2400vs296 powders

I dont like 296, I buy 2400 in 8lb jugs. I find that its got all the pop and recoil a feller could want and will make 95% of the velocity of 296. Bottom line is, your hands and whatever that bullet hits wont know a bit of difference in which powder you used.

The advantages(IMO) to 2400? No need for magnum primer and the ability to download, albeit not a whole lot, but it is downloadable a noticeable amount.

Personally I don't sweat the recoil and it hasn't bothered me but a few times, and that was mostly with full tilt 454 loads.

As for the differences between 2400 and 296, with the loads I use them in there isn't much. For exclusive 2400 loads however I use it to shoot cast in some and lighter loads with jacketed in others. As mentioned it can be loaded down to levels that 296 can't. This said, when not loaded up to proper or higher pressure levels it does leave a bit more residue which some find and issue with.

With the 296 I just accept that the loads are what they are and go with it. I have shot it for so long it is more or less my primary powder now for the magnums.

2400 is more forgiving. You can load hot or somewhat mild, that's something you won't do with 296. I can't think of any 2400 loads I shoot that aren't even with 296 for velocity.

I wouldn't go so far as to say it produces lighter recoil. Recoil is the combined physics of bullet weight, velocity, and powder charge mass. So I suppose in this respect, a load that would employ the use of 296 in which 2400 is used for a similar velocity would produce some reduction in recoil, but I doubt if it would be to a degree that one would feel. And to try and load 2400 up to the velocity range potential of 296, would certainly increase pressures a good lick higher than 296 does with a more manageable pressure range.

GS

I'd stick with the 2400 also.

296/H110 operates at just too narrow of a pressure window for my liking

I use both (2400 and H110) in magnum handgun loads, and I honestly doubt if I could tell the difference in a blind test between a full-up 2400 load and a full-up H110 load in either .357Mag or .44Mag.

But 2400 allows for softer loads without risking bad stuff, so I use a lot of it. When I deplete the 2.5 pounds of H110 that I have on hand, I'll probably just buy 2400 to replace it, and then I can also drop the need for SP magnum and LP magnum primers.

2400 I use in my 44 mag.& Marlin 4570 - it gives good results!.

For me in all of my magnum handguns, W296/H110 gives me the most consistent velocities and accuracy as compared to 2400. It also more closely duplicates factory loads, thus when others shoot my handguns with factory ammo, they are still "dead on". I've found that IMR4227 duplicates 2400 very well in my handguns and gives me better accuracy, especially in .44 mag and .460 mag and the handgun caliber carbines. It too can be safely downloaded and does not require magnum primers.

The advantages(IMO) to 2400? No need for magnum primer and the ability to download...

Click to expand...

+1. Will not use W296/H110 for that very reason.

Don

2400. As mentioned, does 95% of what H110/W296 does, without the drawbacks, and I don't have to stock magnum primers.

I gave 2400 a try several times (over several months at a time) and I found for me it's redundant. Since I already use HS-6 for a few applications I can use HS-6 for middle to middle hot magnum loads too. I then don't have to worry about downloading W296 so when I want to load full power loads I use W296. I already stock magnum primers for HS-6 so that's not a consideration either for me.

2400 is much more versatile. The question is whether you need vetsatility or you just want full power Magnum loads. I have used both, but 2400 is the only one I've ever bought in bulk.

FWIW I only use WW primers and I've never found the need for magnum primers with 296/H-110.

Heck yes, 296 kicks way harder when you see that fireball roll out of your barrel.

Irtys said:

How does the 2400 compare to 296 powders. I was told the 2400 has a " softer recoil". Any thoughts or knowledge? Thanks in advance.

Click to expand...

Having tried both 2400 and H110/Win. 296 in a number of different handgun cartridges, in my opinion felt recoil is about the same.

I've never been one for downloading so I can't say how forgiving either are to downloading. I can say, I haven't found a real need for magnum primers with H110.

For a given gun, in order to reduce felt recoil, you have to decrease bullet velocity, bullet weight and/or powder weight.

Two Is Greater Than One

Why limit it to one or the other? I use both, and each has a range of uses for me: 2400 in cast loads, both pistol and rifle, some 44-40 rifle loads, but I don't use it for full-bore, hot 44/357 mag loads. I use 296 or WC-820 (the cannister GI 296) for 30 carbine, the hot magnum loads, and I get excellent accuracy and top velocity. 2400 is a little dirty in lower pressure loads, but shoots fine and the residue doesn't affect performance or bother me.

BTW, I have used WLP primers for 296/820 loads for years with excellent results - they are labelled "For standard or magnum loads."