Hard Cast SWC with H110?

[sisyphus]

guys I'm new to reloading, this will be a first for me. I have just about everything I need to get started, so today I placed my first order for components so I'd have everything but primers on hand and that would be the last thing I went after.

I ordered a box of 158gr 357 SWC, BN16, and a box of 215gr 410 SWC, BN18. From what I've read the hardness of the bullets I ordered should be fine for magnum velocities. I'll be getting some 240gr 430 RNFP with a BN of at least 16 next time I order supplies so I can use them with both my revolver and my lever gun.

I intended to use H110 because I will be loading 357, 41 and 44 on my setup. From the small amount of time I've spent looking for load data it seemed like H110 was a choice that would allow me to do all three, simplifying my bench because I was kind of trying to get by using one pistol powder and one rifle powder.

I haven't ordered any powder yet, and I wanted to check with you guys prior to doing so, so I don't second guess myself later. I appreciate any feedback you have on the direction I'm going, good or bad. Thanks guys!

 

[George P]

Have you looked at Hodgdon's website?

 

[sisyphus]

Have you looked at Hodgdon's website?

yes I've looked at as much data as I can, but with no first hand experience I thought I'd ask you guys' opinion before I ordered any powder.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

I have used H110 in all three of them and like it. I think it is a very good option. Titegroup is another one I have used in them and been happy with, plus a bit more efficient as it takes about 1/2 as much powder to a case.

 

[brewer12345]

Are these bullets coated or traditional lubed?

 

[sisyphus]

Are these bullets coated or traditional lubed?

lubed

 

[243winxb]

H110 requires a Magnum primer. The H110 is for full power, maximum velocity loadings. No reduced target loads.

I have loaded Win 296 & H110 with cast in 357 mag/158 gr & 44mag/240/250 gr.

 

[George P]

PLENTY of data on Hodgdon's website for all three cartridges you listed

 

[sisyphus]

PLENTY of data on Hodgdon's website for all three cartridges you listed

I really appreciate you taking the time to tell me that, twice. lol

 

[Ru4real]

Magnum primers for sure.

H110 is forgiving on the big end. Fill the case up heaping, brush the excess off with your finger, and seat the bullet. Well, it’s not THAT forgiving, but you get my point.

Next time, buy coated bullets. MBC uses Hi-Tek coating, which I like.

 

[243winxb]

Usefull old data . Reduce 5% for starting loads. H110 & 296 same powder today. Were not always the same. Imo.
Always look for more printed data & compare.

 

[Frulk]

Check out Reloading Pages of L. D. Smith. Couple of 296/110 options in there for your weight bullets.

 

[black mamba]

Alliant's 2400 or IMR4227 are probably the most versatile magnum pistol powders around. Unlike H110/W296, magnum primers aren't needed, and you can safely drop load density down to achieve mid-level velocities. Both of these powders are used to obtain trapdoor Springfield level loads in the 45-70, and they are very low density. One of the best things about reloading is tailoring your loads to a specific task, and that just can't be done with H110 or W296

 

[sisyphus]

actually Oregon Trail Bullets had useful loading data for all three with H110. I appreciate the feedback guys, thank you very much

 

[Bfh_auto]

H110 will work well if your looking for fire breathing loads. If not. Something like Universal, Unique, or similar burn rate powders create medium loads.
H110 is my preferred 357 powder. It makes cast 180s hit with authority.

 

[Charlie98]

BFH beat me to it... are you sure you want full-house loads? A better place to start would be with Unique and some midrange loads, particularly as a new reloader, or even, as was suggested... IMR4227 or 2400, which is a little more forgiving than H110/W296.

 

[sisyphus]

well I looked at the PMC 44 box ammo I've been shooting and the velocity is pretty much the same as H110 so I figured that's what I'm used to

 

[sisyphus]

digging around different sources it looks like 2400 is good for what I want also, like a couple of you already said
they have that at Scheels, so I might try that first

 

[gotboostvr]

2400 will give 99% of the velocity as H110/win296, but can be reduced for light magnum type loads without issue.

IMR4227 will give magnum velocities and can be reduced as well, but it'll be DIRTY at lower charge levels. It gives me the best accuracy though in those types of cartridges I've found.

Edited for clarification.

 

[Dudedog]

I have only loaded .357 so my experience is with .357 only, not .41 or .44
As mentioned H110/W296 (same powder) works great full powder loads, but that is all it does. (but it does that very well)
If you are looking for something not full power but more mig range mag vels BE86 worked well for me in .357, meters better than Unique and is cleaner.

Before I worried about powder I would concentrate on getting primers, which is a problem right now. H110 needs SP Mag primers, BE86 can use either normal SP or SP MAG.
(get the SP mags if/when you can find them.)

Couple different powders will work for Full power loads 2400, AA#9, N110, H110,
lots more for lighter mid range stuff,
so the odds are you can find something powder wise once you get some primers.

 

[2ndtimer]

I have loaded .357 Magnum cartridges for about 40 years or so, and have tried most of the powders over the years (well, most of the older ones, at least). W-296 and H-110 are excellent for full power loads, particularly with jacketed bullets over 140 grains in weight. For mid range loads, other powders are more versatile, such as Unique, Universal, Herco, Accurate No. 5, and W-231.
I have currently chosen Power Pistol for my “all around” .357 loads with cast bullets. It provides 95% of the power of the maximum effort W-296 loads with 50% of the powder charge, and provides good accuracy without requiring magnum primers like W-296. Another good powder for close to maximum loads while allowing for more flexibility is Accurate No. 9, which I prefer to Alliant 2400 (the top choice of other old timers like me).
These powder choices also work well in .44 Mag, I have no experience with the .41 Mag, but believe it would be similar.
Good luck, hope you are able to find whichever you decide on. One of the reasons I stumbled on Power Pistol was that during the previous panic, I wasn’t able to find Unique or Accurate No. 9 or much of anything else, so I grabbed a 4 lb keg of Power Pistol that I figured might work. I have been well pleased with it since.

 

[Catpop]

There are many Great choices as you now see.
I personally reload brn 7-12 flat base home cast boolits using Unique, 4227 and 2400 with regular primers in both 357 and 44 mag. I’ve never tried 296/110.

I do not shoot commercially available boolits anymore mainly one reason- they are NOT available in the sizes it takes to seal up MY bore. I Personally need .002-.003 over size to eliminate barrel leading in the 1250 to 1350 fps range with MY revolvers,
So as you begin this exciting new boolit reloading game, keep this thought in the back of your mind “Fit is King”. If the fit is correct, all the rest falls in line.
Jmho
Best of luck!

 

[forrest r]

Interesting thread!!! Baby steps are better then running races to start off with.

 

[12Bravo20]

No it won't work at all. You should send all of your H110 to me for proper disposal!!!!!!

All you dang magnum revolver reloader and the 300 Blackout guys are using up all the H110 that us guys reloading 410 shells need.

As already stated. H110 is a good powder for full power loads in 357 and 44 Mag.

 

[Bronco72]

I also vote for 2400 ! Been using it for 50 years and have felt no need for change. Like other have stated you can go from mild to wild with it. On the hot end I feel no need to look for something hotter,. Plus if you have a hankering it is listed for 410 shotgun, 30 cal. M1 carbine and a few others I cannot recall off hand. Very versatile powder !
I do roll my own .357's , 44 mags and carbines with it !