Winchester WinClean 244 (Win244) and .357 Magnum

[wcwhitey]

This is what 5.0 Grains of Win244 behind a ExtremeX 158 Grain Plated SWC looks like. No chronograph but estimated 1100 fps 6” S&W Model 66-2. Two handed unsupported 50 Feet. Very mild load. Fun to shoot.

I have been seeing quite a few powder posts lately. So far in .38, .44 Special, .45 ACP and now .357 it has delivered. The gun just barely needed a wipe down.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Wow, that is some really good results especially from a powder that fast. (very similar to W231)

If you like W244 in the .357 you might want to give W572 a try too. I like the results I got, sorry no chrono work yet.

 

[dcarr]

Certainly got my attention with this post, never used w244, I shoot blackhawks, .45acp (230gr rn) and .357 (158gr swc usually) I saw some jugs of w244 in a local gun shop, where exactly escapes me but I'll find some somewhere. Don't fancy shipping powder to where I live.

 

[kalielkslayer]

W244 is probably the easiest powder to find these days.

I’ve picked up 5-6 lbs myself, primarily for 9mm.

But when I get to .357, I’ll give it a try.

 

[lordpaxman]

Thanks for the report. I haven’t tried W244 in .357 yet, but that’s only because I have other projects in the way. W244 has worked well in all the other calibers I’ve tried, and it’s on my “buy” list. Meters well, burns well, shoots well. Good luck.

 

[wcwhitey]

Thanks for the report. I haven’t tried W244 in .357 yet, but that’s only because I have other projects in the way. W244 has worked well in all the other calibers I’ve tried, and it’s on my “buy” list. Meters well, burns well, shoots well. Good luck.

I did an earlier write-up on .44 Special and found it good for .38 and .45 as well. A bird in the hand!

 

[MauriceSam]

I have tried W244 because I couldn't get Titegroup or CFE Pistol and I find that I like it a lot. Very clean, metered well. Have tried in .38/.357 and 9mm with good results.

 

[length_of_pull_1]

I've been using W244 in 9mm and 38/357 for a while now, mostly because it has been available, but I've been impressed by how clean it really is. Mid range charge weights leave almost no soot on my brass. It has become my go to for range ammo.

 

[.45Coltguy]

Anyone tried w244 in .45 Colt? May be interested in that.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Anyone tried w244 in .45 Colt? May be interested in that.

I have tried it in the 45 Colt yet but I used to use a lot of W231 in the 45 Colt and it worked well. I see no reason why W244 wouldn't work well too.

I only have less than 2 lbs of W244 because I have A LOT of W231 to burn through first. It's going to take a very long time for that to happen because of the small amount of powder needed when loading W231.

 

[Buck13]

I'd be pretty happy with that result from those bullets! I never get groups that pretty with mine.

 

[kalielkslayer]

I've been using W244 in 9mm and 38/357 for a while now, mostly because it has been available, but I've been impressed by how clean it really is. Mid range charge weights leave almost no soot on my brass. It has become my go to for range ammo.

I was searching the usual powder suppliers today. Powder Valley, Midsouth and Grafs all had Win 244 in stock.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I was searching the usual powder suppliers today. Powder Valley, Midsouth and Grafs all had Win 244 in stock.

I have a feeling that's because W244 and W572 are their newer powders and they want to push them. They are supposedly easier to make and the manufacturing process is cleaner too.

 

[goh412]

Loading Hi-Tek coated LRNFP 357 with WIN 244 powder. Hodgdon only provides 244 powder load data for HDY XTP and MEI CAST LSWC type bullets. They suggest for the XTP 5.5 to 6.2 grains of powder and for the SWC 3.9 to 6.0 grains. Since I'm using LRNFP which parameter should I use? The max load for both are pretty close so would 10% below max be acceptable? The min being 3.9 for one and 5.5 for the other have me asking.
thanks for any help

 

[243winxb]

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...wder-357-mag-with-164gr-cast-158-mold.905784/

Starting at 5 grs, w244 should be ok.

 

[goh412]

Maybe I'm being overly careful but wanted to run this load by the group.
Loaded 9 357 cartridges. 5.0 grains WIN 244 over a 158 gr bullet (LRNFP Hi-Tek coated). Standard WSP primers (not magnum). COL length is a approx 1.57-1.58. Firm roll crimp.
Shooting from my Henry 357 lever (tube mag) with 16.5" barrel.

thank you

 

[ArchAngelCD]

From the data on the Hodgdon site that load looks perfectly safe and not near the top of the load range...

 

[lordpaxman]

I tried some W244 when IMR discontinued the Red and Target and like it a lot in all the calibers.

 

[Jim Watson]

At the risk of contributing to the delinquency of a reloader, there is no published .38 Special load whether standard, +P, +P+, or .38-44 that will faze a .357 Magnum gun in the least. The only common instance where a book maximum load is an acceptable starting point, Special ammunition in Magnum gun.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

At the risk of contributing to the delinquency of a reloader, there is no published .38 Special load whether standard, +P, +P+, or .38-44 that will faze a .357 Magnum gun in the least. The only common instance where a book maximum load is an acceptable starting point, Special ammunition in Magnum gun.

I would agree that it’s “safe” but unless the objective is to make noise and burn components, that doesn’t make starting at “+P+” max a good idea. Which is why I asked, “What are you wanting this load to do?” So far that’s the one question the @goh412 won’t answer in the previous several threads addressing the topic. So maybe in that case this is just an exercise in wasting powder and primers - which is fine - but it seems like an awful lot of angst just to make noise and smoke. A blank will do that.

 

[goh412]

I would agree that it’s “safe” but unless the objective is to make noise and burn components, that doesn’t make starting at “+P+” max a good idea. Which is why I asked, “What are you wanting this load to do?” So far that’s the one question the @goh412 won’t answer in the previous several threads addressing the topic. So maybe in that case this is just an exercise in wasting powder and primers - which is fine - but it seems like an awful lot of angst just to make noise and smoke. A blank will do that.

I guess I never did post my objective. Didn't mean to come off deceptive at all. Appreciate everyone's help here.
Just looking for a plinking load for my Henry 357. Wanted LRNFP bullet makeup and shape knowing they fed well having used similar factory created ammo. Henry suggests 158 grain minimums.
The 357 load I mentioned earlier in this thread (5 grains WIN244 under the 158 grain bullet) seemed to perform well for me today at my local indoor range. This was my first 357 reload so I'm very happy. Will check for barrel leading later tonight. Sadly I do not have any measurement tool yet to post data.
Appreciate all the help you guys have volunteered.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I guess I never did post my objective. Didn't mean to come off deceptive at all. Appreciate everyone's help here.
Just looking for a plinking load for my Henry 357. Wanted LRNFP bullet makeup and shape knowing they fed well having used similarly factory ammo. Henry suggests 158 grain minimums.
The 357 load I mentioned earlier in this thread (5 grains WIN244 under the 158 grain bullet) seemed to perform well for me today at my local indoor range. This was my first 357 reload so I'm very happy. Will check for barrel leading later tonight. Sadly I do not have any measurement tool yet to post data.
Appreciate all the help you guys have volunteered.

Thanks for sharing.
Plinking loads are a matter of personal taste so, yes, whatever you’re comfortable with and puts a smile on your face is a good load. I’m glad you found something that works.

 

[wcwhitey]

I guess I never did post my objective. Didn't mean to come off deceptive at all. Appreciate everyone's help here.
Just looking for a plinking load for my Henry 357. Wanted LRNFP bullet makeup and shape knowing they fed well having used similar factory created ammo. Henry suggests 158 grain minimums.
The 357 load I mentioned earlier in this thread (5 grains WIN244 under the 158 grain bullet) seemed to perform well for me today at my local indoor range. This was my first 357 reload so I'm very happy. Will check for barrel leading later tonight. Sadly I do not have any measurement tool yet to post data.
Appreciate all the help you guys have volunteered.

I have used that same 5.0 grains of Win244 with RimRocks 158 SWC-WN in .357. It was decent, I prefer the plated. I want to try some coated as the velocity may be at the top end for the RimRocks. They are sweet shooters at .38 Special velocities.