Need advice about 296

I would only go about a grain under max with a magnum primer.

Reduced pressure loads with 296 are probably not a great idea. I think that's what most will tell you.

If you have an intended velocity range and barrel length, I'm sure you could get help picking a suitable powder.

If you want to use up that powder, but don't want to shoot max loads of .44 mag, what other magnum calibers do you have?

Normally you don't reduce W296/H110 by more than 3%. So that will be your max reduction from Max load. Requires a MAG Primer and a heavy crimp to burn consistent.

Based on all the warning about not going below factory recommendations, I would not cut the loads. W296 is a full power magnum powder only. Don't experiement and find out why they warn about reducing the load. Twenty four grains is as low as I went. No lower.

M1894 Marlin 2nd Ballard Barrel

240 Nosler JHP 24.0 grs W296 WLP Fed cases

Ave Vel = 1725
Std Dev = 7
ES = 21
Low = 1715
High = 1736
N = 5

240 Nosler JHP 24.5 grs W296 WLP Fed cases

Ave Vel = 1752
Std Dev = 12
ES = 28
Low = 1735
High = 1763
N = 5

Ruger Super Blackhawk Stainless Steel 7.5" Barrel


240 MagTech JSP 24.0 grs W296 (80's) Midway cases WLP(brass)
19-Jun-11 T = 91 °F


Ave Vel = 1351
Std Dev = 18
ES = 63
Low = 1309
High = 1372
N = 10

I did experiment with lower pressure loads in my .41 mag, I would not recommend it. Below listed start charges, I got VERY dirty burning, VERY big fireballs and VERY poor accuracy. Unique or HS-6 should be more in your wheelhouse.

If you have a bunch of that powder, sounds like a good excuse to buy a .41 or .357. Fine powder for pushing hardcast with authority in those two calibers.

Definitely only for use in full-throttle loads. 2400 is a little more flexible if you want a warm, but not quite fire breathing load.

Unique also will get to that power level that falls between specials and magnums. Universal will cover most of the same ground, but meters better in most powder drops. It has a little less published data however.

Walkalong said:

Buy a powder suited to this (Medium speed), 296 isn't suitable for midrange loads in .44 Mag. Think Unique, BE-86, AA #5, etc, etc.

Click to expand...

Second that. Add Power Pistol to that mix as well. The PP flash will add to the "sorta magnum" feel.

I’ll take it off your hands.

It seems Hodgdon removed the W296/H110 data from the magnum cartridges and they replaced it with the fairly new W572. You might like that powder since its a ball powder.

I agree with above posts, 296 is a full power magnum powder. For midrange 240 grain .44's I like Blue Dot or 2400 but others will work well too. hdbiker