Powder choice for magnum revolver loads.

[Brass Nazi]

I do most of my shooting using light loads and I tend to use either HP-38 or Unique for most of my shooting needs. But, when it comes time to loading a stout load in a revolver I always use H-110 because for the velocities achieved it generates usually a few thousand PSI less than other powders.

I have read where some people complain that H-110 and Lil'gun cause throat erosion problems.

Has anyone ever had erosion problem that they attributed to a given powder when using magnum loads in a .357, .41, .44, .45, or .500?

I am thinking about buying a decent quantity (for me) of H-110 for use in .357, .45 Colt (ruger) and a 500.

[atrfod]

I haven't heard or seen any erosion problems with H110/WW296,but I have heard of issues with Lil'gun.I burned a lb of Lil'gun in .44 and .357 a while back and I didn't see any.I did notice that it burns hotter than hell though.I use both 2400 and 110.I'm more into the 2400 at this point because I scored a few lbs cheap at an auction.2400 seems a lot less fussy about crimp and primer than 110,and you can download it some if you want to.-Mike

[BigSlick]

4-2-2-7

Only way to go

For real.

[VN350X10]

IMR 4227......I burned enough of it to WEAR OUT(!) a Ruger SuperBlackhawk, sold the beast to a co-worker about 30 yrs. ago, he only shoots factory thru it for the last forever, still no erosion.
One thing, with a .357, you need to be on the upper end of bullet weight, otherwise it's not real efficient.
Not sure how it will work in a S&W 500, but should be decent.
One advantage, no monster muzzle flash like H110/296.
I think I payed about 4 bucks for the 1st lb. of it I bought !

uncle albert

[BigSlick]

Works excellent in the 500.

Good impulse, excellent accuracy and good complete burn.

Not worth a damn for reduced loads, but, that's what TiteGroup, Unique and Trail Boss is for

[Brass Nazi]

I would use another powder for reduced loads. I am looking for H-110 or a replacement and H-110 is not made for reduced loads at all.

I am a big fan of IMR powders so I might give 4227 a try. Does it require a magnum primer like H-110?

[VN350X10]

IMR4227 works better with a magnum primer, but it's not really required unless you're shooting in freezing or lower temps.
Unfortunately, it really doesn't work that well as a reduced load powder. It seems happiest in the 30K psi & up loadings, smudges cases bad in a reduced load in .44 mag....this from personal experience.
Might try Herco in a reduced load, if you can tolerate the dirt factor. It's a bit quicker but still bulks well in big bore revolver cases.
Another possible would be Red Dot, but it might be a bit too quick.
One suggestion, with a small charge of quicker powder, is to use a magnum primer. I've found that this helps to eliminate any "position sensitive" issues of a tiny charge in a big case.

uncle albert

[Brass Nazi]

I usually use unique for lower pressure loads in the big cases. I am a fan of 231/HP-38 so a little bit of residue does not bother me.

[VN350X10]

Then give Herco a try. You might like it.
I've found that it's very consistant with reduced (.44 spl level) loads in a .44 Mag case.
And it don't do bad in .38/.357 either.

uncle

[BigSlick]

I don't usually run it with a mag primer, but, I run warmish loads. Not bleeding edge, but fairly stout.

When I do run it with a mag primer, I use CCI 350's or a Win std/mag primer.

But, it runs all day long with std CCI's too.

If you get a few unburned kernels, check the charge weight, maybe bump it a little, check tension, normal stuff.

If it's cold, try it with the mag primer, but, it ain't gonna make a lotta difference in my experience, at least in the 500.

Smaller calibers, a mag primer does make a noticeable difference near the top end, so, as you know, ease up slowly after reducing when you make the change

[VN350X10]

I usually ran IMR4227 w/a mag primer (CCI 350) but most of mine WERE at+ the firewall, as it was my favorite powder for 200, 240 & 265 gr jacketed bullitz when shooting shilouette.
Used an OBSCENE charge of H110 under the 180 grs. thou.
180 = Chicken load
200 = Pig load
240 = Turkey load
265 = Ram load (this was the .444 Marlin bullet, heaviest jkt. at the time)

With the 4 different weights, I knew the hold for each target & didn't screw around with the sights at a match.
The chickens were shot "point blank" aimed @ their feet.
The Rams were I believe a 3-body hold over.
It was fun, but the drive up to Lodi WI ever other weekend started getting old & expensive, even with my '72 Pinto ! (I think this was '74)

uncle

got to add...the chicken load goes 1900 ave. out of a 7 1/2" SBH or RedHawk.
makes 2050 from 10" Contender, 2185 from a 14" Contender & 2300 from a 20" Browning 92 copy, (all are ave muzzle vel)

u.a.

[BigSlick]

I don't load .44 Mag, but I gotta tell ya, I'd say that's good advice right there ;)

2050 from a 10" Contender - ouch :animlol:

I can blow a 350 gr right at 1900 and it feels like a sneeze, but, the gun weights 6+ lbs.

Blowing anything in 44 Mag 2050 out of a Contender has got to rattle your bones.

JT, you might give #9 a look too. A lotta folks don't carry 4227 and #9 will do a credible job everywhere except the 500, where it sucks almost as bad as 1680 or 5740

[VN350X10]

after about 100 rds. of practice, it DOES start to feel a bit lilke tennis elbow.
The bore line is so low, it's recoil is straight back, not back & up and your forearm muscles DO take a beating.

uncle

[GLShooter]

For my 44's I load 296/H110, Blue Dot and 2400. I use Mag primers on the 296/H110. Regular ones on the other two.

Greg