Favorite Magnum Pistol Powder

[Palladan44]

It's been awhile since I loaded up some classic 357 Magnum loads....in their pure form. I've been working mostly with 44 the last 5 years. I've been on a 357 Hiatus.
On hand I have a batch of 158gr. JSP Federal 'Power-Shok' projectiles and ample once fired brass. FED and RP
SPP or SPMs are available.

I'm looking at a number of powders, all great for the purpose. I know I could, and have in the past, created a winning load with each one of these powders. I'm curious to see where the popular vote lands.

I'll be working up this load using my time tested, trusty 6" Highway Patrolman.

 

[Targa]

H110/296 is my favorite with AA#9 nipping at its heels.

 

[burrhead]

2400

 

[barnfrog]

I'd take any of the H110/2400/#9 triumvirate, but since I could only vote for one I chose #9 because it shot slightly more accurately than the other two in my .357 tests. In actuality the difference in group size was more likely due to my shooting than any real difference in the powders' performance.

 

[Rule3]

2400

 

[.38 Special]

I burn more 2400 than anything else, when it comes to Magnums. That is mostly because I am a traditionalist, though - and because it works, of course.

When I'm after the best possible result, I usually turn to H110. I dislike the way it tends to bind in loosely-fitted measures - my old Lyman chokes on it in an annoying way - and of course it does not like to be downloaded to any appreciable degree. If I was dedicated to driving the big guns hard, though, I would buy a precision measure and a keg of H110 and call it done.

 

[nofendertom]

2400

 

[Bula]

2400. I like the wider charge range. Unlike H110/W296, min max is usually pretty narrow.

 

[GooseGestapo]

Depends on which Magnum. And what bullet weight.
For the .357mag, I prefer H110 with a 125gr bullet. Lil’Gun with 158gr JSP, #2400 with a cast slug of any weight.

.41 and .44mag; #2400 cast, H110 jacketed.

 

[AJC1]

I have the most experence with #9 so that gets my vote. I'm currently playing with blue dot and it's just fine so far. Curious about the missing choices like n105/110 and shooters world heavy pistol. Also accurate 4100/ ramshot enforcer are also supposed to be the same powder.

 

[2ndtimer]

Win 296/H-110, but Accurate No. 9 is a little more flexible, and I am tempted to try Ramshot Enforcer.

 

[Steve51]

Of the powders you listed, I chose 2400. It is my favorite powder for both .357 magnum and .44 magnum high end loads for my lever action rifles and I will also shoot them in my revolvers but not frequently. I have also used AA#9 and H110 when 2400 was not available. However, in my revolvers, I prefer the milder magnum loads using HP-38 (W231) or Unique.

 

[JDeere]

44 Mag H110, 357 Mag 2400

 

[Barbaroja]

2400 then h110

 

[Blue68f100]

Since he said Magnum I voted W296/H110. 2400 would be my second choice.

 

[Targa]

Win 296/H-110, but Accurate No. 9 is a little more flexible, and I am tempted to try Ramshot Enforcer.

Enforcer is a good one to have on hand but it performed behind H110 and AA#9 with my 158 grain swc bullets. Now that’s just my experience, others could be the exact opposite so take my experience with a grain of salt.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

2400. Utility and flexibility.

 

[2ndtimer]

Of the powders you listed, I chose 2400. It is my favorite powder for both .357 magnum and .44 magnum high end loads for my lever action rifles and I will also shoot them in my revolvers but not frequently. I have also used AA#9 and H110 when 2400 was not available. However, in my revolvers, I prefer the milder magnum loads using HP-38 (W231) or Unique.

For slightly milder loads, I like Power Pistol. Gives 90% of W-296/H-110 performance for half the cost. (16.0 grains vs 8.0 grains with 158-165 cast SWC)

 

[Walkalong]

2400 for .357 Mag

 

[AJC1]

For slightly milder loads, I like Power Pistol. Gives 90% of W-296/H-110 performance for half the cost. (16.0 grains vs 8.0 grains with 158-165 cast SWC)

I do about that with 10.6 grains of blue dot. I wasn't fond of PP.

 

[45/30-06OKIE]

Why did you leave out H110?

 

[ericuda]

Win 296 same as 110.

I'd say 2400 but for the true magnum powder to me gotta be h110.

 

[1976B.L.Johns.]

I voted 2400.
It is a classic.

 

[alfsauve]

I chose H110 when I was doing silhouettes with .357Max. Gave me the highest velocities at lower pressures.

 

[AJC1]

I chose H110 when I was doing silhouettes with .357Max. Gave me the highest velocities at lower pressures.

But have you even checked lil gun