Win296 in 303 or 308Win - any info?

[Alex Hamilton]

Hi, Guys,

I have been offered Winchester 296 at a very competitive price and I am wondering if anyone has information or experience with this powder in 303Brit and 308Win with cast bullets.

Its burning rate in in the same league as Allinant 2400, which is my favourite powder for 308Win, but W296 is a ball powder and 2400 is not.

I should be grateful for any information.

Many thanks,

Alex

[Tim357]

I used to load 17 grains of H110 with a cast 110 gr boolit in my 30.06. Sold the rifle so don't use that load anymore. My point is H110 and W296 are the same powder... Good luck
Tim sends

[wiljen]

I would take it if I got a good price and plan on using it in magnum handgun loads. 296 and H110 react poorly to reduced loads and are generally those that load manuals warn against decreasing below listed charges. If nothing else, get it at a good price and then see who you can trade for a powder more appropriate for the 303 or 308. An even lbs for lbs trade would essentially net you the good price on the powder you need.

[stubshaft]

I use a bunch of 296 in my big bore handguns (454 casull, 500 Smith and 460 Smith) the one caveat with using 296 is not to download it. Too much airspace is supposed to be a bad thing! I have never had a problem but be careful.

[JeffinNZ]

Given that reducing loads with these powders has always been a no no in the cartridges they are intended for I would steer clear.

[MT Gianni]

A true example of when a bargain isn't always one. I would use it for big bore magnum handgun but pass on it for a rifle.

[rollingblock]

A lot has been written and said about the dangers of useing 296 in reduced charges in bottle neck cartridges but I decided to give it a go after seeing loads listed for it in the 30-30(14grs starting I think). Someone else reported good success with 40grs in a 375H+H. While I certainly didn't blow my rifles to bits I can't say I had much success either. I think the ignition is eratic and had some just perceptable hangfires. In the end I just burned up a lot of perfectly good 296 which I would have been better to swap for a more suitable powder.