Any opinions on merits of powders

[the fatman]

I would like opinions on use of accurate arms no.9, alliant 2400 over the Hodgdon powders. For use in 357 mag,44 mag.and 45 colt. Have always pretty much used hodgdon H-110, universal, winchester 296 for reasons long forgottened. Wonder if I'm missing anything. Thanks for any opinions that you would care to share.

 

[Hammer]

.


Have played with lots of different powders over my lifetime.

While H110/WW296 probably beats anything for maximum velocity in the 44 Magnum, think Hercules/Alliant 2400 is worth a try in the 44.

Think 2400 is more flexible. My H110/296 loads all need to be at maximum to get good performance and accuracy. Think there is more room for tolerance with 2400.

Just one opinion...

Have fun.




.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I have been using Accurate #9 for about 2 years now and find it to be the best magnum powder for my use in 357, 41, and 44. It measures well (like H110), lots of power and clean (like H110), works well in reduced loads down to -20% of Max load, and uses regular primers. I have also found it is very smooth in working-up loads near Max and doesn't seem to spike like Blue Dot or H110. I recently worked-up a load for my Deerfield Carbine that was at Max and shot beautifully and accurate. Very versatile powder. ***** (five stars)

...Jimbo

 

[bigchillymn]

I agree with Jimbo, I use No9, exclusively for my 41, and 44 mags, I have not found any down side to it at all.

 

[bigboredad]

296 and h110 have a down side really? I love them both and never found a down side except I never seem to have enough

 

[btrumanj]

I too agree with Jimbo. AA9 may not get quite the extreme velocities as 296 and H110 in some instances but is more flexible and the accuracy is tops in .357 and .44 mag. Works right well in .45 Colt too.

 

[dougader]

I like AA9 in the lighter bullet loads for 45 Colt... 225 - 285 grains. For 300+ weight slugs over 1000 fps I switch back to H110/WW296. When my supply of Blue Dot runs out I will stick with AA9.

 

[powder smoke]

Different powders for different jobs I use H110 and w296 for heavy bullets at high velocities in my 44's and 45's. Most of my reloading tho is for plinking stuff in my 45's for that I go to Unique very economical I get 700+ loads from a lb. More bang for your buck you might say. I know it's dirty and there is a chance for double charges But I clean my guns after use anyways and Always check for the dreaded double. 250 gr. RNFP over 7.5grs, of Unique. shoots pretty good for me. ps

 

[I_Like_Pie]

Have been using 2400 exclusively for my magnum loads for as long as I can remember. It helps that my lee dippers are perfectly suited for the loads I have....1.0 cc for .357, 1.6 for .44, 1.9 for 45/70

It doesn't seem to get as "peaky" with cold weather as H110. Much longer range of safe zone loading near max also.

 

[the fatman]

Thanks for the replies. I have been shooting more cast bullets lately and have been very happy so far doing business with oregon trail. Always liked h-110. I have always been a fan of excess. Sort of agree with tool man tim more power. But I am getting older. Seems to take longer to recover. Do use the universal powder for light loads. So thinking of maybe some thing in between. And I live in a small space with storage constrants. So I am thinking of trying to maybe find one powder and buy it in an eight pound jug. #9 and 2400 might just work out.

 

[Bucks Owin]

Yeah, H-110 and W296 ("maybe" LilGun, my jury is still out) are the choice for my barnburners. I'll follow Linebaugh's advice on that score. Wanna try something "different", use some SR 4759 in your .44 mag.. :wink: Dennis

 

[SBH4628]

My guns seem picky..My Dan Wesson 44V luvs W296 With RCBS 240SIL bullet,On the other hand my Rugers like 2400 powder with the same bullet.
Dennis...Do you use a Mag primer with the SR 4759? I have always found it to be a dirty powder in a handgun.

 

[revhigh]

Have been using 2400 exclusively for my magnum loads for as long as I can remember.

Me too !! I buy 2400 in 8 pound jugs and wish I could get it in 50 pound jugs. .357 Mag, .44 Mag, .45 Colt, and 454 Casull ALL see max loads of 2400 in my reloading.

You just can't beat it, IMO, and it's cheap when you buy it in bulk ... about $12 a pound.

REV

 

[Yosemite Sam]

They're still Hodgdon powders, but I recently learned the joys of HP-38/W231 in both .44 Special and .45 Colt. For the light to midrange target loads I roll this is my new favorite powder. I don't think it's suitable for big-banger magnum loads, but H110 never failed me for that.

Blue Dot has a great "boom" if that floats your boat.

-- Sam

 

[Bucks Owin]

My guns seem picky..My Dan Wesson 44V luvs W296 With RCBS 240SIL bullet,On the other hand my Rugers like 2400 powder with the same bullet.
Dennis...Do you use a Mag primer with the SR 4759? I have always found it to be a dirty powder in a handgun.

Just fired some in .45 Colt today. 18.0 grs SR 4759, WLP, 255 Hornady lead in WW cases. Averaged a very uniform 850 fps. Nice plinking/cowboy load. (haven't tried a CCI 350 with it) I think UNQ is dirty! :shock: :lol: .....Dennis

 

[Sonnytoo]

In loading of .44's and .45's, I use more 2400 than anything else. I have had good luck with HS-6, however, and just recently tried Power Pistol also, and liked it. Of course, Unique is good also. I only use H-110 for max loads...which is very seldom anymore.
Sonnytoo

 

[Ruber]

I agree with lots of the replies, but more so with the comment about the different powders for different jobs.

Out of longer barreled 357 and 44 Magnums and 45 Colt, H110 and W296 have provided the most consistent velocities and accuracy in my experience, with 2400 working better in shorter barrels and for lighter loads.

Not that I don't use H110 in any of the short barreled revolvers, but if I'm taking my 4" GP100 on a trip in the woods, it's got some 2400 loads in it. Likewise, if a .44 Magnum SBH is going on a pig hunt with me, it's got some H110 in it.

 

[tomiswho]

They're still Hodgdon powders, but I recently learned the joys of HP-38/W231 in both .44 Special and .45 Colt. For the light to midrange target loads I roll this is my new favorite powder. I don't think it's suitable for big-banger magnum loads, but H110 never failed me for that.

Blue Dot has a great "boom" if that floats your boat.

-- Sam

Sam,
I enjoy the HP-38 also. Still tend to use the Unique more in my .45 Colt, and have now used Universal in the .38s and want to try in the Colts also.