I have a question for anyone who uses or has used HS-6. Looks to me like it would be a good powder for 357,44spec, and some applications in 44mag. I'm looking in the 900 to 1,000 fps. but I've heard that HS-6 is pretty dirty. The powders I use mostly are Blue Dot, 2400, Win 231, some Unique and Bullseye, and 700X. In the applications I'm looking for HS-6 appears to give as good or better FPS with less pressure. Any info would be appreciated, thanks.

For a $20 can of powder and the cartridges you mention, I would ignore what you've heard and try it if you have load data. It could very likely work well with some combinations. Perhaps poorly in others? It is kind of "the nature of the hobby" in that regard.

The "dirty" things you may have heard may have been started by high-volume shooters of auto-loading pistols?

Must evaluate for yourself and what/how you shoot/clean.

I know! Was not the answer you were looking for. It was honest though!

Cheezywan

I'm not sure anything dirtier than Unique. If you can put up with that.... shouldn't be a problem.

A little dirt/soot or a few kernels of powder never hurt anything. Performance is what I'm after and the rest just adds character. A 22 rimfire is as dirty as it gets, but clean up the firearm and don't look back. The lube from cast bullets contributes to 'dirt' as well, but I keep on using them. Part of the game. As to the powder, sorry I don't use it.

if it wern't for dirt where would you know to clean. Remember how they used to throw the dust down in the halls at school so the janitor would know where he is sweeping. The halls were so clean from the constant sweeping that that was the only way to know where you needed to sweep. Guns are the same way.

I agree with if you are putting up with unique, HS-6 won't seem dirtier and for $20 a pound try it. I will only add this: based on the list of powders you already use, you must like to experiemnt so go for it. I have tried it (along with 700x and the "dots") and I have always gone back to W231. Accuracy in my guns has alway been better with W231. I do wonder how long HS-6 and HS-7 will be produced now that Hodgdons also controls Winchester and IMR powder. Maybe a better question is I wonder what powders will be discontinued (but that is a different thread!).
Mark

Hodgdon recently discontinued HS-7, but there are no plans to stop making HS-6.

HS-6 is a very good powder for "just under magnum" loads in the cartridges mentioned. The Hodgdon website has lots of load data.

HS-6 is the filthiest powder I've ever used. Makes a black gooey residue that gums up the works. I like Unique. It's sooty, but the dirt is not gooey and it's easy to wipe out. Total amount of dirt is way less than HS-6.

I'd send you the can of what I've got left, were it not for the hazmat fee...

:(

I agree with if you are putting up with unique, HS-6 won't seem dirtier and for $20 a pound try it. I will only add this: based on the list of powders you already use, you must like to experiemnt so go for it. I have tried it (along with 700x and the "dots") and I have always gone back to W231. Accuracy in my guns has alway been better with W231. I do wonder how long HS-6 and HS-7 will be produced now that Hodgdons also controls Winchester and IMR powder. Maybe a better question is I wonder what powders will be discontinued (but that is a different thread!).
Mark

Experiment,?..yeah, a little. Always looking for something that may work a little better. Maybe I'm wrong in thinking that less pressure means less recoil?? I used 2400 for a long time in my 45 colts and 44mag and even in some 357 loads. I mean, Elmer shot it so it must be good. And it is. However I don't load quite the same anymore and have gone to w231 in my 45s and Blue Dot shares about equal billing in the 44 mags. The Bullseye is used in my 44 spec. I don't particularly like Bullseye but this particular gun seems to. The point about the HS6 was, in all but the 45colts, velocity was about the same as my other loads but showing less pressure. I don't mind cleaning my guns, and Uniques sooty, 2400 leaves granules in the barrel, and so on, but the reply about the gooey stuff concerned me. Maybe some other issues there. Anyway, thank you all for your replies, and advice, guess I'll give it a try. Thanks again.