said, I've used H322 for around 40 years and have had no complaints. Unfortunately, it's not just the cost, but the lack of availability now. I haven't seen any H322, literally, for a couple of years locally.

In some respects, this forced 'experimentation' in terms of powders is both a good and a bad thing. One should be able to load with a variety of powders for circumstances just like now; i.e., be able to utilize what's available. But, it can be tough when you have something you know works, it works well, and it's been 'readily' available all these years.

This is why I tend to have at least two good powders for the various cartridges that I reload. For magnum handguns, actually I added a third powder, Accurate 11FS, which turns out to be pretty good stuff. Alliant 2400 and Hodgdon H110/Win296 were it before, with 2400 as my primary. Same with .38 Special and .45 ACP; both Bullseye and Titegroup for those cartridges.

I think you'll be happy with H335. Don't overlook CFE223, either, if you find it at an affordable price.

[TrappedinCalifornia]

...I think you'll be happy with H335. Don't overlook CFE223, either, if you find it at an affordable price.

Hopefully, the H335 works out. Unfortunately, as I predicted, it's become 'scarce' (as in, I can't find it) locally and all I was able to get was that 1 lb. when visiting the 'local' Sportsman's Warehouse.

I'll look into the CFE223, but I don't remember ever seeing it 'locally.'

What it all comes down to is that it may be time to 'experiment' and, after all these years, I look at that prospect with a mixture of 'semi-enthusiastic' anticipation and angst, particularly given the price of components these days.

[Tommy Gun]

H335 has been available for years. 2020 doesn't count because Covid shortages. Try Powder Valley, Grafs or Midsouth Shooters. Also available other places but those are more expensive. Buy two 8# and be good for awhile. I have 8# coming tomorrow.

[TomReloaded]

322 is a fantastic powder if you don't care about speed. It definitely makes slower ammo than most common 223 powders... But it's very accurate and easy to get consistent fills. It's also economical.

If you only shoot inside 100 yards and not at animals, honestly it's hard to beat. Especially on over gassed factory guns, it'll run them fine and lower recoil to nearly nothing.

[Ark001]

I like using H335 for my personal 223 loads but I have been looking at using tac. We use tac at K&A ammunition and it runs great, clean and consistent.

[joelogic]

Clicked on the Free Hazmat Hodgdon link to price check items. H322 $385 8lb! Definitely time to chose a new powder.

CFE223
Shooters World AR Plus
or maybe back to TAC.

[Calif Hunter]

I used H335 for years in my .223s, but I found it affected by the heat on summer prairie dog shoots. I switched to H322 for a couple years, but ended up using TAC for most of my .223 loads. All gave excellent accuracy out of my Savage 110 and CZ527.

[TrappedinCalifornia]

Clicked on the Free Hazmat Hodgdon link to price check items. H322 $385 8lb! Definitely time to chose a new powder.

CFE223
Shooters World AR Plus
or maybe back to TAC.

Other than the lack of availability (to me), the current price difference between H322 and H335 was another factor.

Right now, there are some 8 lb. jugs available at the closest Sportsman's Warehouse (or there were some time back). But, even "$300" is a bit pricey in relation to a powder I've never used and there's only been a 1 lb. bottle available here and there.

It was always my understanding that TAC was for 'heavier' bullets and not necessarily for 55gr. FMJ's and soft points. I don't think I've ever seen CFE 223 or Shooters World AR Plus 'locally.' But, these days, I suppose it is something to consider.

[Sailormilan2]

Other than the lack of availability (to me), the current price difference between H322 and H335 was another factor.

Right now, there are some 8 lb. jugs available at the closest Sportsman's Warehouse (or there were some time back). But, even "$300" is a bit pricey in relation to a powder I've never used and there's only been a 1 lb. bottle available here and there.

It was always my understanding that TAC was for 'heavier' bullets and not necessarily for 55gr. FMJ's and soft points. I don't think I've ever seen CFE 223 or Shooters World AR Plus 'locally.' But, these days, I suppose it is something to consider.

Powder Valley currently has 8# of H335 for $262, Unfortunately, shipping and hazmat will probably eat up a lot of the savings.

https://www.powdervalley.com/product/hodgdon-h335/

[BAJ475]

H335 is my go to plinking load powder, 25gr for a 55gr FMJBT. I bought several jugs of Surplus WC844 several years back for 79.99 a 8# jug. Worked out to 25.2gr to match velocity of H335.

My standard .223/5.56 55gr plinking load is also 25gr H335.

[Sig so sour of ca]

Powder Valley currently has 8# of H335 for $262, Unfortunately, shipping and hazmat will probably eat up a lot of the savings.

https://www.powdervalley.com/product/hodgdon-h335/

Plus they now charge sales tax. 25.0gr is what I use for 62gr and 55gr pills.

I've used 23.4 for 69gr with decent accuracy. I'm not am amazing rifle shooter so if I can hit an 8 inch plate at 600 yards from the bench, that's good enough for my skill.

[kcheung2]

Yes TAC is great for heavier stuff but there's plenty of load data for 55 grain.

[Tripplet918]

Ive been using H335 for years for 55 gr 223. No issues. Old reliable.

Im planning on switching to CFE 223 just because it does a wider range of projectiles and some other calibers I shoot.