Better flash and bang in short .357s

[cherryriver]

Why, for heavens' sake, would a guy want more flash and bang in his .357 snubs? you may ask.
To annoy 9mm shooters at IDPA matches, that's why. Especially the indoors ones.
So, what powders seem to do the best for that, in two- and three-inchers?
I'm figuring 2400'd be a good start. Any other magic flash-in-the-pan mixtures?
Thanks
Bill

 

[strat81]

Power Pistol is pretty flashy in the calibers I've seen it in.

I'd guess that many of your slower powders would give a big fireball out of a snub too.

 

[jmorris]

yep, 2400 out of a 2" should be blinding for a few seconds, at night at least

 

[KaiserBen]

125gr bullets, H110, and lots of it. My load was 19.7gr H110 and a Hornady 125gr XTP, seated to the cannelure, with a heavy roll crimp. Blinding even in a 6" barrel.

 

[cherryriver]

Wowee, KaiserBen, that even sounds scary.

 

[Jim Watson]

One of our guys of that persuasion used Vihtavuori N110. And 110 grain bullets so as to allow for the largest powder charge.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

You want flash, eh? Easy: Blue dot.

 

[Mark whiz]

Win 296 !!!
Rounds with this turn my 4" Ruger into a real flamethower.

 

[ashtxsniper]

Ditto the heavy H110 loads lots of recoil two.

 

[cherryriver]

Hmmm. I'm starting to suspect that this forum holds more obstreperousness than I ever imagined- so many offers of ungentlemanly behavior!
Thanks!
Bill

 

[mrcracing]

FOR JMORRIS!!!
Hello everybody, hello J., I know I'm out of thread, but I saw your old post on your home made bullet feeder... I'm just asking if you can give me more info and photos about it, please contact me at [email protected].
Thanks so mutch!

 

[Hutch]

Blue Dot, in a runaway. I've shot H110, and it flashes, but Blue Dot is just incredible. It'll singe the hair off the knuckles of you hands, as well.

 

[Big Boomer]

I have posted these a few times here but this is my 3" SP101 over 17.1gr of 2400 with a 125gr something or another.









Oh, and I have to throw one in from my 460 just to make you drool a bit. I have plenty more...

 

[Sgt.Dusk]

What if you loaded your 357s or 38s with BP?
Would it even get out of a barrel?
That could really be flamin´!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

IMO all powders suitable for loading heavy .357 Magnum rounds will flash big especially when you use the MAX charge. I feel those who are suggesting one powder over another are doing so because that's the powder they use so they know it will flash. It's true that H110, W296, 2400 and Blue Dot all will produce a big flash when touched off at a MAX charge. IMO you should use the powder you would normally use for loading your .357 Magnum rounds but push the charge up to the MAX for the best effect.

23gr of H110/W296 under a 110gr bullet will give you some light show for sure. It's very close to being considered a flamethrower. (and that's current data, not old data)

cherryriver,
One question... Why do you want to annoy 9mm shooters at a match, any match?

 

[DWARREN123]

Shoot and cook in one step!

 

[cherryriver]

ArchAngelCD-
For most of the rest of my social doings, I go to great extremes to be an easy-to-get-along-with sort of fellow.
But as one who frequently choses to indulge in the IDPA game with a Colt sixgun, I do from time to time feel a bit put upon by the superior life form commonly known as "Tupperware shooters".
I regret that I am occasionally inclined to respond to their blandishments about the gross inferiority of my sidearm with something equally annoying.
I do feel bad about it, though. Really.
Meanwhile, I'll be heading to the store for some Blue Dot.
Bill

 

[ArchAngelCD]

cherryriver,
In that case it's understandable.
Too bad the other shooters can't just enjoy shooting without looking down on someone else. (and I've seen it done)

If you really want to mess with them there is something worse than a big flash, it's called BLACK POWDER!!

 

[cherryriver]

ArchAngelCD-
Oh, I think I'd call it more of a friendly rivalry, sort of smoke-blowing in a competitive way. Not so much with the negative vibe- I am fortunate not having to shoot with hardly anybody of the nasty sort.
No worse than my good friend "Fritz" hollering at the top of his large lungs when it's trap day and I try to call "pull".
All in good, annoying fun.
Bill

 

[Ben Shepherd]

You've made the right choice in blue dot. More flash than 296, 2400, h110.

IF you ever want to load with the least flash possible at high pressure/velocity, try some vit N110. Expensive, but worth it.

 

[Winger Ed.]

It'll make a mess, but the smoke cloud is something to behold:

Mix about 25% plain/white sugar into a couple of Black powder charges using cast lead bullets.
Shoot them last as it will seriously foul the barrel.

Oh yeah, and it really stinks too!!

.