2400 vs 296

[Steve H]

Which one do you prefer for .357 and .44 mag? Would like to get either a 4lb or 8 lb of one that would cover both. Long time ago I used 2400, so long ago I don't remember how I liked it. Never have tried 296. Going to load 357 for 6" Python & Model 94. The 44 is for a 6" Anaconda. More general plinking than anything else.

Also besides those two are there any other powders I should consider to do both?

 

[cfullgraf]

I use W296. 357 Magnum, 30 Carbine, 300 Blk,and .410 Bore.

When I last used Hercules 2400 in the early eighties, it shot fine but left some grains of stuff behind after firing. Alliant may have improved it since then.

 

[56hawk]

More general plinking than anything else.

Not sure either powder is a great choice for this. I use H-110 for all my magnum loads. It's really similar to 296. Some people say it's the same powder, but my reloading manuals don't agree. Anyway, it's about the best there is for full power loads. It doesn't like to be downloaded much though.

 

[Josh45]

A lot of people will tell you that 296 is basically H-110 like 56Hawk said.
I have both 2400 and H-110 and if your going to plink rather, I think 2400 would suit you better. Also to what I understand, Using H-110 or W296 is not recommended with a light bullet weights as it causes strap cutting ( I think that is what it was )

2400 can also use a regular primer or a magnum primer. H-110 and W296 prefers magnum primers to be lit. 2400 recoil isn't so bad a H110/W296.

I have never used W296, I am basing it of my little bit of experience with H-110. Oh and this is for my .357 Magnum Ruger GP-100 with a 3' BBL.

 

[Hanshi]

I only like 296 in loads with heavier than normal jacketed bullets which I seldom shoot, anyway. I prefer 2400 in most magnum loads along with H110. IMHO 296 is a somewhat specialized powder. It is a fine powder in the .22 Hornet.

 

[mahansm]

H110 and 296 are the same powder. Check the Alliant/Winchester load data on their website; it's identical. Both are suited for full power magnum loads in .357, .44, and other magnum calibers. I *strongly* recommend a magnum primer for .357 as I had about 20% failure to light using WSP with 125 grain bullet in .357. It has a very narrow window of performance but for full house magnum loads it's very hard to beat.

2400 will come very close to 296/H110 performance but can be downloaded. It doesn't require magnum primers.

'Lil Gun is another consideration for full magnum loads, although it is said to cause top strap and forcing cone erosion with light bullets.

If you just want plinking loads (not full power) there are many other powders suitable for reduced loadings, among them Trail Boss, Unique, 231, and many others.

 

[moxie]

2400 is hard to beat in hot .357 Mag and .44 Mag loads. But 2400 isn't a top choice for "plinking" rounds. For that I recommend Unique in both calibers.

 

[ljnowell]

I love 2400 in my 357 magnum and hot 45 colt loads. I have turned many people onto it over the time I have been reloading. Alliant should send me some free just for that!

 

[Swampman]

I won't address the past, but W-296 and H-110 ARE the same powder now, if you don't believe it, go to Hodgdon's website and compare data, it's easy to do, they put the loads right next to each other and all data is identical, starting and max loads, pressures, velocities, everything is the same.

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

Now back to the question at hand: I don't think that either of the powders mentioned would be great for "plinking" loads. Both 2400 and W296 are intended for full house magnum loads, especially W-296.
Unless you'll also be using this powder for big game hunting loads, you might consider a more "middle of the road" powder like Unique. It has plenty of power to punch paper and won't cause as much fatigue (read flinching) as the aforementioned powders. If I had to choose between JUST W-296 and 2400, I'd probably opt for the 2400 since it's a bit more versatile as far as (slightly) reduced loads are concerned and doesn't require magnum primers.

 

[Jeff H]

H110 and 296 are the same powder. Check the Alliant/Winchester load data on their website; it's identical.

Little typo there. Hodgdon/Winchester is what you meant to say I hope, and yes, they are the same.

Personally, I like 2400 because I shoot lead bullets and quite often I need it downloaded a little for rifles to keep up the accuracy in 357 carbines. From everything I have read, you don't download 296 so I've never really given it much of a chance unless I shoot jacketed bullets which is rare.

 

[USSR]

I love 2400 in my 357 magnum and hot 45 colt loads.

+1.

Don

 

[SHR970]

W296 / H110 works best at full throttle and doesn't download well. My Balckhawk, GP100, and SP101 don't seem to suffer from the "flame cutting" that has been stated with the lighter loads and I have run thousands of rounds of full house 125 gr. loads through all three.

Although 2400 downloads better, I have never been impressed with its performance with jacketed loads; I never found a good high speed accuracy load with it in my guns.

AA#9 I have had real good luck with, fills the same niche as the two listed powders and downloads a fair bit better than W296.

For a good split the difference powder I use AA#7. Won't get you quite W296 speeds but nips on the heels of 2400. It also downloads pretty well to mid level magnum but best loads tend to be run on the hotter side.

Longshot is another powder in this mid / slow speed range that downloads well but still can give you closer to full power performance if you want it.

If you end up loading for 9mm or 40 S&W, you'll find that Longshot and AA#7 are two powders that work well in those applications too.

W231 makes for nice midrange to light side plinking loads and works well at lower pressures; you can even use top level 38+P data and drop into a 357 case and use it as a 38 special surrogate.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I like W296/H110 for full power .357 Magnum loads and HS-6 for downloaded .357 Magnum loads. If you want only 1 powder to do both use 2400 or AA#9 instead but you won't get the performance you do from W296/H110.

 

[Clark]

I have never found a niche for 2400.
H110/W296 or LIL'GUN for hot loads in long straight wall pistol cartridges.
Unique or Bullseye for high accuracy wimp loads in long straight wall pistol cartridges.
Bullseye or Red Dot for quiet loads in long straight wall pistol cartridges.
Power Pistol or 800X for hot loads in short straight wall pistol cartridges.
Bullseye or Unique for wimp loads in short straight wall pistol cartridges.

 

[gamestalker]

Unless your wanting absolute top end magnum performance, use something other than 296 or H110. H110 and 296 are not plinking powders and can't be down loaded for that purpose. Even at the minimum charges, they still perform at magnum levels.

I load nearly exclusively with H110 / 296 because I really like magnum action when I'm shooting a magnum firearm. On the other hand, 2400 can be manipulated much better, but it still isn't considered a plinking powder. And since I don't load with fast burning powders, my advice ends here.

GS

 

[nofishbob]

For plinking use with lead or plated bullets, I have had great results with Trail Boss.

It also offers a safety advantage when loading light loads in magnum cases, as it is so bulky that it takes real inattention to overcharge a case.

Good luck!

Bob