Scored some powder today

[David Bachelder]

I found some Hodgdon H-110 at the LGS today. It was marked $29.99 per can, high I know, but I needed it. I also drove 50 miles round trip and paid sales tax. I got what I asked for.

I heard H110 and Win 296 were one and the same. I need it for my .357 Magnum loads.

Are supplies getting a bit easier to find because manufacturing has picked up or because demand has fallen. Maybe the 13million new gun owners this year decided to relaod, now they are discouraged because it isn't easy as 1,2, 3 drop a bullet. Maybe used reloading equipment will soon flood the market?

[Nick_C_S]

I think - think - demand has fallen somewhat. Manufacturers claim they've been going around the clock for many months now, so it would follow (if they're telling the truth) that it's not a case of supply increasing.

I've been loading with W296 for .357 for years. I'm curious what recipes you have.

I've heard H110 and W296 are the same - and I believe it; but I've never used H110. I would buy H110 without hesitation if I need some slow stuff for my magnums though. My W296 is strictly for full house .357/.44, so I don't do a lot of loading with it.

[rajbcpa]

Supplies are not easing after 10 months or so of a supply shortage. You can find powder here and there, however..... and this is typical in any supply shortage.

That price is way too high, so they gouged you at $30 per pound before tax.

[David Bachelder]

I knew I was taking a beating. But it was the only game in town. I had a choice .... wait or act. So I chose act, as I was compleatly out of magnum powder for my two .357's.

Normally I can order on line, pay the hazmat fee and still save money. The LGS is very proud of what they sell.

[David Bachelder]

"I've been loading with W296 for .357 for years. I'm curious what recipes you have."

From the Lyman Pistol & Revolver Handbook.

Cast 155 Grain Semi Wad Cutter (actual weight averages 150 to 160 grains, depending on alloy)
H-110 @ 15 grains for 1485fps, 15.7 grains for 1508fps
Small pistol magnum primers.
I do not use gas checks and the barrels show no lead. I try to keep the BHN around 12 to 15.



These are the most accurate loads I shoot in both my my Henry Big Boy and Ruger Blackhawk.

Nice loud flashy heavy recoil 357 mag rounds.

I have also used Alliant2400 @ 14 grains with great results.


For a heavy frame gun like a Ruger Blackhawk you could beef them up a bit. I have never done that so I don't know by how much.

[Swampman1]

That price is way too high, so they gouged you at $30 per pound before tax.

Depends on how you look at it. If you're just adding to your supply...then maybe. If you've been waiting on powder for weeks and weeks(like me)...then it's grateful to have found.

[SVTCobra306]

I wouldn't call it straight gouging, Bass Pro Shops charges 27.99-29.99 for most Hodgdon powders when they have any, I try to go to Cabela's if I'm getting just a pound or two to try, they're usually 21.99-24.99 per lb, obviously if you buy larger jugs it gets cheaper per lb but I only know one place that even ever has any and it isn't Bass Pro or Cabela's. 29.99 for a pound that you needed isn't anything to be ashamed of, especially now.

If you look on Hodgdon's site they list the exact same powder charges for H110 and W296, and the MSDS has them on the same line... Pretty reasonable bet that they are one and the same. Usually when I see them, the Winchester powders are a couple bucks cheaper than Hodgdon, I wouldn't hesitate to go the Winchester route .

[jtmckinney]

I have loaded as high as 17.0 grains H110 & 158 gain HP/XTP's through my Blackhawk with 6 1/2 inch barrel but have settled on 15 grains as all I want from this load and this gun. Seems to be the sweet spot for it.

Never used W296 as I got started with H110 and it is usually available in my area. $30.00 per pound may be high but it isn't being gouged with the present market conditions. If I needed that powder I would have purchased it at that price. H110 is not considered an economical powder to begin with.

Have a great day!
James