357&44loads using 296

[D.GAD]

I am looking for loads for 357 and 44 mag hand gun using Win296. I have been loading for a long time but am having trouble finding loads for hard cast 158 gr swc lead only, same for 240gr swc in 44 hard cast only. Will I get excessive leading if I load hot loads and what velocities will cause leading. Im loading 14.5 gr of 296 now but would like a bit hotter is this an issue. I tried tightgroup in the 44 and hated it - I think its way too fast. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[David Sinko]

I am currently using 17.0 grs. of 296 with a 158 gr. hard cast commercial SWC. It gives exactly 1200 FPS out of my 627 with 4" barrel. Accuracy is outstanding and for me it's an easy load to control when shooting fast DA. There's a lot of blast and significant flash, which leads me to believe all the powder isn't being burned in that 4" barrel. I have a large quantity of this stuff loaded, the reasoning being I can sell it if necessary to somebody who has a long barrel revolver or carbine. But it's still a decent load even in the 4" barrel. I get a little leading near the muzzle and I was worried about unburned powder clogging up the chambers, but I am able to do fast moonclip reloads that just drop right in the cylinder with no problems.

All said and done, I prefer 14.2 grs. of 2400 which gives the same velocity with less fuss.

I have never used 296 in the .44 Magnum. I prefer 2400 in all magnum revolver cartridges unless heavy for caliber bullets are used.

Dave Sinko

[mtgianni]

If you stick to published loads bullet fit and lube quality will be the determining factor for leading.

[alwslate]

I have used W296 with cast bullets in both 357 and 44 mag loads and
I think it works better in the 44. My experence is very similar to that of
Dave Sinko with the 357 and prefer 2400 for loads in 4" revolvers. In the 44 mag I think 296 performs better in my guns. With a hard cast
Keith style 250 gr SWC, mag primer and 24.0-24.2 grs of 296 I get a
little over 1400 fps out of my 7 1/2" Ruger Super Blackhawk. A heavy
roll crimp and tight grip of the case on the bullet base are essential.

[Aticus]

Originally Posted by D.GAD

I am looking for loads for 357 and 44 mag hand gun using Win296. I have been loading for a long time but am having trouble finding loads for hard cast 158 gr swc lead only, same for 240gr swc in 44 hard cast only. Will I get excessive leading if I load hot loads and what velocities will cause leading. Im loading 14.5 gr of 296 now but would like a bit hotter is this an issue. I tried tightgroup in the 44 and hated it - I think its way too fast. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Get a copy of Lyman's 49th Loading manual and check there. Lots of cast bullet loads for both calibers. Also try the 3rd edition of the Pistol and Revolver Handbook.

Pecos

[4barrel]

12 to 14 gr. 2400 with a hard bullet & flat base & no gas check for .357.---17.5 2400 for 44 mag .240 gr. with no gas check--My pet target loads for over 25 years & this will not hurt your gun if you shoot a good k frame & up. I would stick with standard Winchester primers in the 44. My 2 1/2 x 7 Burris tells me this is good for 100 yards. My 2 1/2" 19-5 likes the .357 loads but it sees more 155 gr. lyman or 148 dewc with 3.5 Bullseye or Titegroup- or 4.7 of 231 than anything. Happy lead slinging to all.--JACK

[4barrel]

Originally Posted by D.GAD

I am looking for loads for 357 and 44 mag hand gun using Win296. I have been loading for a long time but am having trouble finding loads for hard cast 158 gr swc lead only, same for 240gr swc in 44 hard cast only. Will I get excessive leading if I load hot loads and what velocities will cause leading. Im loading 14.5 gr of 296 now but would like a bit hotter is this an issue. I tried tightgroup in the 44 and hated it - I think its way too fast. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

296 is not considered a lead load. Winchester lists this as a mag load only. JACK

[4barrel]

Originally Posted by David Sinko

I am currently using 17.0 grs. of 296 with a 158 gr. hard cast commercial SWC. It gives exactly 1200 FPS out of my 627 with 4" barrel. Accuracy is outstanding and for me it's an easy load to control when shooting fast DA. There's a lot of blast and significant flash, which leads me to believe all the powder isn't being burned in that 4" barrel. I have a large quantity of this stuff loaded, the reasoning being I can sell it if necessary to somebody who has a long barrel revolver or carbine. But it's still a decent load even in the 4" barrel. I get a little leading near the muzzle and I was worried about unburned powder clogging up the chambers, but I am able to do fast moonclip reloads that just drop right in the cylinder with no problems.

All said and done, I prefer 14.2 grs. of 2400 which gives the same velocity with less fuss.

I have never used 296 in the .44 Magnum. I prefer 2400 in all magnum revolver cartridges unless heavy for caliber bullets are used.

Dave Sinko

The flash you see is unburned powder--show looks good at nite though.

[Snapping Twig]

Been shooting cast in 357 and 44 with W296/H110 and standard primers since 83.

It works and it works well - no unburned powder, no squibs.

Accurate too.

In the 44 I use a home cast 265g GCSWC (Lyman 429244) over 22g W296 and a WLP.

In the 357 I use either of Lyman's 358156 or 358429 over 15.5 to 16.5g W295 and a WSP.

[mtgianni]

Originally Posted by 4barrel

296 is not considered a lead load. Winchester lists this as a mag load only. JACK

Many of us shoot lead "magnum" loads.