357 Mag and Lil' Gun, 2400 anyone use it?

[enfielder]

Was thinking of trying a different powder in ye old 357.

For one reason or another I was thinking of going with Hodgdon Lil Gun or maybe Alliant 2400, Elmer Keith seemed to like it.

Anyone out there using either of these powders or have used them? Or any suggestions.

Not looking for speed, just accuracy.

 

[ruffbird]

sure both powders are great in .357 mag., & you are going to get lots of speed out of these. I use A-2400 in loads with 158 gr bullets & for the 180 gr bullets which are "heavy-for-calibre" in .357 mag. the Hodgdon Lil'gun powder is the one for speed & keeping your pressure in check.

I use the speer JSP in the 158 gr., & a hard cast, gas checked 180 gr. from "Cast Performance". I use these in my Marlin 1894c rifle, & they give great accuracy, but are going to be more of a hunting load with either bullet.

if you are looking for a much milder load I would suggest the faster powders like W-231, H-universal or IMR 700X. these would give slower speeds....

as always begin with the starting loads in the manual & work up while watching for "signs of pressure" & NEVER go beyond MAX.

hope this helps you!

Ruffbird.

 

[enfielder]

Thanks Ruffbird,

My past loads (all handgun) were with HP38, Bullseye and Unique pushing a 158gr LSWC.

For a fun gun I picked up a Puma M92 levergun and thought I would start fresh, with a new powder and bullet, got a bit more barrel to work with.

I decided to go with the Winchester 158gr semi jacketed hollow point (so I don't have to p*ss around with gas checks) and magnum primers. Wanted a powder that could push the pill to the 100 yard marker but with accuracy.

So you use A2400. Maybe that's the way to go?

 

[ruffbird]

another thing I like about A-2400 powder is being able to use Standard primers, & it works great in my Lee powder measures.

I've been using it for 10 yrs in my reloads for .357 & .44 magnum loadings in my rifles for 100 yrd shots. in my revolvers target loads get the faster powders at 25 to 50 yd shooting.....

try some of that Lil'Gun powder with those 158 gr Jhp bullets, they hit real hard & were quite acurrate in my marlin.

happy loading.....

 

[enfielder]

Thanks ruffbird.

I'll give Lil' gun a go.

Cheers!

 

[Ardent]

'Lil Gun gave amazing performance in my 1894C, I started at 17.5grs, moved up a good deal slowly. I was able to safely go over 20grs, but if you wish to WORK UP! That's getting pretty warm and not something you want to drop into the chamber unless safely worked up to. I find 'Lil Gun very accurate, very powerful. Use small rifle primers, the pressure is sustained longer than in a pistol due to the barrel length.