Hodgdon Benchmark in 30-06

[XLF30]

Hi folks,

Has anyone ever used H-Benchmark in 30-06 bolt guns, using 165-180 grain bullets? I'm considering for 2 reasons: 1. I have some, and 2. I'm sick of weighing Varget, 4895, or R-19. Respectfully, please don't respond with "Varget or 4895 meter well for me". In my Dillon, these 2 powders, esp 4895, often bridge and I can get 5 grain variation when they bridge...one round minus five, the next plus 5. In my Uniflow the best is about +- 0.3gr (not good enough for me). Benchmark flows at +- less than 0.1.

Hodgdon shows 46.0 BM for 2660 with 180 gr Sierra. But I don't know the accuracy or the consistency. Can anyone help out with some data or experience?

Thanks

[PhillipM]

Trying to respect your wishes and not doubting you, but how do you know the powder is bridging?

[XLF30]

Well, I guess I "presume" it's bridging because of the large variation. In some cases I've weighed the powder drops as it came out of the measure, and found these differences. To be fair to Varget, this happened with H4895 in a Dillon and to a lesser extent in a Uniflow. When it DOESN'T bridge, the best I can do is about +- 0.2 or 0.3. Unfortunately, +five grains will still fit in the case.

Do you know of some other way this could happen? I can't think of anything else. Do you have any experience with Benchmark in 30-06? I also use H322 in .223 which also meters great, but I can't find any loads for 30-06. I know there are several ball powders to choose from, but I prefer the temp-stable H stick powders. Thanks.

[musketshooter]

Benchmark is listed in the Hodgdon manual for 30-06. Look up the loads on line at their web site.

[XLF30]

Thanks Musketshooter. I listed the Hodgdon load in my OP. My question was if anyone had ever tried the powder and could comment on it. Thanks.

[joem]

I tried Benchmark for .223 and wasn't that accurate for me.