If you’ve spent any time at the reloading bench, chances are you’ve heard of Hodgdon H322. It’s a name that floats around forums, range conversations, and powder recommendation lists. Known for its consistency and clean burn, H322 has earned a loyal following, especially among varmint shooters and small-caliber reloaders.

But what makes Hodgdon H322 stand out from the crowd? Is it really worth the hype, or is it just another powder with a cult following? That’s what we’re going to unpack here. We’ll take a deep dive into its performance, versatility, load data, and how it compares to other powders in the same burn rate bracket.

So whether you’re a seasoned reloader or just starting your journey, this detailed review will help you decide if H322 deserves a spot on your shelf. Hodgdon H322 is an extruded rifle powder designed for small to medium rifle calibers. It’s been around for decades and gained particular fame in the benchrest shooting community. In fact, it’s often referred to as a “benchrest-grade” powder, which already says a lot about its precision potential.

It has a relatively fast burn rate, making it suitable for cartridges like:

• .223 Remington
• 6mm PPC
• .204 Ruger
• 7.62x39mm
• .222 Remington

One of the key characteristics that makes H322 appealing is its temperature stability. Unlike some powders that give you drastically different results in cold versus hot weather, H322 is praised for maintaining consistent velocity and pressure regardless of the environment.

Shooters who load for semi-autos—especially AR-15 platforms—often lean toward H322 due to its clean burn and reduced fouling. Less mess equals less maintenance. And when you’re pumping out hundreds of rounds at a time, that matters.

Some say H322 flows through powder measures better than other extruded powders, thanks to its fine grain size. That means less chance of metering inconsistencies and more confidence that every round you build is as close to identical as possible.

But that’s not to say it’s perfect. Some users have noted that while it performs beautifully in certain calibers, it’s not always the top choice for others. That’s what makes reloading such an individual journey—you have to test and tweak for your own needs.

Popular Calibers and Load Data for Hodgdon H322

Let’s get into the meat of it. Below is a table showing common calibers where Hodgdon H322 shines, along with general bullet weights and performance highlights. Keep in mind, always refer to a reliable reloading manual or the Hodgdon website for exact data.

Caliber	Bullet Weight	H322 Charge Range (grains)	Notes on Performance
.223 Remington	50–77 grains	20.0–24.5	Excellent accuracy, ideal for AR-15 rifles
6mm PPC	60–70 grains	22.5–25.0	Benchrest favorite for tight groupings
.204 Ruger	32–40 grains	24.0–27.0	High velocity and clean burning
7.62x39mm	123–125 grains	23.5–25.5	Works well in AK-pattern rifles
.222 Remington	40–55 grains	19.0–22.5	Smooth cycling and good pressure control

Some observations from real-world shooters:

• .223 Remington with H322: Many reloaders report that H322 gives them some of the tightest groupings they’ve ever had with 69 and 77-grain bullets. It’s commonly used for match-level performance at mid-range distances.
• 6mm PPC: This is where H322 originally made a name for itself. It’s almost a historical pairing in the world of benchrest shooting.
• .204 Ruger: This fast, flat-shooting round really benefits from H322’s clean-burning nature, minimizing the amount of fouling in the barrel.

So if you’re running any of the above calibers and haven’t tried H322 yet, it’s definitely worth considering. It offers a great combination of precision, consistency, and manageable recoil.

What Shooters Love (and Don’t Love) About H322

Let’s break this down into a list of pros and cons based on user experience, testing, and general community feedback. You’ll hear a lot of praise—but also a few caveats worth knowing.

Pros

• Excellent Accuracy
  • It’s not just marketing—shooters routinely report MOA or better results using H322.
• Clean Burning
  • Less fouling in your barrel means fewer cleanings and longer shooting sessions.
• Meters Well for a Stick Powder
  • Unlike many extruded powders that clump or crunch in powder measures, H322 flows better than expected.
• Temperature Stability
  • It holds its own whether you’re shooting in desert heat or winter cold.
• Versatility Across Small/Medium Calibers
  • One powder, many uses. Great if you’re looking to simplify your bench inventory.
• Low Muzzle Flash
  • Some users note reduced muzzle flash compared to other powders in the same class.

Cons

• Can Be Hard to Find
  • Due to popularity and supply chain issues, H322 isn’t always in stock.
• Not Ideal for Heavier Bullets in Large Calibers
  • While it works well in light to medium applications, you’ll want a slower powder for big bullets in large cases.
• Price
  • It’s often priced a bit higher than ball powders, which may be a factor if you’re loading in bulk.
• Some Lot-to-Lot Variation
  • As with all powders, test and rework your loads when switching lots.
• Not as Universal as Varget
  • If you’re looking for one powder for both .308 and .223, H322 may feel limiting.

FAQs About Hodgdon H322

Is Hodgdon H322 a ball or stick powder?

Hodgdon H322 is a fine extruded (stick) powder, but its small grain size helps it meter better than most traditional stick powders.

What calibers work best with H322?

H322 performs best in small to mid-sized rifle cartridges such as .223 Remington, 6mm PPC, .204 Ruger, and .222 Remington. It’s also used in 7.62x39mm.

Can I use H322 in bolt-action and semi-auto rifles?

Yes, absolutely. It cycles well in AR-15 platforms and provides excellent accuracy in bolt-action rifles. Many reloaders use it in both.

Is it temperature sensitive?

H322 is known for its temperature stability, which is one reason it’s used in competitions. Still, always test loads in the conditions you’ll be shooting in.

How does H322 compare to Varget or Benchmark?

• Varget: Better for larger calibers and heavier bullets; H322 is more suitable for lighter bullets and small-capacity cases.
• Benchmark: Similar burn rate to H322, but users often debate which is more accurate—depends on your setup.

Can H322 be used for .308 Winchester?

Technically yes, but it’s not ideal. You’ll likely get better results from slower powders like Varget, IMR 4064, or Reloder 15.

Does H322 have good lot-to-lot consistency?

For the most part, yes. But it’s always good practice to rework your load when switching to a new lot number.

Conclusion: Is Hodgdon H322 Worth It?

If precision, cleanliness, and temperature stability are high on your list, then Hodgdon H322 absolutely deserves a place on your reloading bench. It has a long-standing reputation in the shooting community for a reason—it works, and it works well.

From benchrest competitions to varmint hunts to everyday range shooting, H322 has proven itself time and again. It’s one of those powders that tends to earn long-term loyalty from shooters who find it works for their needs.

Sure, it might not be the most versatile powder on the market. You won’t reach for it if you’re loading up heavy .308 rounds or chasing magnum velocities. But for what it’s designed to do—accurate, clean-burning loads in smaller rifle cartridges—it delivers in spades.

The biggest challenge may simply be finding it in stock. But if you do spot a bottle, grab it. Once you’ve worked up a few pet loads using H322, you’ll understand why so many people won’t reload without it.

So go ahead—give Hodgdon H322 a shot. You might just find your new favorite powder.