Description

Buy Hodgdon Benchmark Smokeless Gun Powder

Hodgdon Benchmark is in stock now at Primers Reloading, giving precision rifle reloaders a powder built for tight groups and repeatable results. Designed for benchrest and small varmint cartridges, Benchmark is a favorite among shooters loading the .223 Remington, 6mm PPC, and .204 Ruger, and its small, easy-flowing grains make it a great match for progressive presses.

What is Hodgdon Benchmark?

Hodgdon Benchmark is an extruded rifle powder, which means it’s shaped into small cylindrical grains. Hodgdon made the grains short and small on purpose, so they flow smoothly through powder measures and help you throw very consistent charges.

It’s part of Hodgdon’s Extreme Rifle Series, a line of powders built to give steady performance whether it’s hot or cold outside. Benchmark is a single-base powder made in Australia. As the name suggests, Hodgdon developed it for precision cartridges, especially those used in benchrest shooting.

Which cartridges use Hodgdon Benchmark?

Hodgdon Benchmark works best in smaller precision and varmint cartridges, including:

• .223 Remington
• .222 Remington
• .204 Ruger
• 6mm PPC
• .22 PPC
• 6mm BR
• .308 Winchester (with light match bullets, such as 147 and 155 grain)
• .22-250 Remington

Reloaders also report using it in other cartridges. Always check Hodgdon’s published load data for your exact cartridge, bullet weight, and primer before loading, since not every cartridge is listed for every powder.

Why reloaders choose Hodgdon Benchmark

• Temperature stable – Velocity stays steadier in hot and cold weather, which is great for varmint hunters and long-range shooters.
• Easy metering – The small, short grains flow well through progressive presses and powder measures.
• Built for precision – Made with benchrest and small varmint shooting in mind.
• Accurate in the .223 – Reloaders report tight groups and low velocity spreads with common .223 bullet weights.
• Clean burning – Reloaders often mention less residue and a smoother reloading experience.

A note on the .308 Winchester

Benchmark can work well in the .308 Winchester with lighter match bullets, but some reloaders find it a bit fast for heavier .308 bullets. If you’re loading heavy bullets, check Hodgdon’s load data to see which powders are listed for your bullet weight.

Available sizes

• 1-pound container – Great for trying it out or topping off your bench.
• 8-pound container – Best value for high-volume reloaders, especially those loading a lot of .223.

Why buy Hodgdon Benchmark from Primers Reloading

• Trusted, proven brand – Hodgdon is one of the most established names in smokeless powder.
• In stock and ready to ship – No long waits or backorders.
• Right size for your bench – From a single pound to a full 8-pound container.

Shipping information

Smokeless powder is classified as a hazardous material for shipping, so a few rules apply:

• Ground shipping only — never by air.
• Shipped separately from non-hazmat items, and typically cannot ship in the same box as primers due to combined hazmat limits.
• Requires an adult signature (21+) upon delivery.
• Some states and localities have additional restrictions on powder shipments, and per-order quantity limits may apply.

We handle all of the compliance details on our end, so all you need to do is place your order and be ready to sign when it arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Benchmark best used for?
It’s built for benchrest and small varmint cartridges like the .223 Remington, .222 Remington, .204 Ruger, 6mm PPC, and .22 PPC.

Is Benchmark temperature stable?
Yes. Benchmark is part of Hodgdon’s Extreme Rifle Series, which is built to keep velocities more consistent across hot and cold conditions.

Where is Benchmark made?
Hodgdon manufactures Benchmark in Australia.

Does Benchmark work in a progressive press?
Yes. Its small, easy-metering grains flow smoothly, which is why competitive reloaders like it for progressive presses.

What sizes does Benchmark come in?
It’s available in 1-pound and 8-pound containers.

Can smokeless powder be shipped to my state?
Most states allow direct shipping, but some states and cities have additional restrictions or quantity limits. Check our shipping policy or contact us before ordering if you’re unsure.