Powders for the 357 Mag

[emptyhead]

Which powders do you use for the 357. I will be shooting both cast and jacketed bullets.I was hoping that you guys could help me narrow down the selection to maybe 2 or the most 3. Hate to be buying powder that I might not use.

[Magnum Mike]

If i were going to limit myself to two powders in the 357mag they would be H110 (or W296) and Blue Dot. H110/W296 will handle the the high velocity stuff and Blue Dot the medium to higher velocity range. I dont really have a use for the really slow loads or i would pick a powder like W231 or AA#2 for them...

[BCB]

emptyhead,

The 357 Magnum was the 1st cartridge I reloaded 35 years ago. I have used every (that might be stretching it a bit!) powder known! Seriously, I have found that the slow burners are the best, at least in my applications. My favorites are 2400, SR-4759, WC-820 (AA#9 burn rate), AA#9, AL-8 (Blue Dot burn rate), H-110, and sometimes WC-680. I have tried many of the fast burners and really didn’t get the overall accuracy brought about by the previously mentioned powders, although I do use one fast burner that has given fairly good accuracy with cast bullets�Scot 453. Slow burners are my choice. Good-luck…BCB

[emptyhead]

Thanks guys for the info.

[Johnch]

I have had great luck with AA #9 and Vit 110

Johnch

[BOOM BOOM]

HI,
I have hade very good results w/ 2400 in both a ruger & a S&W for my hunting full power loads.
For practice I have had good luck W/ unique, green dot, 700x, & pb.

[bobthenailer]

for top loads i like lil gun, 296, h110 but for loads at a little less velocity use surplus ww 820 the slow lot you will be pleasently surprised at the groups and the savings on the price of the powder the last time i bought it it was $7.50 a pound and i have a pile tucked away and i have used at least 30 lb of this powder allready and it shoots well in a every straight walled pistol round ive used it in you mut use mag pistol primers or rifle primers . 22 hornet, 32/20, 38 super, 357 mag , 44mag, 454 casull with excellent results. good luck bob!

[Ol' M&P]

I've use the VihtaVuori 3N37 for middle power loads & N110 for the big stuff.
These both burn very clean and the 3N37 is very low temperature and easy on the gun. See http://www.vihtavuori.fi/ for more info.

[9.3X62AL]

For full-house Magnum level loads, WW-296 for jacketed and Alliant 2400 for cast get my vote. WC-820 isn't bad, either.

For mid-range loads, WW-231 and Unique do most of my work these days. Most pistol powders will do fine work in this caliber up to 1000 FPS. For these mid-range loads, it is difficult to select a "bad" powder. In terms of fuels, the 357 Magnum is one of the user-friendliest for the handloader.

[txbirdman]

I've used mostly 2400 with the Remington bulk packed 140 JHP and the 358156 in cast. I've tried to develope a load with the 358156 and 296 but can't seem to get the velocity I want with the recommended max charges. Loaded 15.5 gr. of 296 this AM with the 358156 but this load barely breaks 1200 fps. in my 6" barrel 27-2. What charge of 296 are you loading in your topend loads?

[tommyn]

I have used 2400 and H-110 over 35 years and now use nothing but N-110. Clean burning and top vel and accuracy.

[lar45]

Blue Dot works great in the 357. It will give higher velocities than 296 with less recoil and less muzzle blast/flash also. 296 does do a good job, but in my experience BlueDot does it better. For low velocity loads, 700x is hard to beat in everything.
IF you like to shoot ALOT, then definatly get a jug or 2 of WC820. It shoots great in most things and is half the price.

[9.3X62AL]

TX Bird Man--

WW-296 is only used with jacketed bullets in my magnums--2400 ignites more easily and burns more completely and consisently for me with castings. WW-296 benefits from the increased friction of the red-coated critters, as well as good bullet PULL from tight case mouth and a healthy crimp. I suspect that WW-296 might work better with 180 grainers than with the 155 grain Thompson SWC-GC.......12.0 grains of WW-296 prompts the Lyman 195 grain #358430 to almost 1200 FPS from my Bisley Blackhawk x 7.5", very accurate and small SD's.

[txbirdman]

Thanks Deputy Al. I guess I need to reserve that 296 for the j-word bullets. It all makes sense now. From using it in the 44's I knew that a heavy bullet; heavy crimp; and magnum primer was needed to get good performance.

[9.3X62AL]

In another thread concerning use of WW-296 and H-110 in the 38 Special, I discussed how these powders were originated for the 30 U.S. Carbine, and that the 30 Carbine operating environment ran at 30K PSI+, peak was 40K. In the Magnum revolvers using 296/H-110, I seems like EVERY element needs to be used to get the pressure curve running inside that 30K PSI envelope. Once accomplished, these powders can produce SUPERB accuracy and very consistent high velocities. As long as the pressure curve gets met--the loading density is at least 90%--and the powder IS NOT compressed, the fuels will do fine work.

Using some rated-"R" amounts of WW-296, I have sent forth 158 JHP's from my Ruger Bisley Blackhawk at well past 1500 FPS from its 7.5" barrel. Same story with 2400 and Lyman #358156--well past 1500 FPS. This latter load likely gets close to the Douglas Wesson loads from 1935, but has NO PLACE in K-frame S&W's......or even L-frames. As pricey and scarce as N-frame 357's are getting, I'd not use them in those platforms, either. That is why I have Ruger Blackhawks--for stunt work like this. Even with the pressures running high enough to produce these velocities, many of the cases either fell free from the cylinder when the muzzle was turned vertical--or a light tap with the extractor rod sent them out.

[Char-Gar]

The 357 Magnum round was designed around 2400 back in the mid-30s. That is all I have used since 1959 in this round.

[LAH]

Which powders do you use for the 357. I will be shooting both cast and jacketed bullets.I was hoping that you guys could help me narrow down the selection to maybe 2 or the most 3. Hate to be buying powder that I might not use.

I use the same thing I use in everything else. Bullseye, 231 or Unique, and 2400. H-110 will work with the heavy bullets.

[rmb721]

Emptyhead: I used to use Unique, but it is not consistant in the progressive loader that I now use. I now use IMR-4227 with Lyman #358156 bullet. Excellent accuracy in my Marlin Model 94 Cowboy.

[KYCaster]

The best handgun accuracy I ever had was with W296 in a S&W 686x8 3/8 behind a 110gr. Sierra HP. Tried H110, AA9, 2400, Unique, BD, 4227 and others and only the H110 came close to W296. I just recently tried Lil Gun and it shows promise, but the jury's still out.

Jerry

[BlueMoon]

Lately I had switched over to Lilgun from the ususal H110/296 for full tilt loads. But I started using some AA#4100 (little slower than #9) and am getting velocity and accuracy. This powder may be about like the WCC820 I keep hearing about but the four pound jug says Solo #4100 (ball powder). Anyway, it's a little slower than the #9 that I've always liked to use for middle of the road loads. My old gun is getting a little too much cylinder gap but 15.8grns #4100 beat out 18.0grns Lilgun by about 9fps and 16.7grns H110 by 127fps shooting the RCBS-158gc that weighs about 162grns lubed and gc'ed. Hope my pressure wasn't too high but all cases just fell out of the cylinder. The H110 was the last few crumbs in that can though. Used Fed. 200 primers with all loads.

Bill

[sniper]

Unique and 2400 will do everything you could wish, and Unique is the more versatile, IMO.

[jmort]

+1 ^ Completely agree.

[rststeve]

Herco and 2400 work best for cast in my rugers

[winelover]

I rely on either 2400 or Unique for all my handgun needs. I load 9mm, 38/357, 44spl/44Mag and 45LC. No need for anything else. IMO.

Winelover

[dragon813gt]

No need for anything else. IMO.

Winelover

I could say the same for what I use, W296/H110 and W231/HP-38. Powder development has come a long way since 2400 and Unique were introduced. There are many ways to get the same results. I prefer to use more modern powders. The two I listed are the only powders I use across all pistol caliber cartridges.

[phonejack]

2400 and 296. The low end of the 296 velocity window can be duplicated with 2400 with less pressure.

[detox]

Unique and 2400 will do everything you could wish, and Unique is the more versatile, IMO.

I would also like to add Bullseye.

I have LOTS of various brands of powder for pistol. I wish i had invested in Bullseye, Unique, and 2400 powders only...live and learn.

[rintinglen]

H-110 has been my go to powder for full loads in .357's since at least 1980. Meters well, and has been more accurate than 2400 in my guns. My Rossi Carbine simply dotes on the following load: I use 15.7 grains with WW mag primers and either 358-156 or RCBS 38-162 SWC gas checked boolits. I have not been able to develop plain base loads that shoot well at magnum velocities in the .357 without leading, though there are many here who report doing so. Curiously, the 44 magnum seems to have no such problem.

[Clay M]

2400 is also my favorite with cast bullets,in fact it is my favorite in the .41 and .44 too.I have had some great accuracy in the .41 mag with Vit N110 but it is very hard to come by,and I have a limited supply with no real prospect of getting any more any time soon.I am going to work with the Vit N110 some in .357 as I expect the accuracy to be good.

[375supermag]

Hi...
I mostly use Blue Dot for 158Gr LSWC loads in my .357s. I have tried a couple of other powders for cast lead loads in .357Mag, but always seem to gravitate back to Blue Dot.
I get consistent throws from my Little Dandy measure, no leading and good accuracy out of half a dozen different .357s. My son and I go through thousands of .357 rounds each year using Blue Dot with complete satisfaction. I also load several thousand per year for a good friend as well.

For jacketed loads, I use W296 and Hornady HP/XTPs in 125, 158 and 180gr weights.

[blueeyephil]

I tried AA #7 for a first time, using a powder coated 158gr the other day. A mild 357 load and very accurate! Shooting a 6" Colt Trooper MK III, at 15 yards, 3 out of six shots were touching. That was standing but shooting single action. I had been having leading with this bullet and the powder coating fixed that. Apparently didn't hurt the accuracy.

[baker1425]

I've had some success using True Blue from western /accurate in warmer 38+P and 357 loads. I've not used jacketed with the load, but the intitials with a 158 LSWC have been promising. Based on my experience from me last jug of AA7, I would be comfortable with either in any kind of 357 application. AA7 was great in a DE 357 and 44. I don't think you'd be stuck with either powder because of the flexibility. Plus, getting stuck with a $25/LB powder is not really stuck is it?

[siamese4570]

I got the best velocities with Lil Gun but 296 works well also.
siamese4570

[MT Gianni]

I have had good shooting loads with Bullseye, Red Dot, Unique, Herco, 2400, 296/H110 and AA9/WC820.

[357Mag]

Empty -

Howdy !

My favorite load is: 14.5gr WW296 ( H-110 same stuff ) and SP Mag primer, under any Lyman SWC of 158 - 172gr.
These don't have to be GC boolits.

Second favorite load is: 7.0gr IMR 4756 and SP primer, under the same boolits as above.


With regards,
357Mag
This load is a tad sooty, but is accurate & comparatively economical.

[BCB]

If i were going to limit myself to two powders in the 357mag they would be H110 (or W296) and Blue Dot. H110/W296 will handle the the high velocity stuff and Blue Dot the medium to higher velocity range. I dont really have a use for the really slow loads or i would pick a powder like W231 or AA#2 for them...

Magnum Mike…

Now then, would that be in a Freedom Arms 357 Magnum or just a plain ‘ol inexpensive Ruger?...

Seems to me that mattered some years ago on Specialty Pistols with the Freedom Arms’ aficionados—and probably still does today…

BCB

GO BUCS...

[km101]

I have had great success with 2400, A#9, and Blue Dot.

2400 was my go-to powder for years, but a couple of years ago I started shooting Blue Dot because of the reduced flash.

[9.3X62AL]

In the time that has elapsed since my earlier answers in this thread, Alliant 2400 has more thoroughly come to dominate my high-pressure 357 Magnum loading--and WW296/H110 has largely fallen by the wayside. Reasoning here is that 2400 is A LOT more useful in other venues than is 296/110.

Herco has also supplanted Unique as a fuel for the 900-1100 FPS plain-base revolver loadings, due largely to its GREAT utility as a field load shotshell fuel in the gauges I refill.

WW-231 gets the call for a lot of my standard-velocity handgun loads because it is more flexible than Bullseye, and Bullseye's chemical constituents cause it to bond to the powder measure hopper's plastic sidewall. BE is the only powder I've seen that does this, and it only began 5-6 years ago. BE still does good work for me (I have about 1# sitting in the cabinet), but it sits because other powders don't react with the hopper sidewall. The BE might become garden fertilizer sooner rather than later.

[Beerd]

I've burned a lot of Blue Dot in .357 Mag cast bullet loads.
I read somewhere on the internet (so it has to be true) that Blue Dot is temperatue sensative. Can anyone corroborate?
..

[fecmech]

BE is the only powder I've seen that does this, and it only began 5-6 years ago.
Al, Be has been doing that for 40 years that I know of. The bottom inch of my Auto Champ hopper got soft enough for me to squeeze it! (I confess to leaving powder in my hoppers all the time). I cut off the offending portion and now when loading BE I make sure the powder level is below the plastic when I quit for the day.

[waco]

H110/296 for heavy loads
2400 for mid range
Unique for plinkers

[ubetcha]

If I recall,Wasn't there a notice about using Blue Dot and I believe a 125gr J-word bullet ,that it would generate excessive pressures and was not recommended to use that load?

[dragon813gt]

You are correct. Here is the warning: http://www.alliantpowder.com/getting_started/safety/safety_notices.aspx

[km101]

I've burned a lot of Blue Dot in .357 Mag cast bullet loads.
I read somewhere on the internet (so it has to be true) that Blue Dot is temperatue sensative. Can anyone corroborate?
..

I have loaded Blue Dot in .357, .44 & .40, and have fired it in temps. from about +30 F to around +105 F and have not seen any pressures signs at either temperature. All the ammo fired at either extreme was loaded at the same time. (I don't shoot much if the temp is lower or higher than that!)

[Rattlesnake Charlie]

Excerpt from Post #38 by 9.3X62AL
"Bullseye's chemical constituents cause it to bond to the powder measure hopper's plastic sidewall. BE is the only powder I've seen that does this, and it only began 5-6 years ago".

I had the same thing happen with Unique about 10 years ago in my RCBS powder measure.

[odis]

I only use 2 bullets and 3 different powders for my wifes Colt Trooper MKIII, the 148gr WC is seated flush and gets the same charge of bullseye as my 38, the Lee 158gr RNFP gets a charge of red dot for a 357 special load and the same bullet gets 2400 for the magnums. My wife is happy with the results so I see no reason to change.

[9.3X62AL]

Fecmech, good to know I'm not the only wingnut with this powder hopper anomaly. I generally empty out the hoppers when I stop reloading, and the BE Reaction started cropping up soon after Alliant started reformulating their powders in the post-Hercules era. It only took about an hour for this phenomenon to show itself once it began occurring. I thought it had to do with reformulation; apparently it isn't related.

The temperature sensitivity of Blue Dot that I'm aware of was reported by the late Bob Milek in Guns & Ammo magazine sometime in 1975, soon after the powder was introduced. Mr. Milek cited instances of weird pressure spikes in the 357 Magnum/Colt Python when firing loads of BD in weather of -30* to -35* F. Living in California, there aren't many areas here with conditions of that sort--so it didn't affect my use of the fuel.

[Beerd]

30 below sounds kind of chilly. I think I'd find something else besides shootin' to do at that temperature, thank you.
..

[9.3X62AL]

30 below sounds kind of chilly. I think I'd find something else besides shootin' to do at that temperature, thank you.
..

Reasonable outlook. If I plan a hunt or a fishing trip, I generally go regardless of weather unless things get dangerous. "Uncomfortable" I can deal with, and will--but lightning bolts or full-on blizzards are another matter entirely.

[BruceB]

What wusses!!!

I clearly recall firing a pistol silhouette match at the 1988 Arctic Winter Games in Fairbanks AK.... at 32 degrees BELOW ZERO.

That was cold enough to seriously affect the performance of the rimfires that we used, and I kept the rounds in my jacket pocket with a handwarmer.

Back to topic, it was Blue Dot's alleged cold sensitivity that limited my use of the stuff. Even here in northern Nevada, it's not that unusual to see zero degrees or even colder. Since Murphy is alive and well, I rarely use it for anything. There are plenty of other powders on the market.

[Shiloh]

For me, nothing slower than 2400. Unique or AA #5 on the fast side.

Shiloh

[roverboy]

My favorites are 2400 and H110 but, I've shot and loaded a lot of Herco in .357 Mag. Herco's not in my opinion a great powder in this caliber but, it'll work. I've just got a lot of it and use it.

[km101]

30 below sounds kind of chilly. I think I'd find something else besides shootin' to do at that temperature, thank you.
..


At 30 below the only shooting I will be doing is shooting the bull around the fireplace or pot belly stove!
I will never have to worry about the temperature sensitivities of Blue Dot, because I am much more temp sensitive that it is! :bigsmyl2:

[9.3X62AL]

I don't mind the cold, if game is afoot. Where I live now, and in the area surrounding it, 0* F is about as low as it goes. On the Kern Plateau where I do a lot of my deer hunting I'm sure it gets colder than that--but not at times of year I'm out and about hunting or enjoying the area. The bugbear I deal with most often and year-round is WIND. Group-shooting in 25-30 MPH conditions is difficult, and I savor the infrequent times of calm conditions to get my sights set. Once settings are established, practice in the winds is most informative--but a good base line needs to be set to do the best work afield.

[detox]

The 357 Magnum round was designed around 2400 back in the mid-30s. That is all I have used since 1959 in this round.

From lower powered to higher powered loads, wouldn't 2400 be the most universal powder for the 357 magnum?

[9.3X62AL]

From lower powered to higher powered loads, wouldn't 2400 be the most universal powder for the 357 magnum?

That is possible. In the magnum revolvers I use 2400 for heavier loads/pressures--Herco or Unique for the middleweights--and WW-231 or Trail Boss for the light loads. I would give Alliant Unique the prize for "most universal" in the magnum revolver calibers.

[detox]

That is possible. In the magnum revolvers I use 2400 for heavier loads/pressures--Herco or Unique for the middleweights--and WW-231 or Trail Boss for the light loads. I would give Alliant Unique the prize for "most universal" in the magnum revolver calibers.

My older Lyman reloading manual shows a 357 magnum load using 150gr Keith boolit and about 9.5gr of 2400, travels roughly 950 fps. Just for the heck of it I may compair against Unigue for accuracy and velocity spread.

[fecmech]

Just for the heck of it I may compair against Unigue for accuracy and velocity spread.


I have in the past done just that with the 358429 in the .38 spl, loading 10.0/2400 and 5.0/Unique. About 50 fps faster for the 2400 @10.0 grs and Unique was slightly more accurate. I see no advantage using twice as much powder to do the same thing. Also if using a DA revolver make sure barrel is pointed straight up when ejecting shells from a 2400 load. There is so much unburned powder from the 2400 that it will get under your extractor star and tie up the gun if you eject barrel down.

[detox]

I have in the past done just that with the 358429 in the .38 spl, loading 10.0/2400 and 5.0/Unique. About 50 fps faster for the 2400 @10.0 grs and Unique was slightly more accurate. I see no advantage using twice as much powder to do the same thing. Also if using a DA revolver make sure barrel is pointed straight up when ejecting shells from a 2400 load. There is so much unburned powder from the 2400 that it will get under your extractor star and tie up the gun if you eject barrel down.

I think i will save my 2400 for higher velocity magnum loads.

BTW I have been testing the bulkier n32c Cowboy powder against Bullseye. It only requires 6gr to reach 1000fps and lower velocity spreads. Accuarcy is verygood with both.

I briefly tried n32c against Unique on paper. Both shot well....hard to tell difference. Unique is cheaper in price

[roverboy]

From lower powered to higher powered loads, wouldn't 2400 be the most universal powder for the 357 magnum?

Its hard to beat good 'ol 2400. I've used it with 158 gr. cast with loads from 9.0 gr.-15.5gr. It burns a little dirty sometimes but, its good stuff.

[Hi-Speed]

How does this thread apply nearly ten years later due to powder shortages (Unique comes to mind) and the plethora of alternatives to the old standby powders (BE, Unique, 2400)? These are for 158 gr generic cast SWCs in a Ruger 4 5/8 inch Blackhawk:

950-1,000 fps - getting by nicely with W231
1,000 - 1,100 fps - N340, Accurate #5, BE-86
1,200 fps - 1,250 fps magnum - still 2400 is king for me loaded with 13.5 grs

If I had to choose only three…

Fast - W231
Medium - N340
Slow - 2400

[Finster101]

Some of these old thread resurrections while still informative are a bit sad. Reading through and seeing the members we have lost over the years as well as their knowledge. I do truly miss some of their posts .

[derek45]

Win231/HP38, Unique, Universal, HP6 or Powder pistol for warm.

2400 or H110/win296 for max loads.

Use a magnum primer and a FIRM ROLL CRIMP on the 110/296 loads.


win231/HP38 / 158gr makes a nice accurate load.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Umk68uyVxtA

[LAH]

Win231/HP38, Unique, Universal, HP6 or Powder pistol for warm.

2400 or H110/win296 for max loads.

Use a magnum primer and a FIRM ROLL CRIMP on the 110/296 loads.


win231/HP38 / 158gr makes a nice accurate load.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Umk68uyVxtA

Good shooting Derek.

[Jtarm]

2400 & IMR 4227, the latter is compressed under a Remington 158 SJHP.

[Kosh75287]

I tend to keep 3 types (burning rates) of pistol propellant. Bullseye/Red Dot for reduced velocity or factory duplication in non-magnum revolver rounds and small-capacity auto pistol calibers. Unique, Herco, BE-86, or AA#5 for factory duplication or +P in the same, and mid-range in the original magnum revolver rounds and similar. For true magnum performance in .357 and .45 Colt, I use 2400 or one of the 4227s (NEVER H110/W296). I WAS contemplating the use of Alliant 300-MP, but the Alliant people are suspiciously reticent about providing data for it in .45 Colt, even at magnum-level pressures. They weren't very forthcoming with data for 2400 in TC/Ruger only loads (despite there being REAMS of data for it, elsewhere), I guess I should have expected such.
Anyway, were I to buy a pound each of the 3 propellant classes at the beginning of a new year, by the time we're deciding on turkey vs. ham for Thanksgiving, I'll be about 1/3 through the pound of fast-burning powder, 2/3 to 3/4 through the slow-burner, and on my THIRD pound of the medium-burning stuff.
I don't use the fast-burners to develop magnum-level loads. I can obtain 75 - 85% of maximum performance from the .357 and .45 Colt with the medium-burners (which is usually enough), and 99% with the slow-burners. That's the way it's been with ME, for the last 4 decades, anyway.

[Hi-Speed]

Nice post Mr Kosh!

[roverboy]

Some of these old thread resurrections while still informative are a bit sad. Reading through and seeing the members we have lost over the years as well as their knowledge. I do truly miss some of their posts .

Oh yeah.

[FISH4BUGS]

Keep it simple - 231 for standard loads, 296 for magnum loads.

[derek45]

Keep it simple - 231 for standard loads, 296 for magnum loads.

https://i.imgur.com/mnFvE1D.gif

[hylander]

Win231/HP38, Unique, Universal, HP6 or Powder pistol for warm.

2400 or H110/win296 for max loads.

Use a magnum primer and a FIRM ROLL CRIMP on the 110/296 loads.


win231/HP38 / 158gr makes a nice accurate load.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Umk68uyVxtA

Very nice.
Can I ask what load your shooting ?
I am in the process of working up a load for The 6" GP

[derek45]

Very nice.
Can I ask what load your shooting ?
I am in the process of working up a load for The 6" GP

Ruger GP100 4.2" shot hits on steel at 90 yards. 6.5gr Win231, SNS 158gr RNFP coated.

[hylander]

Ruger GP100 4.2" shot hits on steel at 90 yards. 6.5gr Win231, SNS 158gr RNFP coated.

Thank you