Powder recommendations for Magnum revolver rounds

aakoksal

aakoksal

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Good day to all,

I'm looking for a powder recommendation that can successfully be used for .357 Mag, .41Mag and .44 Mag. I have couple pounds of H110, but is there a better option out there.? I also have 10lbs. of Win. 231, and a pound of Unique. Once I decide what to use, I just want to keep an eye out for deals on powder to stock up.

I load these rounds to 80% of their standard pressures for fun shooting using lead bullets but also enjoy some full-power shooting as well. I reload single stage as well as progressive, so powders working well with measures could be something to consider but not a deal breaker.

Thanks for taking the time to respond.
 
I've found h110 to be both the fastest and most accurate for jacketed 44 mag rounds. For lighter loads, it's pretty much whatever measures best in your measure. I'm currently using a batch I made up with power pistol. Not h110 performance, but not bad to shoot.
 
My favorite is Allient 2400. H110 is my second though. I have top velocity magnum loads for both powders in 357, 44Mag, and 460. The only reason I like 2400 best is it's much more versatile in that it can be loaded down for cast bullet loads in rifle or pistol and works well with standard primers. H110 benefits from Magnum Primers.

They both make spectacular fireballs when loaded near the top.
 
I like 231. You can load it right up or light. Pretty forgiving powder. But if you want a full power load 2400 is good. Even 296.
 
For 357 Mag I like Alliant's 300-MP. Higher volume so it almost fills the case. I have also had good success with Accurate #9 in both 357 Mag and 7.62x25 Tokarev.
 
H110/296 is excellent for full power, jacketed ammo. It does not download well, since it needs full pressure to burn properly, so not good for reduced loads or lead bullets.

If you want full power and the ability to load milder (say - 75% power) or to load lead bullets, 2400 has been the go to powder for the last 60 years.

Elmer Keith liked it.
 
Ruger007 said:
I like 231. You can load it right up or light. Pretty forgiving powder. But if you want a full power load 2400 is good. Even 296.
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W231 is the same as HP38. It is a fast powder, that is adequate for light to medium loads. Never fill a case of 357 with W231 or you will hear a very lood boom, followed by a ljolt of pain. W296 is the same as H110.
 
NORMA R123 is my favorite magnum handgun powder but I am down to my last 2 pounds.

H110 and 2400 also give me all the velocity I need.
 
pacobillie said:
W231 is the same as HP38. It is a fast powder, that is adequate for light to medium loads. Never fill a case of 357 with W231 or you will hear a very lood boom, followed by a ljolt of pain. W296 is the same as H110.
Click to expand...

231 is very versatile. With lead bullets. At least it gives you the option of downloading. But if your goal is burn the barn down and go home after 20 rounds then 296 or H110 is a good choice.
 
2400

As noted above, you can use it for a wide range of loads. I generally use it for medium and hot loads in my magnum revolvers.

But for light loads, I have some BE-86 that works well and is very consistent, burns clean and meters well.
 
Thanks everyone for feedback, much appreciated... Any experience with Vih. 3N37? I reload 10mm Auto as well, this powder has load data for 357, 41, 44 magnums as well as 10mm...
 
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