357 loads

[brandon6976]

Hello guys, I reload mostly for pistol rounds.

I wanted to make some "fun" 357 loads that when I take new people to the range they get a laugh out of. Most people enjoy 357 because of the big boom and modest recoil. Is there a powder that I should use to create a bit of a fireball effect? S shooting a 357 out of a 4-6" pistol if it makes the big boom and has a bit of muzzle flash I think people I bring to the range would get a laugh out of it.

Most of the time when I use HS-6 or CFE for making most of the pistol rounds for shooting they generally don't make too much of a flash or anything but curious if some powders would do it more than others?

 

[Freedom Ventures]

You're looking for a slower powder on the burn rate chart that will have the most chance that it will get out the end of your barrel and then ignite or be igniting while at the end. H110 / Win 296 would be a good start, maybe Vhit N120 if you're not worried about cost.

 

[vagrantviking]

H110 is the powder I'm familiar with that yields the best fireballs like you are describing.

 

[brandon6976]

Thanks for the quick reply! I sort of figured that's what I'd be looking for but wanted to confirm.

I'll check into those. I saw the h110 was popular for 357. I'll check into N120, I've never used the Vhit stuff, i know it's pricey but since this is likely something I'd make a batch of 500 and likely last nearly a year (since this is more for giggles over regular plinking) I suspect if it fits the bill good the extra cost won't be too bad.

 

[CoreyMac]

296 gives really good flames out of my colt. Hollywood rounds.
Corey

 

[MikeyScuba]

H110 is the bomb. In my Desert Eagle .357 I need 16gr of H110.

 

[nevanevan]

H110 is my go-to

 

[Reeferman]

22 grains of 296 under a Hornady 125 XTP will give you fireballs you are looking for.

 

[Monster Mike]

H110 = ww296

 

[Seagull]

H110 = ww296

X2

You can also use 2400. It is my favorite for 357/44Mag head turning loads.

 

[brandon6976]

haha thanks guys. At least I know I'm not the only one looking to make some of those hollywood fireballs

 

[Auggie Doggie]

Blue Dot gives Great Balls of Fire.

Auggie D.

 

[digitalblue]

Where do you find the flash to be most visually prominent, cylinder gap or muzzle?

In the 357's I've owned/shot, I rarely(if ever) see fireballs coming out of the muzzle.

 

[CoreyMac]

On mine i get the flame out the barrel because the slow powder is propelled out and the flame front travels out the barrel and continues as the powder is sent out the barrel.

My theory and im sticking to it.
Corey

 

[bigedp51]

22 grains of 296 under a Hornady 125 XTP will give you fireballs you are looking for.

I fired my S&W Model 28 with the same load at night and the flash and flame that came out of the cylinder gap blinded me.

I just wanted to see what the effect would be in total darkness, and can tell you this isn't the load to use in a gun fight at night.

Below watch the Winchester 125 grain load and its muzzle flash.

 

[BillD]

Healthy H110 loads for boom and fireballs:

 

[Skull1]

Add oatmeal to your load.....you will get the fireball you disire....especially if you shoot in low light conditions.