Hodgdon High Gun powder

[Matt Stolley]

With the current lack of powder diversity available at this time, I’m wondering if anyone has tried Hodgdon High Gun for loading 12 gauge 2 1/2” shells?
With it’s burn rate near Alliant American Select I would think it would be a viable alternative to AS in 7/8 and 1oz loads.

[Chris Riley]

The same thought occurred to me in particular using a 2-1/2” cheddite hulls… after loading 2-3/4” cheddite hulls yielding a psi below 5000 based on the Hodgdon reloading data for 1oz lead loads with High Gun.

[Mike Koneski]

Yes, it is a viable alternative. Make some shells up and have Tom Armbrust or Ballistic Products test them. High Gun and Titegroup are the same powders, just packaged differently. They are right by AS on the burn rate chart. Start with one-size smaller bushing than your AS load. Make 3-5 and test fire them. Even better if you have a chronograph to test their speed too. Barrels should stay relatively clean and no heavy muzzle flash if the pressure is good. Whichever load you like best, send off to be tested. Include exact load data with it.

[Matt Stolley]

Yes, it is a viable alternative. Make some shells up and have Tom Armbrust or Ballistic Products test them. High Gun and Titegroup are the same powders, just packaged differently. They are right by AS on the burn rate chart. Start with one-size smaller bushing than your AS load. Make 3-5 and test fire them. Even better if you have a chronograph to test their speed too. Barrels should stay relatively clean and no heavy muzzle flash if the pressure is good. Whichever load you like best, send off to be tested. Include exact load data with it.

That’s the plan.
I’ll share results with the group.

[Kevin McQueeney]

Just a side note. I use it as a replacement for Clays and Titewad which I can no longer get. It’s used in 2 3/4” shells and due to its smaller volume I now use 7/8 wads instead of 1 oz. so the shells will crimp properly. (Still loading 1oz. though) ….something to watch for.

[LizzCollin]

I haven’t personally tried Hodgdon High Gun for 12 gauge 2 1/2” shells, but I’ve heard a few folks mention it as a good alternative when you're in a pinch for powder. Since its burn rate is close to Alliant American Select, I think you're on the right track. I’ve had similar experiences when I was searching for lever action rifle parts (https://everygunpart.com/long-guns-kits/rifles/lever-action.html)—sometimes you just need to experiment with what's available. I once swapped out a part in my lever action rifle and noticed a big difference in performance. It’s all about finding the right match for what you need, and I’d say give the High Gun a shot if it fits the load specs you’re after.

[Frank Good]

A local dealer here had 9lbs high gun and 8lbs of perfect pattern in stock so i bought 4 of each today. According to the Hodgdon site I can load a 1oz load using 19.6grs high gun. a 2 3/4" cheddite hull, cheddite 209 primer, claybuster 1oz wad with a published mv of 1235fps under 6000 psi. Sounds like a great combo to me and with the same hull, primer and wad using pp around 6500 psi. I'm tempted to purchase the rest of the powder before it's gone.

[Mike Koneski]

Buy the rest of it. As we’ve been saying for years, buy it when you find it. 👍🏻

[Eddie Kay]

I'll try these tomorrow. https://i.postimg.cc/HnnrZVzs/LOTW-12ga-Vintage-HG.jpg

[Andrew Sacco]

Buy the rest of it. As we’ve been saying for years, buy it when you find it. 👍🏻

Keep buying until you're broke, then double down and buy even more. You will not regret it. :)

[Mike Koneski]

Better start stocking up on shot too. The ChiComs are shutting down our supply of antimony and we will see the price of shot and factory ammo increase. A 20% increase in price will not be unheard of.

[Andrew Sacco]

That's just awesome Mike. Thanks for the heads up.

[Mike Koneski]

That's just awesome Mike. Thanks for the heads up.

Awesome isn't exactly the word I'd use. :cuss: Fortunately I have easily over 30 bags of shot. I'm good to go.

[Andrew Sacco]

Well I used the statement "That's just awesome" in a tongue in cheek type of way meaning "WTF is wrong with this world..."

30 bags?? You're slacking fella, I have more than that in 8 shot alone : )

[Frank Good]

How are you loading 2.5" shells? Are you doing them on a press set up for 2.75" and placing something under the shell on the crimping stages?

[Pete Lester]

Awesome isn't exactly the word I'd use. :cuss: Fortunately I have easily over 30 bags of shot. I'm good to go.

That's 12,000 one ounce loads, How long will the 30 bags last you? When I was shooting ATA trap I knew people who shot that many or more in one years time between singles, handicap and doubles.

[Eddie Kay]

Mec short kit. My old Pacific 366 requires just adjustments. Load's are for my H.H.Hussey. https://i.postimg.cc/kgdP5MvF/DSC02455.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/mr6tJp0n/DSC00744.jpg

[Mike Koneski]

That's 12,000 one ounce loads, How long will the 30 bags last you? When I was shooting ATA trap I knew people who shot that many or more in one years time between singles, handicap and doubles.

Well, I might shoot once a week for about 8-9 months per year. When I go to the Southern I'll shoot over 1000 targets. At Ernie's I might shoot 500-700. I have over 50 cases of reloads and probably about that many in factory shells. Most of the shells I use are 7/8 oz 12g, 7/8 oz 16g and 7/8 oz 20g.

[Mike Koneski]

How are you loading 2.5" shells? Are you doing them on a press set up for 2.75" and placing something under the shell on the crimping stages?

MEC makes a short kit for their 600, JR press. Works slick. Put it under the shell holder for the two crimp stations for 2 1/2" shells, remove it for 2 3/4" shells. EZ PZ.

[Eddie Kay]

Shot the loads yesterday. very dirty powder.

[Mike Koneski]

Shot the loads yesterday. very dirty powder.

Did you make the 17g or 18g loads? What was the exact powder charge your press was throwing? It can make a difference. Usually a dirty bbl is a result of unburned powder residue.

[Eddie Kay]

Shot both. Very soft recoil but dirty.I think Perfect Pattern might be a better choice for 7/8oz. I was surprised when I saw those loads as Hodgdon doesn't recommend loading below 1oz. with High Gun. As long as it doesn't interfere with the gun closing I might as well use it up.

[Frank Good]

MEC makes a short kit for their 600, JR press. Works slick. Put it under the shell holder for the two crimp stations for 2 1/2" shells, remove it for 2 3/4" shells. EZ PZ.

That is awesome! I had a 600 JR given to me so now I'll get that kit and I can load 2.5's as well! :bowdown:
Thank you!

[Frank Good]

Buy the rest of it. As we’ve been saying for years, buy it when you find it. 👍🏻

Well I went and bought the rest today so now I have 9lbs high gun and 8lbs perfect pattern. Dealer was happy, happy. Says he usually doesn't stock shotgun components as they don't sell well. He was quite happy to get rid of it all in one shot.