Would like to try another type of powder for the 357 mag, been using Universal and Unique and am satisfied with results, but I am a reloader and always want to try the other powder. Question is Winchester 231 and 296,
the 231 uses volumes like the Unique, 6-8 grs. however the 296 is like 17-19 grs. thats a big difference in volume not to mention that the 297 could cost almost 3 times as much per shell for the powder.
Was just wondering if anybody had used the 296 does that require mag primers, if so don't want to go there.
Opinions please.

I have used 296 in .357. It is for full power heavy bullet (180 gr.) magnum loads, requires a magnum primer, and will fill the case. I load very few rounds of .357 and simply use 296 because I normally have a lot on hand for use in my .44 Magnums. There are probably better .357 powders out there.

231 VS 296 VERY DIFFERENT powders - for different performance levels. For your 357, if you shoot mostly target and plinkin then use the 231. If you want top end power level then use the 296. One thing to remember, 296 is not to be used for reduced loads as SERIOUS issues can result.

Always carefully follow the reloading manual recommendations.

I shoot a lot of 296 in my magnum cartridges with very good results and I also use 231 in the good old 45acp with exceptional results.

ward

Yes, W296 requires a magnum primer, but someone will post that they use standard primers rerularily. Large charges of slower burning ball powder are best ignited with a magnum primer.

I don't use W231 'cause it's too fast, IMO, for the 357 Mag in anything other than light target loads. I know you asked about W231 and W296, but ther are other well suited powders out there. I use a lot of 2400, True Blue, and Unique for my .357 Magnums.

Sounds like I dont want to shoot 296 cause i am a plinker not a pistol hunter,
so will research the 2400 and True Blue for my next reloading adventure.
Thanks for the replies.

W296 is the same as H110. They require Magnum primers. If you use Winchester primers then no problem as they are for regular and Magnums.

H110 is for the big blast and max velocity full house magnums.
It can not be downloaded more than 3% or so.

2400 powder is more forgiving and does not need a Mag primer but you still use a lot of powder.

From what you have mention on your shooting, Unique is probably your best bet.

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Occam's Razor

W296/H110 IMO require a magnum primer although there are those who don't think so. All I know is, my results are always better with a magnum primer than without.

If you're looking for a "real magnum powder" without needing to use a magnum primer I would suggest trying 2400. That is a very good magnum powder that's been around for a very long time.

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Freedom is never free!!

You are going from Universal/Unique (31 and 32 on the Hodgdon powder burn rate chart) to a faster powder and a very very slow powder.

There are so many good powders in between, I'm just curious how you picked those two? I always start by looking at the bullet, velocity and pressure I want to start with. Then I pick a powder that seem to match what I want as a result. Both 231 and 296 are great powders. But I would never use 231 for a load I would even consider 296 for.

Personally I much prefer 2400 over 296/H110. It is just more forgiving and you can load it over a much wider range. 296/H110 is great for full load applications that you don't want to deviate from. Otherwise you risk squibs or lots of unburned powders.

AsI said at the start I am quit happy with Unique , I was just looking for another powder to try, and W231 and W296 were both listed as powders available with the 158 gr bullet. But I am not looking for a Mag load, just a target load. Was mentioned that 2400 might be what I was looking for cause it was more forgiving in loaded amount of powder so I could develop a load that had acceptable accuracy and recoil. What I am learning is that I need to take in to account the speed of the bullet also, I imagine that speed equates to recoil, more speed more recoil.

Look at the burn rate chart. The slower pistol/shotgun powders are the better full Magnum powders. The Medium burn rates will give you just that middle of the road.

2400 meters very well. I do believe the original 357 loads were developed with 2400.
Blue Dot is a good Magnum powder but does not meter well and is filthy if used at the lower end of the charge rate.

Burn Rate

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Occam's Razor

w231 is a good medium velosity powder for the 357 mag while the 296 is a 97% to full house powder that many like.

2400 will do target and top magnum velositys with regular primers..............

I have also had good results with Universal clays,Unique,Sr4756 and BlueDot with the heavier JHP bullets in the 357 mag.but can "Peak" near the top velositys.
imr 4227 did not work well in my test with regular or magmum primers but thats in my 6" 686................

Another vote for 2400. You can load it light and load it heavy and it will still work. Like any powder it does like to be loaded heavier than it likes to be loaded light. And I'm too tired of reading about 296/H110 and flame cutting. That and I always read it acts funny if not loaded to max or near max levels.

Are you loading for 357 Minimum? Then by all means use W231.

I agree, if you're looking for target velocities there is nothing wrong with W231. I use it with 158gr LSWC bullets in light .357 Magnum loads. If you're looking for ~1000 fps with a 158gr lead bullet a charge of 5.0gr W231 with a standard primers is just fine...

BTW, to get to the volume issue, fast powders will use much less powder to reach Max pressure in a round than slow powders will. Sometimes you will use 3X as much W296 than W231 to generate the same pressures.

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Freedom is never free!!

I just bought another 4 lbs. of 2400 to add to my stash and I was surprised how cheap it is compared to the other powders. It meters well in my Dillon loader. If you want your .357 to behave like a real Magnum with cheap and easily cast 158 gr. bullets, then 2400 is still the best powder out there for all the right reasons.

Dave Sinko

Another fan of 2400 here, I use it for 357 mag and 44 mag, as has been mentioned, 2400 meters nicely.

One useful powder for Magnum loads was Herco, sort of between Unique and Blue Dot. Some time back I used it extensively in magnums and it worked fine. Have been out of it for years and I don't know if it is still available. About the only pistol powders I load with at present are Unique and Bullseye - they do everything I need done. One exception is AA#5 for .38 Super. Great for the heaviest loads in small cases as it has a high bulk density.

Thanks for the replies
Might try to get some 2400 next time I am in town