Working on Maximum loads...

[Joe S.]

Loaded up some feed for my new Maximum tonight. 20 gr of W296 and 180 gr XTP. Anyone use this combo. I know, 4227... But that stuffs hard to find here and i have about 5 lbs of W296.

Gonna start at 50 yds off a rest then may move to 100 if i can see that far.

 

[Bucks Owin]

Even if I had 4227 I would likely use W-296... :wink:

 

[s4s4u]

Even if I had 4227 I would likely use W-296... :wink:

Or H110 ;-)

 

[mike campbell]

Even if I had 4227 I would likely use W-296... :wink:

Or H110 ;-)

Until you try some 4227. :wink: :wink:

 

[Bucks Owin]

Even if I had 4227 I would likely use W-296... :wink:

Or H110 ;-)

Until you try some 4227. :wink: :wink:

Well, haven't owned a Max...(yet :wink: ) I can only speak to .44 mag and .45 LC +P+ loads where W-296 far outperformed IMR. 4227... :wink: :wink: :wink:

 

[6gun]

I agree Bucks the W296 is the superior powder of the two and my first choice.

 

[mike campbell]

And Bullseye out performs 296 and H110 in a 38 special.

The subject is the 357 Maximum, and many experienced shooters have determined that 4227 sets the bar for accuracy/velocity in that cartridge. Of course, WW296 and H110 may be adequate. And perhaps there is a 357 Max revolver somewhere that actually prefers one of those. But, if I had to bet what powder was used most often to win IHMSA championships ...

 

[6gun]

And Bullseye out performs 296 and H110 in a 38 special.

The subject is the 357 Maximum, and many experienced shooters have determined that 4227 sets the bar for accuracy/velocity in that cartridge. Of course, WW296 and H110 may be adequate. And perhaps there is a 357 Max revolver somewhere that actually prefers one of those. But, if I had to bet what powder was used most often to win IHMSA championships ...

W296/H110 is a magnum powder why would you use it for 38 spl. ? I use W231 for 38 spl cause will out preform Bullseye.

 

[Joe S.]

4227 vs 296 is a moot point for this thread. I have 5 lbs of 296. Aint a store for miles that has 4227.

 

[Bucks Owin]

The subject is the 357 Maximum, and many experienced shooters have determined that 4227 sets the bar for accuracy/velocity in that cartridge. Of course, WW296 and H110 may be adequate. And perhaps there is a 357 Max revolver somewhere that actually prefers one of those. But, if I had to bet what powder was used most often to win IHMSA championships ...

I expect that's true, as I said I have never loaded the .357 Max and have seen 4227 listed in IHMSA loads frequently. In my .44/45 loads it didn't show me the same velocity as W-296 nor does it seem as "forgiving" when going "full tilt". Just my notion...

Personally, I have liked 4759 more than 4227 in .44 mag and .45 Ruger. 6gun doesn't like that powder either... :shock: (And now it's being discontinued )

And as mentioned, we are forced to use what we have nowadays and one could do worse than being stuck with W-296 in high velocity loads.... I bet we can agree on that amigo..

 

[Bucks Owin]

PS...Is H-4227 a little slower than IMR?

 

[s4s4u]

PS...Is H-4227 a little slower than IMR?

Not enough difference to matter. That's why they only make the one of them.

 

[David Bradshaw]

Joe S.... Olin/Winchester 296 (also sold under Hodgdon label as H110) remains the all-round magnum revolver propellant champ. IMR and Hodgdon 4227 often are about 100 fps behind at top loading. Accuracy difference between 296/H110 and IMR/H-4227 may be difficult----or impossible----to detect. This magnum accuracy fact applies to the .357 Maximum.

Although double-base ball powders have been touted as cooler burning than single base stick powders, I consider the ball propellants more erosive of the forcing cone. Which may be less about heat than the sand blasting effect of tiny hard ball powder granules bombarding the barrel face at the barrel/cylinder gap. I've not proven this, but believe the effect contributes to erosion of bolt extension on the AR 15/M-16 and erosion of flash hiders. Note that the hotter steel gets, the faster the erosion.

As one who has consumed substantial quantities of ball propellant in magnums, and the .357 Maximum, do not worry about shooting slow ball powder your tough Ruger Maximum.

With the above mentioned powders loaded close to, or touching, the base of the bullet, the job is to let the target----at a minimum 50 yards; 100 yds is better----tell which powder charge delivers the tightest groups.
David Bradshaw