I started reloading 15 years ago because of a lack of good boxed ammo at the time for my .32 Winchester Special. I was more than pleased with the results. I did not have any intentions at the time of expanding, but got bit by the bug. About 12 years ago I started loading for my revolvers (.357 mag, .41 mag and .44 mag) and noticed that a new powder - Hodgdon Lil' Gun - listed higher speeds with less pressure on these rounds. I worked up loads for these guns using Hornady XTP bullets and Lil' Gun powder and again was pleased with the results.
Over the past two years I have been seeing a lot of info on the internet concerning Lil' Gun and forcing cone erosion problems. I know, information taken from the internet should be taken cautiously. I have been very happy with the performance and do not see anything out of the ordinary on any of my revolvers using it. I also do not want to cause future porblems with my revolvers. Most of my volume shootin involves lighter loads using Universal Clays that one can tap all day. I use the Lil' Gun for my "hot loads" that I take in the woods (Michigan's Upper Peninsula is full of bear and other creatures that the MI DNRE does not admit are there, but will use people for food). Once in a while I will fire 10 to 15 hot loads just to stay familar with them, and do not rapid fire so the gun does not overheat. One well placed shot will do the trick.
I would like to know what other have experienced with this powder. Mine has been good, but as I mentioned above, I do not what to cause future probems. As a back up plan I am putting together loads using H110 because Lil' Gun is not always available in my area. I would like to hear others experience - good or bad. Thank you.
Tom
Over the past two years I have been seeing a lot of info on the internet concerning Lil' Gun and forcing cone erosion problems. I know, information taken from the internet should be taken cautiously. I have been very happy with the performance and do not see anything out of the ordinary on any of my revolvers using it. I also do not want to cause future porblems with my revolvers. Most of my volume shootin involves lighter loads using Universal Clays that one can tap all day. I use the Lil' Gun for my "hot loads" that I take in the woods (Michigan's Upper Peninsula is full of bear and other creatures that the MI DNRE does not admit are there, but will use people for food). Once in a while I will fire 10 to 15 hot loads just to stay familar with them, and do not rapid fire so the gun does not overheat. One well placed shot will do the trick.
I would like to know what other have experienced with this powder. Mine has been good, but as I mentioned above, I do not what to cause future probems. As a back up plan I am putting together loads using H110 because Lil' Gun is not always available in my area. I would like to hear others experience - good or bad. Thank you.
Tom