Rather than hijacking the existing H-110/296 thread I thought I'd start a new one. . .

Does anyone on this board hand load .357 or .44 mag using WC 297 surplus powder? I just bought an 8lb jug from Pat's Reloading and haven't had a chance to try it, yet (and won't for another few weeks). I plan on using it with 250 gr hard cast in the .44 and with 170 gr SWC hard cast in the .357 mag (Ruger Security Six). I had planned to pick up a jug of WC 820, but that supply has pretty much dried up and I was unable to purchase it from the two suppliers I know of.

Just wondering what others thought.

I also bought a jug of WC 860 for use in my 7mm mag. If it's anywhere close to the old H-870, I know I'll be happy!

I have what is left of an 8lb bottle of WC820 lot #47321. It is supposed to load out right at H110 data up to a 240gr bullet in the 44Mag.

There are several rifles afield this year and last with a load of 20.3gr under a 240gr JSP/JSPHP for 1700fps. So far there have been 10-12 deer taken with this load. One friend shot one at 135 paces and it went right on through! 2 hops and the deer stopped moving!

I thought about getting some of the W297 but haven't gotten to the bottom of my WC820 yet!

Clean burning, no flash. I am going to work on a load for my 45Colt too. Even been thinking of getting a carbine in that caliber too!

Have fun and let us know how that powder works!

From everything I've read about WC 297 it's just slightly slower than 296 and is the powder commercial loaders use when loading Magnum handgun ammo. If you use the starting charge from H110/W296 load data and work your way up you will be fine.

Thanks for the replies. I think I'm going to wait until I pick up a chronograph before I start, but I expect it will go well.