What powder(s) would you recomend?

[SteelyNirvana]

I have been reading a few or the reloading books lately and I'm starting to get the bug. I want to pick up some powders next time I go the the gun show so I can try my hand at reloading. I would like some recomendations, this is what I' need:

Would like a powder/load combo for the biggest boom from a .357 (Just for fun and disturbing the peace) I will be using a 4" S&W 66 and a 2" SP101. I would like to use only 158gr thru the model 66, give me your 125gr loads for the Ruger if you have them. Second, I think I will pick up some 231 and/or H110 for my plinking loads. Do you think they would be a good choice for .357's and .38's?

Would like to get a good one or two powder/load combo's for the 30/30. I will be mainly using it for plinking for now at-least until I get a chance to go hunting with someone (never been). I will be using a Marlin 336 for these.

Thanks

 

[Ala Dan]

Lot's of good powders out there for the .357 magnum; among them in NO
particular order:

Using 158 grain jacketed hollow point bullets (JHP's)

Unique
AA-7
AA-9
2400*
H110
IMR 4227
Blue Dot

All of these will work just fine, with 2400 being used to work up an accuracy
load; as per Lyman's 48th edition Reloading Handbook/

 

[Walkalong]

Would like a powder/load combo for the biggest boom from a .357

H110/W296 and a heavy charge with light bullets, staying within recommended limits, of course.

W231 will work for plinking loads.

 

[zxcvbob]

I use 9.5 grains of WSF with 125 grain bullets and standard primers in .357 Mags. (start at 8.5 and work up)

If you use H110 or W296, pay close attention to the load data and make sure you use magnum (or small rifle) primers. Do not load these powders light.

Once the novelty wears off of super-loud 125 grain loads, try 158 grain cast bullets using Unique or Herco.

Red Dot is a great powder for .38 Specials.

 

[Eagle103]

I think I will pick up some 231 and/or H110 for my plinking loads.

H110 is what I would suggest for a boomer. 231, Unique, Bullseye and some others would be good plinking powders.

 

[Otto]

Would like a powder/load combo for the biggest boom from a .357 (Just for fun and disturbing the peace)

I'd recommend Bluedot.
It delivers good velocities and makes a ton of muzzle flash.
My loads always draw attention at the range.

 

[XD-40 Shooter]

125 grain Remington SJHP (357 mag) with 14.3 grains of Blue Dot = 1600 fps out of my 4" Tracker.

158 Grain Remington JSP with 16.6 grains of Winchester 296 = 1300 fps from my 4" Tracker.

Blue Dot is awesome with the 125 grain bullets in 357, I've found through my chrono that 296 works a lot better with the 158 grain bullets.

 

[SteelyNirvana]

Great info guys, just what I was looking for. Too bad I won't have enough $$ to purchase one of each you all mentioned.It will be tough deciding between which 2 or 3 to try first. How about some suggestions for the 30-30 loads?

 

[Pumpkinheaver]

H-110 will light up your life from a 2" bbl .357mag.

I like IMR 3031 in the 30-30 win.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I use H110/W296 with the required Small Pistol MAGNUM Primer for my .357 Magnum rounds and HP-38/W231 for my .38 Special target/plinking rounds.

IMO those are the best powders for their respective calibers. Also, many use 2400 for the .357 Magnum and there's nothing wrong with 2400, especially if you want to make some light .357 loads since 2400 can be loaded light whereas H110/W296 can't.

I don't load for the 30-30 since I don't own a rifle that will chamber it but several friends who do SWEAR by Winchester 748 and Winchester primers for their 30-30 rounds. I would have to agree with them since I've often seen them shoot those rounds and from what I see they are very accurate. They claim it delivers similar results as VARGET but with better accuracy.

 

[birdbustr]

I have a nickel plated 4" barrel model 66 myself and it loves 14 grains of 2400 pushing 158 gr Hornady XTP (the Hollow points or flat hollow points). I get about 1300 fps and one tight grouping. I also load the bullet to the max OAL for the cylinder.

 

[uk roe hunter]

if you take up reloading it will take over your life. in the usa ammunition is cheap. but once you start you won't be able to stop.

 

[XD-40 Shooter]

Ammo cheap in America? Don't think so. Factory 357 158 grain soft points are going for $30/50. I'm loading my own for $6/50.

 

[PC40]

I'm sure ammo is very cheap as opposed to the UK, if you can even buy it there anymore.