Hercules 2400

[Hondo 60]

A friend gave me some Hercules 2400.
Not a clue as to how old it is.

When did the mfg change from Hercules to Alliant?

I'm gonna use it in a "new to me" Ruger Redhawk 44 Remington Magnum
The current recipe for 240 gr Speer GDHP is 21 grains.

If I reduce it 10% that'd be 18.9 gr to start.
Is that a reasonable start?
Or maybe the better question is, can I use current data to load an old powder?

I have lots of experience reloading, but this is my first batch using 2400.

Thanks for you input.
I appreciate it very much.

 

[rcmodel]

Hercules was acquired by ATK, the parent company of Alliant in 1995.

Some speculate modern 2400 is slightly faster then it was back then.
I can't say.

But you can use current data, as SAAMI pressure for the .44 Mag has been lowered since the Hercules 2400 name was changed to Alliant 2400.

I would be much more concerned about using 1960 2400 data with 2011 2400 powder.

rc

 

[Hondo 60]

Thanks RC.
I've come to know that you're one of the people here that we can trust.
Appreciate the reply!

 

[res45]

Pretty good article on test down with both powders,I've shot both at various times over my years of reloading. My experience is that the new 2400 is just a tad hotter but not much probably no more than lot to lot variations but it's somewhat cleaner than the old 2400.

My advice would be to just drop the load back 10% and work back up if you question it or just call Alliant. My loads are usually in the mid upper ranges anyways with that powder in rifle and handgun loads so it's not been an issue I've had to deal with. When Alliant took over the company they just basically changed the name on the building,powder companies usually only change the name and number on a powder when they reformulate it and it becomes a different powder with a different burn rate.

Here is the test http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=72355

 

[USSR]

Hondo 60,

I'm still using Hercules 2400, although for .357, .45 Colt, and .30 Carbine, so I can't help you with the .44 Mag. But, I have communicated with Larry Gibson several times, and his testing and advice is always first-rate.

Don

 

[Hondo 60]

Well, I have some 240 gr Hornady XTPs.
I made-up a total of 15 rds.

5 with 19.0 gr
5 with 19.5 gr
5 with 20.0 gr.

I'll probably get to the range in the morning.