I'll start with this, I've only been reloading for a year so take that in mind when reading my question below.

...with that said...

I've been goofing around with Hornady XTP projectiles in 180, 200, 240, and 300 grain sizes. I've been wanting to see what my 7.5" Super Redhawk likes the most.

Across the board, when taking both H110 and 2400 to near max levels I've found the following:

-H110 has a louder crack, 2400 more of a "boom"
-The recoil from H110 is more of a muzzle flip, the 2400 is more of a whump on your hand, like hitting a tree with a baseball bat.
-2400 makes a very visible daytime muzzle blast. H110 may as well and I know is known for doing that, but I can't see it in harddaylight for some reason.
-As it is stated everywhere, H110 produces higher max velocity than 2400.
-H110 is one dirty powder, 2400 shoots much cleaner leaving the brass much less filthy.
-2400, across the board, produces more accurate groups. I thought this may be a velocity issue, so I reduced the H110 charges to produce similar speeds as 2400 and still, the 2400 is more accurate.

Again, these may be totally typical findings...but I felt like discussing something other than the corona virus today...so I posed this up.

...but I think that in general faster powders will deliver more accuracy than the slower ones. Trying to get power and accuracy with JHPs is a good goal. You may want to slide down the burn rate scale and compare it to 2400 as long as you can get the velocity suitable for the JHP.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

I can't disagree with that, and that's always been my understanding.

But...

Here's a case in point; My S.Redhawk seems to really like the 180g XTPs, so I've really focused on them.

Here's my load data, I'm not suggesting anyone do this. Don't listen to me.

With those 180g XTPs, 31.5g of H110 produced 1819fps, 25.5g of 2400 produced 1675fps. The 2400 load has proven to be far more accurate.

Strange data, I know.

Please keep in mind that the search for "ultimate accuracy" is often considered without regard to the actual practical purpose for the gun/cartridge. Just shooting paper, I can get great accuracy from a .357 loaded with HP38, and such a load is sufficient for my use as a .357 mid-range defense carry load.
However, for hunting deer with my 8" 686, I use H110 with a 158gr SP to develop the desired power. I really don't like extended tracking of crippled deer, although I learned the necessary skills bowhunting.
I had one loading beginner who developed "a super accurate load" that barely had the power to stick up in a bodark fence post. Good for paper and maybe sitting small game.

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Science plus Art

I agree with this as well...and that's all I'm doing, paper punching, not hunting.

Like you had mentioned, I load some super accurate 148g DEWC 38 special over 3.1g of Tight Group that puff out the barrel in the 800 fps range. Not very good for anything living, but boy, can it make some nice groups on paper.

2 out of my 3 44s prefer H110(DW and Ruger SBK).My Smith won't like any of these 2 preferring medium rate burners(800X,Power Pistol).
2400 will give average to good accuracy in all 3 but won't come out on top.I guess this goes to show that each gun is a different entity.

I try to mix up my use of 2400 and H110 in my revolvers. Not going to lie I like H110 a bit more but because it’s a fine granulated powder the chance for barrel face erosion is greater.

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-Matt

My SRH load with a 240 silhouette or XTP is 25.5 H110. Most accurate load for either the SRH or the SBH. Except the SBH hurts more than My 475 Linebaugh. I prefer 20 gr 2400 with cast 255gr SWC in all My other 44's and the SBH.

I have not really noticed any real difference in hunting accuracy between the two powders in any of my .44's, though each gun has a favorite powder / bullet combo. I tend to use 296 simply because it was a powder I started with many years ago, and it has always worked well for me. 2400 is a more flexible powder, but with the .44 mag., for my use, its usually either full steam loads, or mid-range loads using powders like Red Dot Unique, and 231.

Larry

They both work
2400 doesn't requie a Mag primer if that means anything. 2400 has more leeway in loading charge


Accurate powders also is in the game with AA 9 and 4100

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Still Running Against the Wind

For magnum loads I had best groups using 2400 in my 44 Revolvers, Smiths and DW.
I played with a Desert Eagle for a few years and found it did better with H110. Never understood why but it was a fact with me at the controls.
All XTP's

I don't load any magnum cartridges nowadays, but have used both H110/296 and #2400 in the .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum. As I recall, accuracy was about the same with both powders loaded to similar velocities.

Magnum cartridges with full power loads produce significant recoil regardless of the powder used; no difference that I could tell. I got away from H110/296 because of the terrific fireball and blast it produced. The only time I've seen a fireball on a bright day was using a 6" revolver and H110/296. Some people like the blast and noise but many don't.

Having tried and used both of the above mentioned powders in my 44's I decided to get out of my comfort zone , so to speak and try a couple of new powders to me . I first bought Ramshot Enforcer which =Accurate 4100 . I really liked it . Delivered plenty of power , shot clean , had good accuracy . Next I tried Accurate #9 and am happy to say I really liked it as well . Supposedly #9 is slightly faster burn than 2400 and Enforcer is between 2400 and H110/W296 . I am so pleased with the Ramshot / Accurate powders mentioned above that I really don't see a need for H110/W296 on my shelf . As far as 2400 , I will always keep some around , along with some Unique and Bullseye powder . I guess old habits die hard , sometimes . Regards, Paul

I won't try to comment on accuracy of H110 vs 2400 but I use both. Best results with H110 require "maximum" loads to burn clean and effectively. Also, H110 needs magnum primers to burn fully. If you're not really interested in top-end loads, don't use H110/296(same powder).

It's true 2400 doesn't "require" magnum primers but it also performs best with full loads. If you are after medium loads use a "medium" powder.

Dirtyness is a function of the powder being fully burned or not.

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Bob.
SWCA 1821

I have had both produce exc accuracy with diff bullet types & weights. Any real diff will be in the individual gun imo.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

I liked 2400 in 44 Magnum since it worked well at “entry” level magnum levels, specifically 18.5 grs with 240-250 cast SWCs. You also do not require magnum primers.

H110 was always too flashy for me but for higher end magnum loads, H110 is slightly superior.

Back when I was loading for a couple of .44 Magnums I started out with 2400 -- and after trying several others along the way, 2400 was where I ended up. Mine were just slightly peppy mid-range loads, and 2400 did them better than anything else I tried.

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Pisgah

I have loaded both 2400 and 296 for many years. What I have noticed is 296 and 110 will give top velocities in a 44 mag generally with 7 1/2" or 10" barrels. This is not necessarily true on shorter barrels. A2400 gives very good accuracy also but, gives up top end speed. I do a lot of accuracy testing at 100 yds benched of course and can get 3" groups when I do my part. Some times even 296 or 110 can benefit from a standard primer. [again, usually in the longer barrels.] For the most part I am talking 1/2" difference at 100 yds. One other thing I have noticed that if I want top end with very good accuracy in a 357 mag, A 2400 is the winner.

Accuracy - 2400
Even Elmer Keith wrote 2400 was best in his 1936 book "Sixgun Cartridges & Loads" when speaking of heavy loads in the 44 Special.

So your findings are on track with others. But every revolver is different and you proved which one your gun liked best ...
Keep on ,
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

Words of reloading wisdom.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

I gave up using 110/296 after I found out it can congeal in loads that are stored for a couple of decades.
This lead to my only unexpected squib and stuck bullet in the 44 magnum.
Luckily I diagnosed it right away and did not fire the next round (7.5" Redhawk).
Took apart the rest of that box of handloads and had to pry the now solid powder mass out with a crochet hook.
This also lead me back to 2400 which is much more forgiving for load development and gives as good or even better accuracy.
My current load for the Redhawk is now 18-19g 2400 + 260 WFNGC depending on the brand of brass (was 24g 296 + 240 Jacketed ).

I am willing to give up that extra 50-100 fps for accuracy and peace of mind.
Same reason I use 4227 in the 44 supermag instead of anything else.

Attached Images

CastPerformance-260WFNGC-18gr2400-Redhawk7.5-IronSights-1024-compressed.jpg (65.9 KB, 78 views)

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NEMO
"Everything 44"

Never heard of H-110/W-296 congealing. At what temperature was your ammo stored?

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

Only load the magnum for a Ruger Carbine so I have no real amount of experience loading .44 Magnum for handguns but have shot both powders in them . I agree with most of what you say with the exception that in the carbine H110 seems a tad more accurate and not so dirty . The load I use runs a bit over 1800 fps with a 240 JSP .

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Grumpy Old Man With a Gun

Indoors in heated/cooled apartment/house or in unfinished basements of same.
Was a surprise to me as well.
The load in question may have been slightly compressed.
From memory it was 26g 296 + 220 FPJ-Sil.
This is the bullet after I pushed it back out of the barrel throat.
You can see how it expanded at the back end from coming to a violent halt and also the gas cutting on the rear edges.
I still get the jeebies thinking about what might have happened had I touched off the next round.
Luckily it sounded and felt totally odd and I opened the cylinder to see the bullet stuck in the back of the barrel.

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	StuckBulletSierra220FPJ.jpg (149.5 KB, 69 views)
	ExperienceJohnRoss.jpg (47.5 KB, 88 views)

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NEMO
"Everything 44"

Here is a 100 yard 180 grain 5 shot group with 296 using a Freedom Arms 44 my buddy shot this weekend with one in right field. I have the same SRH you have and have a 2 1/2x7 Burris I haven't mounted yet. I am going to use 2400 when the range dries up a little. My barrel slugs .430 and I have some .430 XTPs when I get it sighted.

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IMG_1238 (2)Ben 44 Freedom Arms 5 shot 100 yards.jpg (78.8 KB, 51 views)

Nice shootin'!

My Redhawk is an early one and not a SRH.
I got it sometime in 1984 and it was my first handgun.
Back then I was happy to hit a paint can at 100 yards with it.
Nowadays I can barely see a paint can at 100 yards and keep revolver shooting mostly inside 25.

Since then I have gone from big and heavy (like a Dan Wesson 7445) to small and light 44's (like the 396).

If you can get ahold of a copy of "Ruger and His Guns", the description of engineering the Redhawk is fascinating.
How they lowered the extractor plunger from being exactly coaxial allowing the frame to be thicker where the barrel screws in
and incorporated a crane lock with all that is just a couple examples of the genius design that took place.

That's a piece of a pencil eraser I glued to the back of the trigger as a soft stop.
I've glued rubber on to the backs of S&W revolver triggers too.

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	MountainRevolver500GripsL800.jpg (272.9 KB, 60 views)

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NEMO
"Everything 44"

The best part about 2400 is that you can load it down to a reasonable pressure without risking the ignition problems of H110. Dont get me wrong, H110 is a great powder if you are loading bazooka level ammo but you cannot safely load it under the manuals starting loads and you MUST use magnum primer. I have loaded 2400 down to 16.6 grs with a 250 gr cast bullet and it shoots scary accurate with not all the blast of H110. That load does 1000fps out of my 4" 629 and 1225 from my 9 1/2" SRH.

Attached Images

Redhawk Groups 002.jpg (29.0 KB, 56 views)

I recently bought a new 629 revolver. In the past I owned and shot 44 mags. They were Rugers, a SBH, a 5-1/2" RH and a 7-1/2" RH. Been out of 44 for about 15 years. When I was shooting the 44s I never found a light load that was as accurate as full loads of 2400 and 296/H110. Now, I want a light practice load, 240 cast at about 850 would suit me. I had some sucess with Blue Dot but it took near max. loads to be accurate also. The new 629 seems to be very accurate with Win. Factory 240 grain loads but they ain't light loads at all. A lot of good info here, gonna try Unique and PP.

You might try 5.0- 6.0 grs of 700X , Red Dot etc . Elmer Keiths " Gallery " load was 5.0grs of Bullseye powder . I don't know the velocity , probably around 800 fps etc . Regards Paul

My best "gallery" load was 4.5 gr PB and Grex filler.
Not gonna recommend a filler these days unless it's Kynoch foam wads.
TP does work but leaves a gawdawful mess on the floor of an indoor range.
For a "medium" load:
Try 8 grains of unique or 7-7.5gr Universal with a Keith bullet sized .001" over your chamber throat dimension.
This is nigh impossible with many older 44's both Ruger and S&W as they had very large throats up to .433".
This is one reason the loads get more accurate as you bump them up in power which bump them up in size at the throats.
It's also why very hard cast bullet aren't necessarily the best for target loads.
I believe jacketed bullets obturate as well near the top end of power.
Notice how adding 1/2 grain more powder magically shrank these groups from side of the barn to near perfection.
You will always have to play around with some loading ladders to find the right combo for your gun.

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	Packin_A_Wad800.jpg (264.3 KB, 29 views)

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NEMO
"Everything 44"

I began reading various gun publications in 1962. At that time, Ken Waters wrote regularly for GUN DIGEST and perhaps some other publications. He began doing his "Pet Load" series for HANDLOADER magazine beginning with the first edition in 1966 and continued this series for several decades. Ken Waters was the very best of modern handloading writers. No tall tales, no war stories, or anything to take up space as a replacement for good hard work, load development, and facts, lots of facts.

True, "Pet Loads" has some dated information, but that information remains useful as reference material. The rest of the actual load data is still usable today as many of the same components are still available. "Pet Loads" should be part of every serious handloader's library, not only because of the load data, but for the extraordinary wealth of information on cartridges, rifles, handguns, various technical aspects, etc.

Many today seem to have an aversion to buying load manuals and other such paper publications because they believe it's all available online. Some of it is, but much of it is not. That's not necessarily a criticism; it all depends on a handloader's level of interest.

Would you care to share the exact load details?
Case, primer, bullet, crimp, OAL, and weight of powder?
Chronograph used? Distance from muzzle to chrono?
Thanks!
Your data is great but not everyone has Ken's superb book to refer to.

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NEMO
"Everything 44"

Waters liked Ly 429421 , CCI 350 , 13.5grs 2400 , 4.5grs BE , Horn 240 SWC swaged , Rem 2 1/2 for target . 2400 & upper Blue Dot loads with JHP also mentioned . These are 44 Special not Mag loads .

Haven't worked with 44 Mag is quite a while, but I found this test I did back when testing some Rem 240gr JHP. It was interesting to discover that the four major players, H-110, 296, 2400 and AA#9, virtually shot the same velocity, and the groups were pretty much the same, save AA #9 which shot the best group that particular day.
The fastest load was with LilGun followed by Alliant 300-MP.

Velocity data taken with an Oehler 33. Screens centered 15' from muzzle.

It must be remembered that accuracy is more or less gun dependent.. What is accurate in one gun may or may not be accurate in another..
Anyway, thought you might find this interesting..

Looks like that firearm really likes AA#9. You are correct, each firearm is a rule unto itself. You can take what appears to be two identical firearms and get two completely different results with any given load.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

Shot these from a rest at 50yds 2 yrs ago with a 7 1/2" Ruger Super Redhawk and 2x - 6x Bushnell at 6x.



Six at 50 yds with 21.0gr A2400



FWIW,

Paul

After 50 years of rollin' my own.....My go to powders are Unique and 2400.

I buy both by the 16 pound cases. From 22 Jet to the 45 Long Colt.

Those two suits me to a Tee.


.

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

I agree with your philosophy sir.
Why fix what works, eh?

FWIW, I was leafing thru the Lyman 50th book while working on updating the 444 Marlin Master Reloading Table (to be re-published soon).
I noticed that for the 44 Magnum in Contender and Encore, 7 of the 8 loads listed as accuracy loads (one for each bullet) showed 2400 as the winner.
Only the 180 JHC listed H110 as the accuracy powder.
I thought that was a remarkable coincidence as their accuracy loads are usually all over the place as far as powder is concerned.

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NEMO
"Everything 44"