Author Topic: 357 Mag Help Needed (Read 706 times)

Bullseye · « **on:** December 21, 2003, 05:54:48 PM »

I used to shoot Win 296 in my 357 Mag. I did not like the muzzle blast or noise with it so I switched to IMR 4227. It is much more pleasant to shoot with the 4227. I know the velicity is less but this is not a concern. I think I can get better accuracy and the 4227 leaves some unburnt powder. Want to try some of the old standby 2400 but would need to buy some. Does it have the noise and muzzle blast like Win 296 or is it more tame like the IMR 4227?

Thanks!!!!

Paladin · « **Reply #1 on:** December 21, 2003, 06:26:00 PM »

try blue dot

Hcliff · « **Reply #2 on:** December 22, 2003, 03:14:32 AM »

I think 2400 doesn't have a different muzzle blast i similar velocities. It does leave more residue than 296. If velocity isn't a mojor concern try hs7 or titegroup or 231. Velocity won't be quite as high. Have fun

Hcliff

Flint · « **Reply #3 on:** December 22, 2003, 06:34:04 AM »

2400 is much more like 4227 in performance. It shouldn't "blast" like H-110 or W296. It will leave grains in the gun like 4227, and it seems to be the nature of the beast. Harder crimp, heavier bullet and magnum primers might help.

Graybeard · « **Reply #4 on:** December 22, 2003, 12:27:54 PM »

You guys must have more sensitive hearing than me to be able to tell the difference in blast level with hearing protection on. I can't.

What performance level are you looking for? Unless you are looking for absolute max velocity take a look at Bullseye powder. You use a lot less of it and it really is about my favorite when max performance isn't an objective especially with the 125s. Sure gives me good accuracy.

GB

Bullseye · « **Reply #5 on:** December 22, 2003, 12:48:11 PM »

Well now Graybeard, when I get to be your age my hearing probably will not allow me to tell the difference either! :-D Seriously though I am about at that age anyway. I think the muzzle blast is much worse with 296. I used to shoot it in my 44 mag and quit for the same reason. I am still shooting it in my 41 mag because it is very accurate but might switch with it too. I know when I shoot at the range with the 41 mag I get comments from people around me that if the bullet does not kill them the blast will and I do not get these comments when shooting 4227. I know the 296 is probably the very best powder for these calibers, I just do not like it since velocity is not my main concern, accuracy and shooting enjoyment is my main comcern.

Graybeard · « **Reply #6 on:** December 23, 2003, 06:03:29 AM »

Then it sounds to me like you're a prime candidate for use of the powder for which you are named. I use about as much of it as W296 in the .357 Mag.

GB

Blackhawk44 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 26, 2003, 06:25:40 AM »

2400 blast and flash is much closer to 4227, but velocity a bit better. Near sundown try both 296(or 110) then 2400 and you will see the difference. That is one reason that I tend to burn much more 2400 than 296. Any velocity loss is infintesimal and accuracy has always been outstanding. Most people are suprised to find standard primers usually give better accuracy(and plenty of fire) with 2400 in the 357.

Bullseye · « **Reply #8 on:** December 26, 2003, 05:12:45 PM »

Thanks for the replies. I think I will buy some different powder and play a little. It is much easier for me to buy a pound of powder to try when I have some background info on how it might work.

Ed Harris · « **Reply #9 on:** December 31, 2003, 08:22:20 AM »

I use 14.7 grs. of #2400 with 158-gr. jacketed bullets, Winchester cases and WSP primers in a variety of .357 Magnums which include a 2-3/4" Ruger Speed Six, a 6" Security Six, 18" Marlin 1894SRC and a 24" Marlin Cowboy II Limited. Velocity approximates factory loads, about 1150 in the 2-3/4", 1200 in the 6", 1600 in the 18" carbine and 1700 in the 24" rifle.

A uniform and heavy crimp is necessary for good ignition and complete combustion. Magnum primers are unnecessary and not recommended.

Use the Lee Factory Crimp Die to ensure a positive and firm crimp. I don't have any problems with unburned powder, even with my 2-3/4" as long as I stick to 158-gr. bullets. The Remington and Winchester JHPs expand well from handguns and peform well on small deer under 100 pounds from the rifles at short ranges to 100 yards. The JHP bullets are fairly destructive of meat when used in rifles, so you may want to use JSPs or the Hornady XTPFN bullets for deer in the rifle. The Winchester and Remington JHP bullets expand to .55-.58 in water, even when shot from the 2-3/4" revolver. From rifles the expanded nose blows off and the rear 2/3 of the bullet continues on, expanded to about .52 cal.

The various JSP bullets do not expand AT ALL at handgun velocities, but only flatten the exposed lead on the nose, but they do penetrate deeply.
When fired from a rifle barrel the Remington and Winchester JSP bullets expand in water jugs to about .52-.54" and retain 90%+ of their weight.
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