W540, w296, & sr 7625

[wildlifeclyde]

I've been reloading on and off for 15 years or so using pretty much the same powders and bullets. Recently, I picked up a large assortment of supplies at an estate sale and wanted to get some opinions on how to best put 15 lbs of powder to use.

W540 - 7 lbs
W296 - 6 lbs
SR7625 - 2 1/2 lbs

The powder I picked up is probably 30+ years old, still looks and smells fine but if anyone has info on any changes over the years that would be nice to know. Either way, I'll be starting my charges low and working them up.

I've reloaded 9mm, 38 spl, and 44 mag for a while but will be adding 380 acp & 40 S&W as soon as I get some load data put together.

Here are some specifics of what I currently have to work with but can pick up different bullets if it would produce a better load with any of these powders.

44 mag - 240gr jhp
- 180gr lswc

40 S&W - 165gr Rainier fmj
I also have some lswc, but don't remember the weight off the top of my head

I don't typically shoot .357 but I have some brass so it's an option.

38 spl - 158gr lswc
I also have some jhp but don't remember the weight on these either.

9mm - 115gr fmj

380 acp - Don't have any bullets yet


I prefer middle of the road or light target loads, but it looks like these powders are a little hotter than that.

From the best I can tell W296 is the same as H110 (I currently use H110 for full throttle hunting loads) and is pretty limited to 44 and 357 mag. jacketed bullets.

I've also read that W540 is the same as HS6. I understand this is a good powder for 40, 9mm, and maybe 38spl.

The first two powders seem to be fairly popular and have lots of data. In my limited searching I haven't found much for the SR 7625, mainly LSWC for 44mag and 357mag.

I've got a few other powders in small quantities but would prefer to find good loads for these 3 powders to start with since I'll be shooting them a while. I can fill in with the other powders if they just won't work well in a caliber. I get the feeling that 380 is one of them.

What would you suggest for any powder/caliber/bullet combos.

Thanks

 

[243winxb]

W296 is for full power loads in 44mag and 357 mag. See warning on Hodgdon's website.

Reduce H110 and Winchester 296 loads 3% and work up from there. H110 and Winchester 296 if reduced too much will cause inconsistent ignition. In some cases it will lodge a bullet in the barrel, causing a hazardous situation (Barrel Obstruction). This may cause severe personal injury or death to users or bystanders. DO NOT REDUCE H110 LOADS BY MORE THAN 3%.

 

[Funshooter45]

If the powder is 30 years old, then W-296 might not be the same as H-110. The two are identical now, but it wasn't always the case. Offhand, I don't know if old 296 is faster or slower than new 296. You might want to find out a bit more. You're right on the application though. I use a fair amount of W-296 in .44 mag, .454 Casull, and .480 Ruger as well as the .357.

 

[JimKirk]

Win 540 and HS6 are the same powder. Good for lots of medium loads.

JImmy K

 

[ArchAngelCD]

As said above, W540 and HS-6 are the same and I have used it for 9mm, 45 Colt and .38 Special +P loads with good success and it will work very will in the 40 S&W. HS-6 is a good powder for lead bullets in the .357 Magnum too. It will be good in the .357 for medium to medium hot loads with jacketed bullets too.

As you already know W296/H110 is a great powder for full power Magnum ammo.

 

[jem375]

try this website: www.hodgdon.com

 

[NuJudge]

W540 is a great powder for heavy 12 gauge loads. I have not tried it in pistols.

 

[wildlifeclyde]

Thanks everyone for the advice. Looks like I will be able to pull together some good loads using W540. I'll have a lifetime supply of 44mag powder in w296, I may have to pick up loading for 357mag as well. I'll try to round up some older reloading manuals to see if the numbers are similar to current load data with the three powders.

Has anyone used SR7625 with any success in any handgun cartridge?

 

[Watergoat]

Check to Hodgden website as mentioned above. Lots of loads for 7625 in all the common pistol calibers. I've used it in several calibers, but has been a while. I recall liking it, metered well, burned pretty clean. 2 1/2 lb will load a lot of pistol rounds, well over 3000. Hope you scored a bunch of primers too.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'll try to round up some older reloading manuals to see if the numbers are similar to current load data with the three powders.

That probably isn't necessary for W540 since current HS-6 load data will due. (but you should write or call Hodgdon to be sure in your own mind)