Powder for snub nose ?.

[josephbw]

I was reading a post in the revolver section about what ammo to use for a .357 snub nose. That made me think (I know, that's dangerous ). You lose velocity out of a snub nose because the powder doesn't get fully burned due to the short barrel. If you load a faster powder will you regain some of that lost velocity, or is a 2" barrel just too short to fully consume any powder before the bullet leaves the barrel?

I don't own a snub nose revolver or I would try it myself. Just curious, and trying to broaden my knowledge base.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[Erich]

There've been a lot of articles and posts on this subject in the past. Turns out (and I can confirm this based on more that 20 years' worth of chronography) that one can often get better velocities from a snub with a slower powder than a faster one. If you want to know more, look into older books on handloading - I wish I were home, as I could give you a few references for articles.

 

[rcmodel]

+1

Whatever powder gives the highest velocity in a long barrel will also give the highest velocity in a short barrel.

In the case of .357, I would suggest 2400, Lil'Gun, or WW296/H110.

For less blast, flash, and velocity, try Unique, AA#7, HS-6, or Autocomp.

rc

 

[joneb]

one can often get better velocities from a snub with a slower powder than a faster one

I agree.
I load for a 2.75" barreled .357 mag. using AA #9 with 158-180gr bullets, finding the proper charge is important for a efficient burn, #9 will give me faster velocities than say AA #5or #7. On the down side slower powders tend to have more flash.

 

[sourdough44]

Going for highest velocities in a snub nose 357 is not for me. Call me a wimp if you must but something in the 38 +p or lighter 357 loads are usually enough. I'm talking a lighter weight "J" frame.

 

[ranger335v]

"You lose velocity out of a snub nose because the powder doesn't get fully burned due to the short barrel. If you load a faster powder will you regain some of that lost velocity, or is a 2" barrel just too short to fully consume any powder before the bullet leaves the barrel?"

RC is correct.

The reason we get less velocity from short barrels isn't so much the powder getting burned, it's the bullet has less time under the time/pressure curve; it's still acclerating when it runs outta barrel!

I load my snub with PB and Red Dot to keep the muzzle blast reasonable.