Amusing that I have heard the question raised and discussed for more than 30 years.

As stated above, Hodgdon has stated H110 and W296 ARE the same, and they have stuck to that story for over 30 years.
I believe it.

Also as stated above, if you ever compared two Lots of H110 OR two lots of 296, you are likely to find some slight volumetric/weight differences. Everything has tolerances.

I had no trouble believing what Hodgdon said when we needed some 296 back in the early 80's, and there was NONE to be had. We called Hodgdon, and he had some H110. A 25 lb keg of H110 arrived in a couple of days from Hodgdon. It was neatly labeled with a Hodgdon H110 label from a small can (I forget what size- 1lb? 3 lb?). Underneath that label was the original W296 label for the 25 lb keg. The original shipping label from Winchester to Hodgdon was still on the keg.

110/296 DOES like firm crimps. I am many years away from reloading now, but I always liked 296. I found it to be the cleanest and most consistent powder I had ever used for Mag loads.

__________________
Regards,
Lee Jarrett