More powder - 2400

[BC38]

I made another buy on powder today.
An unopened 5 lb can of Hercules 2400.
It was at such a good price I couldn't pass it up.
Looks like there are loads for 38spl, 38spl +P, 357, and 44 magnum. Not quite as versatile as the 700-X I picked up on Sunday, but it should still be plenty useful.

[Peak53]

2400 shines at the almost top end magnum loads

[Eddie Southgate]

Originally Posted by BC38

I made another buy on powder today.
An unopened 5 lb can of Herco 2400.
It was at such a good price I couldn't pass it up.
Looks like there are loads for 38spl, 38spl +P, 357, and 44 magnum. Not quite as versatile as the 700-X I picked up on Sunday, but it should still be plenty useful.

Hercules 2400 , Herco is a powder not a brand . What did you have to give for it ?

Eddie

[BC38]

You are correct Eddie, brain flatulence on my part.
I got the 5 pound can of 2400, a 1 pound can of W296 and one thousand 158gr LSWC .358 bullets for $100. So I figure I paid about $8-$9 a pound for the powder.

[ArchAngelCD]

Data or not I would not use 2400 as a standard pressure.38 Special powder. Actually not even for .38 Special+P loads.

[iPac]

Originally Posted by ArchAngelCD

Data or not I would not use 2400 as a standard pressure.38 Special powder. Actually not even for .38 Special+P loads.

Me either. I only use Power Pistol and 2400, and the 2400 is only for magnums.

[reddog81]

2400 will work for light .357 loads, but like others have said it's not a good powder for 38 Special.

[muddocktor]

2400 is a great powder for high pressure rounds like 357 or 44 Mag. But it runs real dirty at lower pressures and you will see unburned grains of powder, especially at lower pressures. I also seem to remember that it's a good powder for loading 22 Hornet too.

[just plain joe]

You might wish to consider utilizing a "magnum" primer to light off a slow-burning powder such as 2400.

That along with a 6 inch barrel on the revolver should minimize your un-burned powder.

JPJ

[BC38]

Thanks for the advice guys. I load 357 and 44 maqgnums, though usually not full power - more middle of the range. That is why I was thinking of using the 2400 more for the 38 +P loads.

I already have about 3 pounds each of W296 and H110 as well, both of which are also pretty much only good for loading magnums. So between the 3 "flavors" (two if you consider that W296 and H110 are actually the same thing) I have about 11 pounds of magnum powder. Guess I'm going to have to either load & shoot a lot of magnums or sell some of it.

One of the neat things about the 2400 is it is in the old red Hercules cask and the seal is intact. Maybe I'll take it to the next gunshow and see about selling or trading it for something else.

[4barrel]

Originally Posted by BC38

Thanks for the advice guys. I load 357 and 44 maqgnums, though usually not full power - more middle of the range. That is why I was thinking of using the 2400 more for the 38 +P loads.

I already have about 3 pounds each of W296 and H110 as well, both of which are also pretty much only good for loading magnums. So between the 3 "flavors" (two if you consider that W296 and H110 are actually the same thing) I have about 11 pounds of magnum powder. Guess I'm going to have to either load & shoot a lot of magnums or sell some of it.

One of the neat things about the 2400 is it is in the old red Hercules cask and the seal is intact. Maybe I'll take it to the next gunshow and see about selling or trading it for something else.

Lee has the better reload info for 2400 in 38s.

[DWalt]

Originally Posted by ArchAngelCD

Data or not I would not use 2400 as a standard pressure.38 Special powder. Actually not even for .38 Special+P loads.

2400 is a good powder for top-end .38 Special loads. Also a good choice for some rifle loads (.22 Hornet, .30 Carbine, .45-70) and light loads in many other calibers.

[rockquarry]

I seldom use a magnum primer with #2400 and a regular primer works fine, but several years ago I was working with around six different primers for a .357 load using a 160 grain cast bullet. I got slightly better accuracy with a magnum primer; not enough better that I would buy small pistol magnum primers. But if you have a variety of primers, try them.

I tried a .38 Special load using Sierra's 140 jacketed bullet and their data that called for #2400 powder. Surprisingly, it turned out to be a very accurate load. As long as safety is your main concern, there are very few absolutes in handloading. That's why it pays to experiment.

[BC38]

Originally Posted by 4barrel

Lee has the better reload info for 2400 in 38s.

As in the Lee Modern Reloading Manual?

Funny, I have a copy of the second edition and read all the how-to stuff when I first got started, but haven't really looked at the loading data in a while.

I think I may have to at least try some 2400 in some 38 +P loads. I have another one pound container of it so I can give it a try without cracking open the 5 pound can.

[TomkinsSP]

BE for .38 special, .45. 2400 for .357, .44, 7.62x39, Unique for .32s and .38 S&W. Hmmm. Old Hercules seems to have it all covered. Dual bases are much more impervious to moisture and age. And the oily black cleans up easier IMHO than the dry grey.

[ggibson511960]

You are a lucky duck to score some 2400. It has been the unicorn powder in these parts, even as others have returned to more or less normal availability. I recall the three or four powder vendors as the Wanenmacher Show in Tulsa that would sell out of 2400 almost immediately. Glad it's slowly coming back even though I have moved away from fast stepping .357 and .44 loads where it was always my favorite.

[DWalt]

H4227 or IMR4227 is in pretty much the same class as 2400. Great for heavy handgun loads in .38 or larger, also for small rifle case and light loads in many larger CF rifle cartridges. One of the most versatile powders for reloaders who favor using lead bullets in rifles.

Several years ago I came into about 300 170 grain .30 lead gas checked bullets for a very low price. They were ideal for loading .300 Savage ahead of 24 grains of 4227, essentially identical to .30-30 MV. 2400 would have done about the same job.

[BC38]

So just out of curiousity, can anybody tell me the approximate age of this cask of Hercules 2400 - and maybe this can of Hercules Bullseye too while you're at it?
Sorry the pictures aren't better

[boatbum101]

I use 2400 in many calibers including 38-44 , 357 , 41 & 44mags , 22 Hornet & like Unique for reduced cast bullet loads in many rifle calibers . Yes like most Hercules / Alliant powders it's cleanest at the upper range of its pressure range .

[BC38]

Originally Posted by ggibson511960

You are a lucky duck to score some 2400. It has been the unicorn powder in these parts, even as others have returned to more or less normal availability. I recall the three or four powder vendors as the Wanenmacher Show in Tulsa that would sell out of 2400 almost immediately. Glad it's slowly coming back even though I have moved away from fast stepping .357 and .44 loads where it was always my favorite.

Lucky to find it for such a good price, yes.
Coming back? I'm not sure - I bought this cask from a guy who's father passed away a couple of years ago, and the son doesn't reload. I'm guessing it is at least 10 years old.

[Qc Pistolero]

Originally Posted by rockquarry

I seldom use a magnum primer with #2400 and a regular primer works fine, but several years ago I was working with around six different primers for a .357 load using a 160 grain cast bullet. I got slightly better accuracy with a magnum primer; not enough better that I would buy small pistol magnum primers. But if you have a variety of primers, try them.

I tried a .38 Special load using Sierra's 140 jacketed bullet and their data that called for #2400 powder. Surprisingly, it turned out to be a very accurate load. As long as safety is your main concern, there are very few absolutes in handloading. That's why it pays to experiment.

My experience is a duplicate of yours.2400 is very versatile.Even though I favor H110/W296 for full tilt mag handgun loads,I always keep at least 1# of 2400 for a change(it is a little snappier than H110 but less BOOMER).
It is also a very good powder to experiment with cast bullets in all .30 cal rifles and my favorite,the 45-70.

[4barrel]

Originally Posted by BC38

So just out of curiousity, can anybody tell me the approximate age of this cask of Hercules 2400 - and maybe this can of Hercules Bullseye too while you're at it?
Sorry the pictures aren't better

Early 70s on the 2400 & 80s on the BE. If It smells good it will work. I still have a 15 pound keg of Bullseye with about 3 pounds left that I use that I think it shoots better than the newer stuff. This is not my container but I have one cleaner.

[silentflyer]

Elmer Kieth would be happy....

[Dieseltech56]

I was a diehard H110/W296 fan (and still am) until I was given a pound of Hercules 2400 circa 1983. Shot that pound up and loved every second of it. This was about 2 years ago when 2400 was really hard to find... not that it still isn't. I had to drive about 50 miles away just to find a place that had 3 pounds. Ever since then I pick up a pound or 2 every time I see it... usually at gun shows. Last weekend I stopped in a place I'd never been before any they had an 8lber that came home with me. I won't need any for a while.

[rockquarry]

I no longer load any magnum handgun cartridges but did for many years. I could see little or no difference in accuracy between #2400 and 296 in the .357 Magnum or the .44 Magnum. I used only cast bullets. However, I found the blast and flame from 296 loads most unpleasant.

[Joe4d]

whats barrel length on your magnums ? if its less than 8 the 2400 will produce same velocity as the H110 with less powder and less recoil

[BC38]

Originally Posted by Joe4d

whats barrel length on your magnums ? if its less than 8 the 2400 will produce same velocity as the H110 with less powder and less recoil

I can't speak for anyone else (obviously ) but 6-1/2" is the longest handgun barrel I own.
I have a couple of pistol-caliber carbines though

[TomkinsSP]

Originally Posted by BC38

So just out of curiousity, can anybody tell me the approximate age of this cask of Hercules 2400 - and maybe this can of Hercules Bullseye too while you're at it?
Sorry the pictures aren't better

Photo very grainy. I will PM address you can ship to for free analysis.

[Rpg]

Originally Posted by 4barrel

Early 70s on the 2400 & 80s on the BE. If It smells good it will work.D

The keg of 2400 is more likely from the 50’s or there abouts. The Bullseye is from the ‘60’s.

[4barrel]

Originally Posted by Rpg

The keg of 2400 is more likely from the 50’s or there abouts. The Bullseye is from the ‘60’s.

I bought the bullseye in the 80s -90s from City Pawn Shop and still have the containers. Maybe they sold me old powder. Hercules sold to Alliant about 1995.

[Capt. F.]

Originally Posted by BC38

So just out of curiousity, can anybody tell me the approximate age of this cask of Hercules 2400 - and maybe this can of Hercules Bullseye too while you're at it?
Sorry the pictures aren't better

I have the same 8 lb keg of 2400. I ordered it from a friend who had a gun shop in Vermont. It would have been around 1975.
Still have about 2 lbs left in it and it shoots as good as ever.

[Eddietruett]

Originally Posted by ArchAngelCD

Data or not I would not use 2400 as a standard pressure.38 Special powder. Actually not even for .38 Special+P loads.

I agree as well. I’ve been trying a bunch of different loads in top of +P range for .38 to shoot steel plates out to 100 yds. Even in 6-8 3/8” barrels 2400 did not do that great. Inconsistent accuracy and very dirty even with mag primers. Universal so far has shown the best accuracy and cleanest burning. HS-6 is not far behind but Universal gives me the best and most consistent accuracy with coated bullets from 130-158gr.

[Bakebfr480]

I've shot 1000's of 38 specials loaded with 13.5 grains of 2400 with Elmer's bullet in my model 19-4! Ruger Blackhawks too!

[Rule3]

Originally Posted by 4barrel

Lee has the better reload info for 2400 in 38s.

LEE has no "data" They never tested anything. It is all copied from some place else.

For 38 Special even +P there are much better powders than 2400. It is a very slow powder.

2400 was/is the "original" 357 Mag powder. It doen't need a mag primer,

[4barrel]

[quote=Rule3;139903224]LEE has no "data" They never tested anything. It is all copied from some place else.

For 38 Special even +P there are much better powders than 2400. It is a very slow powder.

. Lee has the most data for 38 special loads and a special section for +P. My friend and I test loads every week with different twist rates. Lee is one of the few with data for a .357 and 38 special 200 grain and also plated bullets. Plated lead and jacketed take a fine tune to shoot 1 1/2 inch or better at 25 yards with 10 shoots . We do it every week without a scope. The OP was asking about 2400 in a 38 special case. Not why he shouldn't try it.

[BC38]

Originally Posted by TomkinsSP

Photo very grainy. I will PM address you can ship to for free analysis.

Hazmat shipping charges may apply

[Rule3]

[quote=4barrel;139903252]

Originally Posted by Rule3

LEE has no "data" They never tested anything. It is all copied from some place else.

For 38 Special even +P there are much better powders than 2400. It is a very slow powder.

. Lee has the most data for 38 special loads and a special section for +P. My friend and I test loads every week with different twist rates. Lee is one of the few with data for a .357 and 38 special 200 grain and also plated bullets. Plated lead and jacketed take a fine tune to shoot 1 1/2 inch or better at 25 yards with 10 shoots . We do it every week without a scope. The OP was asking about 2400 in a 38 special case. Not why he shouldn't try it.

So, in the LEE manual what bullet and what page is the +P data for 2400 on?
I can't seem to find any?


All it is is a list compiled from OTHER sources ie COPIED. I have the same manual. It has the same data that was developed many many years ago.

So yes, it has a lot of numbers That's why people like it, it has easy access to lots of load data from someplace else.

Yes the OP can use 2400, he can use any powder he wants to. Just because there is data doesn't make it the "best choice"

I can give him data from nuclear handbook Speer #8, is that the best choice?
What gun is he shooting it out of?? What bullet?

Here is another boatload of "data" free!

There is some 2400 data there

Reloading The .38 Special Page

[BC38]

I think we can all agree that regardless of whether Lee generated the data themselves, or compiled it from other sources, it is still valid data, and having a lot of it consolidated in one place is quite handy. Right?

So what exactly is the point of the disagreement? Being disagreeable?

I must be missing something...

Thanks for the data link Rule3 - I found it quite interesting.

[DWalt]

The Lee reloading manuals simply present data from other sources, it is not generated by Lee. They save a lot of money and legal problems that way.

[cowboy4evr]

My favorite load in 38spl using 2400 powder I got from Ken Waters Book , " Pet Loads " . I won't give it out here as it is over current max , but below others favorite load . If you do some research on google I'm sure you will find it . It shoots very accurately and consistently using std small pistol primers using a 158 gr cast bullet . 2400 is a great , versatile powder that really brought the 357 magnum into existence . Supposedly it's called 2400 because in the 22 hornet it was the first powder to push the caliber past 2400 fps . Regards , Paul

[ddixie884]

45th edition of Lyman Reloading Handbook copyright 1970 lists 2400 in .38spl max loads Rem 1 1/2 primers, Rem cases. M14 S&W 6in bbl;

146gr half jkt........................11gr at 987fps
158gr jacketed......................11gr at 960fps
160gr half jkt........................10.8 at 985fps
150gr cast............................11.5 at 1015fps
158gr cast............................11gr at 1010fps
168gr cast..........................10.5gr at 1005fps
195gr cast...........................9.5gr at 893 fps

I use the 158gr load, daily in my M15-2 and Rossi .357 Trapper carbine.

[Skeet 028]

I don't have any of the large cans of Hercules powders but have about 30 lbs of sealed cans of all the Hercules powders from that era. About 8 lbs are 2400. That is going to be my go to magnum handgun powder. It works really well and not too many worries about over charges or undercharges of 296/H110. I don't need that last few feet per second those powders give. And I don't have more than 5 dollars in any one of those cans of powder..some were free. I did buy an 8lb can of Bullseye at a gun show last year for 25 bucks.. Sold it to a friend for his offer...50 bucks

[cowboy4evr]

Thank You ddixie884 for that info . That's the load that I was referring to , 11.0 grs with a 158 gr cast bullet . That makes a great 38spl +P load . I wouldn't use that in the aluminum , airweight snubbies though . Regards, Paul

[4barrel]

[quote=Rule3;139903448]

Originally Posted by 4barrel

So, in the LEE manual what bullet and what page is the +P data for 2400 on?
I can't seem to find any?


All it is is a list compiled from OTHER sources ie COPIED. I have the same manual. It has the same data that was developed many many years ago.

So yes, it has a lot of numbers That's why people like it, it has easy access to lots of load data from someplace else.

Yes the OP can use 2400, he can use any powder he wants to. Just because there is data doesn't make it the "best choice"

I can give him data from nuclear handbook Speer #8, is that the best choice?
What gun is he shooting it out of?? What bullet?

Here is another boatload of "data" free!

There is some 2400 data there

Reloading The .38 Special Page

LEE- 38 special +p page 573 - 200 grain with 2400 -6.6 start-7.1 max. We have found 4227 to be a better powder for the 200 grain bullet mold I have by a small amount. The 200 likes a faster twist than 18 3/4 in a standard Smith. I don't like it in 38 either but that was what the op was asking.