.357 magnum H110, 2400, or other powder best for medium to full power 158 gr JHP?

[Master Blaster]

I have searched the forum and opinions are divided as to which is best.

What do you think? What is your primer preference magnum or standard?

[Ozzieman]

Just stay above minimum and below max and it works wonders in a mag round.
I use it in 44 mag and 30 carbine.

[SL1]

Your question as to best powder for "medium to heavy" loads is a little different.

To answer it exaclty, I would use 2400 for loads that were to span the RANGE of medium to heavy, because that powder can be safely reduced in charge weight to give medium loads, even if it becomes dirty at lower pressures. I use standard primers with that powder, except maybe magnums for medium loads to try to clean it up.

But, for the best FULL POWER loads, I uses 296 with Winchester magnum primers. It is not good to use 296 for MEDIUM loads, though, because you could get squibs.

Actually, I have gotten away from 2400 because I can use 296 for full power loads and a medium powder like Unique or Power Pistol for medium loads. (And I use Bullseye for light loads.)

SL1

[scsov509]

Actually, I have gotten away from 2400 because I can use 296 for full power loads and a medium powder like Unique or Power Pistol for medium loads.

+ 1 on Unique for medium-to-full loads, though I do prefer 2400 for the full power loads.

[Steve in PA]

For full power loads in a .357 or .44 magnum, I would use nothing but H110.

[rmb721]

I use IMR-4227 with a mag primer for 357, 158 grain cast bullets and 185 grain cast bullets, both with gas checks.

[ME109]

I like N110 with a small rifle primer. I like cleaning up even better.

[zxcvbob]

I don't think you can get there with one powder.

1. Herco or WSF with standard primers for medium to medium-high loads.
2. 296 with small rifle primers for full-power loads (296 must always be loaded to the maximum)
3. 2400 if you want medium-high to almost-full-power.

HS-6, AA#7, and AA#9 look really good on paper but I haven't tried them yet.

I tried Blue Dot and wasn't impressed. I still have almost a pound of it though, so will try working up some good loads this summer.

[Redneck with a 40]

Blue Dot works great for medium-heavy loads, especially with 158 grain jacketed bullets. I load 10.2 grains and get right at 1200 fps, accurate and clean. I like Blue Dot and you don't need magnum primers.

[Mr.RevolverGuy]

HS-6 gives some great medium loads. Burns clean and meters well in all powder measures.

[freakshow10mm]

H110/W296 is for balls out loads.

2400 and Blue Dot are for medium heavy loads.

Longshot is good for medium loads.

I use a magnum primer with all .357 loads. I don't use H110/W296 at all. I run 2400, Blue Dot, and Longshot.

[gb_in_ga]

I'm using H-110 with Federal small pistol magnum primers for full blast loads, and HS-6 with Winchester small pistol primers for mid-range.

[DMZX]

To echo others, for medium to heavy loads with a 158 gr JHP

2400.

For magnum loads only

H110.

[Master Blaster]

so it looks like h110 is the winner.

[ryalred]

Blue Dot works really well in my S & W .357 Mag shooting 158 grain bullets.

[zxcvbob]

so it looks like h110 is the winner.

2400, Blue Dot, Power Pistol, HS6, etc. can all be loaded down a little to give you medium loads, but H110 and 296 have to always be loaded to the max.

Of the choices you listed, 2400 with a standard primer was the best.

[call91145]

Good list going here, but dont forget VV N110and VV n350. These are both suited to the mid to upper end loads. The VV powders are exceptional! I also use alot of AA# 7 and 9 and they are also excellent powders for this power range.