[sonier]

i need some data for for using h-110 for a 357 magnum using 158gr cast bullets.

Can this powder be safely loaded using like only 2-3 grains of powder? or am i stuck with the high 15-16 grain charges?

[Maj Dad]

H110 and W296 are to be used in a very narrow range, and too little can detonate (explode). Follow your load manual faithfully for these powders and if you want low power loads use an appropriate powder (Bullseye, HP38, W231, AA#2, Red/Green Dot, etc etc). Winchester's recommendation for these powders were for one load only - no starting and maximum loads. 44 Mag was 24 gr 296 for a 240 JH/SP, and 25 gr for a 240 gr LSWC; some load manuals do give a limited range, and these are probably safe, but do not reduce beyond that. I used it long enough that I don't - habit, experience, and a belief that Olin knew whereof it spoke.

[ljnowell]

As posted above h110 should not be downloaded. I would look for a different powder for the loads in question.

[billybob44]

If reduced/cast load data needed go to the Alliant or Hodgdon web sites for good loads. I like the Alliant 2400+Unique powders for my cast loads.:D

[Steve C]

H110 and W296 will not "explode" if they are reduced by more than 3% from maximum (or the minimum manual loading) but they will SQUIB, IE. the powder may fail to ignite leaving a bullet stuck in the barrel. A subsequent round could then damage the pistol or even rupture the barrel. These powders need a high load density to burn properly.

If you want to light load a round, a relatively fasat powder works the best. Something with a burn rate from Unique at the slowest to Red Dot and Bullseye on the fast end. This of course is for pistol rounds though you can load rifle with fast powder too but usually its done with cast bullets.

[zxcvbob]

Red Dot gives me the best accuracy with cast and plated bullets in every cartridge I load. (but velocity is not so great in most) Accuracy usually trumps velocity, so I use a lot of Red Dot.

Bullseye is a good choice for everything from very light loads to moderate "magnum" loads. It has a ridiculously wide operating range. Unique is good for medium loads to a little higher than you can get with Bullseye.

Herco, WSF, and AA#7 (and 2400 for the upper end) are all good cast bullet magnum powders, and more economical than 296 and H110. There are lots more good powders; these are just the ones that I've tried and liked.

Titegroup is a popular powder, but in my opinion it sucks with cast bullets.

[sonier]

thankyou for the i nfo exactly what i thought, thats why i havnt light loded any h-110 yet, and now i wont EVER thankyou

[ArchAngelCD]

Like already said, DO NOT download H110/W296 ever!

If you want a light lead load use Unique or 2400 like suggested above or use HS-6 which is my favorite light Magnum powder, especially with lead bullets. HS-6 is very accurate with lead bullets. I use it for .38 Special +P ammo and middle to middle/heavy Magnum rounds.

[rcmodel]

Even 2400 is a very poor choice for the very reduced loads the OP ask about.

It is also a slow magnum powder, and will not burn cleanly below a certain pressure level.

using like only 2-3 grains of powder?2.0 grains is almost out of the question, even with the very fastest burning pistol powders in the .357 Mag case.

Even with Clays or Bullseye or something, you are looking at starting load charges of 3.0+ grains with a 158 grain lead bullet.

rc

[Robert Palermo /Penn Bullets]

Minimum charge weights for ww296 or H110 ( same powder) is 80% of case capacity as directed orginally by WW. Needs a Magnum pistol primer as well for proper ignition.

[OrangePwrx9]

I've been loading 148 grain wadcutters and 158 grain lead semi-wadcutters in .357 cases with 3.0 grains of Bullseye for nearly 30 years. Always had excellent performance. Never went below 2.8 grains. Sometimes saw leading above 3.2 grains. Always used a magnum primer, but probably didn't need to.

A pound of Bullseye will give you over 2300 of those 3.0 grain loads. Some of the cheapest centerfire shooting there is. Just watch out for double charges....though I doubt 6 grains of Bullseye would damage a sound 357 revolver.