Top powders for the 357 Mag (170 & 180 grain bullets)?

[cbrick]

I can't believe it, 20 posts and nobody has mentioned H-110 yet.

H-110 and 296 are the same or at the least very nearly so. The biggest difference I've noted between them is that 296 appears to be more temperature sensitive, at least when shooting in the SoCal desert. If that difference is still valid or if they are indeed now manufactured as one and the same I dunno.

Your final load could well depend on the Ruger cylinder length and how deep you'll need to seat the bullet. There are a couple of advantages of your using 360 DW brass instead of 357 brass. Trimmed to just fit to the throats you'll gain a bit of powder capacity and hold the front driving band fully inside the throat. Second and more important for your goals the 360 brass has a strengthened web over standard 357 brass. 357 Max brass could of course also be used with more trimming needed but again a stronger case. I don't remember off hand the difference of powder capacity between the three cases but in the FA I used the same charges with no change in chrono readings.

Rick

[dragon813gt]

They are the same powder just like a few other Hodgdon/Winchester powders. Only difference is Hodgdon branded powder is cheaper. You pay extra for the Winchester name on the label.

[Beerd]

I can't believe it, 20 posts and nobody has mentioned H-110 yet. Rick

wait, I get it! (wink, wink,)

Me, I use 2400
..

[ErnieBishop]

I have an 8 pound container coming my way

[cbrick]

I have an 8 pound container coming my way

Of what?

Rick

[ErnieBishop]

Hodgdon 110

[cbrick]

Better get another one, one is only good for about 3500 rounds.

Rick

[9.3X62AL]

Long-time user of WW-296 and H-110 in 357 Magnum, also Alliant 2400.

[ErnieBishop]

I have 8 pounds another powder coming to

[jdt81]

2400 is a great powder (using 190 gr cast). Haven't tried H 110 in .357 yet. Stopped with 2400 because it was very accurate and got excellent velocities (1200 fps)

[cbrick]

I have 8 pounds another powder coming to

Another powder? What?

Rick

[ErnieBishop]

Alliant 300MP

Another powder? What?

Rick

[cbrick]

Hhmmm . . . Interesting, I've never used it, where does that powder fit in the burn rate chart?

Rick

[Silver Jack Hammer]

I used Blue Dot pretty much exclusively back when I carried the .357 on duty for about 10 years. I competed in law enforcement shooting matches and Blue Dot was my powder of choice. 2400 would get unburnt powder granulars under the ejector star preventing the cylinder from closing. Blue Dot was what I used in IHMSA long range pistol silhouette with the .44 magnum too. And I used Blue Dot exclusively when we switched to 9mm. The only draw back to Blue Dot is a bright muzzle flash when shooting at night. I used Herco for night matches.

Now my .357's are single action so there is no worry about ejector stars jamming the cylinder and I still use Blue Dot.

[pkie44]

Hhmmm . . . Interesting, I've never used it, where does that powder fit in the burn rate chart?

Rick

A bit slower than H110-296, seems to shine with heavy bullets and long barrels

[Hamish]

Alliant 300MP

I know a fella that likes to push his HARD with 300MP.

Owner of my LGS has stores in five states, says I can kiss Reloder 7, 2400, etc. goodbye for a *very* long time due to the fire at the powder plant,,,,,

[ErnieBishop]

Hey, I resemble that remark

A bit slower than H110-296, seems to shine with heavy bullets and long barrels

[cbrick]

I just checked Powder valley and right now it's unobtainium. I'll keep an eye out for it though, a bit slower than H-110 is just what I've been looking for. Even tried 1680 in the 357, worked but couldn't quite get enough in the case (360 DW) to get velocity where I wanted it.

How bulky is this powder? For those using it in 357 brass what is the powder capacity with 300 MP?

Rick

[pkie44]

I just checked Powder valley and right now it's unobtainium. I'll keep an eye out for it though, a bit slower than H-110 is just what I've been looking for. Even tried 1680 in the 357, worked but couldn't quite get enough in the case (360 DW) to get velocity where I wanted it.

How bulky is this powder? For those using it in 357 brass what is the powder capacity with 300 MP?

Rick

You can get all you need in the case.

[1Shirt]

2400 just works for me and it works for most cast rifle as well.
1Shirt!