4227 in my GP100

[Catpop]

First I will say I love my IMR 4227, despite the kernel issue.
Second I will say my new Ruger GP100 does not.
On it's first trip to the range it choked after about the 4th cylinder full. By that I mean it got some of those kernels under the extractor plate and refused to close.
I tried holding the muzzle straight up, but it still happened a couple of more times out of a hundred or so rounds.
This is not a problem on the range, but it could be a matter of life and death in a fire fight.
Just thought I'd tell you guys.
Catpop

 

[rsrocket1]

Do a search on 4227, 357 magnum and you'll find it synonymous with the word "dirty" even at max loads. The problem is that it simply needs a bigger cartridge and more powder to get up to the pressures it needs to burn cleanly. If that's all you have, it will work on the range, but you've already found out that you wouldn't want to bet your life on it.

 

[ljnowell]

Do a search on 4227, 357 magnum and you'll find it synonymous with the word "dirty" even at max loads. The problem is that it simply needs a bigger cartridge and more powder to get up to the pressures it needs to burn cleanly. If that's all you have, it will work on the range, but you've already found out that you wouldn't want to bet your life on it.

I've tried it in 357 mag and Ruger only level 45 colt and found that even when maxed out it was ridiculously filthy to the point of causing problems like you described.

 

[rooster59]

4227 is a lot cleaner if you use new or once fired brass and a heavy crimp. Best use is heavy bullets for caliber, 158g and up in 357m, 240g and up in 44m, no experience with 41m. I don't think it's that dirty with near max loads, heavy bullets, and a heavy crimp. In 44m I use a Winchester LP primer, and the container the primers come in says "for magnum and standard loads".

 

[ArchAngelCD]

4227 is on the brink of being a rifle powder and IMO not a good match for the .357 Magnum. It does however work well in the .44 Magnum but with top end loads. It really shines in the .44 Magnum.

 

[BigBore45]

I had that same issue with it in ruger only 45 colt loads with 265gr or 300gr bullets. i ended up going to max charge and crimping it really hard. its is not to bad now. after 150 rounds it starts getting dirty but who is gonna shoot that many in a fire fight out of a revolver?

 

[GLOOB]

Over on Cast Boolits, there are some interesting discussions regarding duplex loads. That's a little more advanced and potentially dangerous. But if you are determined to use up your 4227 in your 357 loads and you aren't averse to playing in uncharted waters, you might find some useful info.

When I run low on pistol powder, I am contemplating trying my hand at working up a duplex load for my 357's using a pinch of Unique, a bit of Dacron, and topped with a charge of IMR 4759.

 

[USSR]

I always have to chuckle when guys go on and on about a "filthy" powder, and then never mention the accuracy obtained with their load. Personally, during load testing with several powders using the Hornady 158gr XTP bullet, I found I got the best accuracy with 4227 in my Model 686. A heavy crimp, a magnum SPP or a SRP goes a long ways, and I never mind cleaning an accurate gun. Just MHO.

Don

 

[ljnowell]

I always have to chuckle when guys go on and on about a "filthy" powder, and then never mention the accuracy obtained with their load. Personally, during load testing with several powders using the Hornady 158gr XTP bullet, I found I got the best accuracy with 4227 in my Model 686. A heavy crimp, a magnum SPP or a SRP goes a long ways, and I never mind cleaning an accurate gun. Just MHO.



Don

Accuracy wasn't any better than with 2400. Certainly not enough to warrant dealing with the mess.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Catpop, there are many good powders for loading the .357 Magnum although since the shortage that is hard to believe!

Other than 4227 and 2400 see if you can find:
H110/W296, Power Pro 300-M, AA#9, 4100, Enforcer, N105, N110 and probably a few others I can't remember right now, give them a try. To a lesser extent you can try Longshot and 800X too.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

The list of powders that work in 357 is long. Adding to the above I've had good results with W231, SR-7625, 700-X, 800-X, AA-2, Green Dot, Red Dot, Bullseye, Titegroup, Unique & Trail Boss for mild loads.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Jesse, I didn't include the faster powders because I was under the impression the OP was looking for true magnum performance which only comes from the slower powders.