H-110 vs Lil' Gun for 357 Mag

[Shoot&Ski]

I am trying to decide what powder to use for full power heavy loads in my GP. First, I am looking at using Cast Performance 180gr gas checked bullets, but I can't decide which powder is best for this application.
H 110 seems very well established, and somewhat of a standby, but Lil' Gun has even higher published velocities at lower pressures. However, I have read the Lil' Gun will eat up barrels. Any truth? Also, do these powders need Magnum primers to work best?

 

[Ergosphere]

You will need magnum primers.

As to the Lil' gun vs. H-110 issue, I'm having the same debate right now (loading hot .45 Colt loads for a Bisley Blackhawk). I have no idea as to the veracity of the reports of forcing cone damage from Lil' Gun, but I'm going to play it safe and use H-110 anyway.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm afraid to use Lil'Gun in my revolvers until we get a definitive answer on the possible damage it can cause. I am however using Lil'Gun for my .357 Magnum ammo for use in a Marlin levergun. I especially like the higher velocities it delivers with heavy bullets. With that same 180gr Cast Performance bullet you're using I was able to get 110 fps more with Lil'Gun over H110/W296 in the Carbine. (1657 fps vs 1547 fps) Lil'Gun also delivered 95 fps more than H110/W296 with a 180gr Hornady XTP bullet in the same Marlin Carbine.

 

[Shoot&Ski]

From another thread right now:
youngda9 said:

The H110 gives TONS of muzzle flash...for not a whole lot of increased velocity over Unique. Everyone says Unique is not good for max loads. My manual says 9.6gr as max for a 125gr bullet. I am up to 9.4grains now with no over-pressure signs at all. It is plenty hot for me and I'll stay there as my standard load. I shoot a lot of 125gr lead RN since they are the cheapest and are plenty hot to have fun blasting holes in paper. I loaded up some 125gr XTPs with the H110 for a hunting round while in the woods.

H110 gave me an additional 45fps out of my 3" SP101, I wouldn't expect it to add more than 75fps out of the 4" gun. I don't think it's worth it for all the muzzle blast it creates. I'll shoot my .44 if I think I need more power than 600ft-lbs

So now this makes me wonder if Lil' Gun or H 110 are good choices, but really, what else is there for maximum power loads that even comes close for 180 grain bullets. Anyone have anything else to say about Lil' Gun? Less muzzle blast than H110?

 

[CZ57]

For .357 Magnum try AA#9 or Ramshot Enforcer. They are better suited to the .357 case as far as burn rate is concerned. H110 is better suited to the .44 Magnum.

 

[Shoot&Ski]

Thank you for the recommendations. I checked out the load data for both powders, and neither one will push the 180 grain bullets up to 1,200 fps. H 110 and Lil' gun have at least 200 fps on on AA #9 and Enforcer. What makes you think they are better for .357? Just curious, not trying to pick a fight, I just want to get the most out of my .357 for bear back up when I am archery hunting.

 

[Clark]

I have really gone back and forth on H110 vs LIL'GUN in the 357 mag 158 gr.

If you go back a few years on this forum, someone here did pressure traces to compare the two.



I have found out that extra LIL'GUN makes louder and more recoil than less LIL'GUN, but at some point the velocity starts going back down and the fire ball gets bigger.

I have now gone back to H110, even if the pressure is higher, it smells better.

 

[gamestalker]

I'm a hard core fan of H110/296 for the magnum loads. But for a lead bullet which I've never loaded with, I thought you couldn't use this stuff because of severe leading in the barrel? I did read in one of my books that once you get above a certain velocity, like 1200 fps, if my poor memory serves me right.

 

[Funshooter45]

That's what "they" say about lead bullets, but that's not what I've observed. I have shot hard cast bullets up to about 1500 fps or so with virtually no leading, but they have to be a good fit to your bore diameter.

I am having the same thoughts regarding Lil Gun in the 357. I tried it one time with the 158 gr cast bullets but I didn't like it as well as the 110 loads. Actually, I have tried Lil Gun in .44 mag, 454 Casull, and .480 Ruger. So far, it hasn't been as accurate as other powders in the same category. I am hoping maybe it will work out for the 180 cast bullets I'm about to order. I have most of a pound of the dang stuff still sitting there.

 

[cheygriz]

I wear ear plugs and earmuffs over them, and OSHA approved industrial grade safety glasses when shooting anything bigger than .22 short.

(Still have both eyes, both ears and all ten fingers! )

So muzzle blast and flash have never been a concern to me.

 

[Shoot&Ski]

The Cast Performance bullets are hard cast, and have a gas check. I haven't used them yet, but I don't think 1,400 fps should be a problem with H 110 or Lil' Gun. These are the same 180gr bullets that Buffalo Bore uses in their load that pushes 1,400 fps.

As far as the powder goes, I still can't decide which powder is better suited for full house .357 180gr loads. Too much reasonable info on this thread! Maybe I will have to buy both and give them a try, but I don't have a way to measure pressure, and I don't have a Chronograph. Basically, if Lil' Gun doesn't destroy my revolver (problems with forcing cone-cylinder front, and barrel erosion) I am not worried at all about heavy recoil or a fire ball out of the front. I just want the highest performance powder that won't damage my firearm.

 

[buck460XVR]

I too no longer use Lil' gun in my revolvers. Since it never gave me the accuracy of H110/W296 in any of my magnums, I saw no reason to take the chance with premature forcing cone erosion. The excessive heat produced in my guns when shooting Lil' Gun was an indication to me that the rumors of possible damage may be true. My second choice for true magnum velocities outta my .357s is IMR4227 with 2400 coming in third. If you want the most velocity and best accuracy outta any .357, it's tough to beat H110/W296........but, for anything less than full house loads, find a different powder.