44 magnum H110 vs 2400 accuracy?

typetwelve · Mar 13, 2020

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.

rwsmith · Mar 13, 2020

It's not an infallible rule.....

...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.

typetwelve · Mar 13, 2020

rwsmith said:
...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.

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.

OKFC05 · Mar 13, 2020

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.

typetwelve · Mar 13, 2020

OKFC05 said:
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.

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.

Qc Pistolero · Mar 13, 2020

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.

Dieseltech56 · Mar 13, 2020

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.

dave1918a2 · Mar 13, 2020

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.

Fishinfool · Mar 13, 2020

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

Rule3 · Mar 13, 2020

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

Rocket3 · Mar 13, 2020

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

rockquarry · Mar 13, 2020

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.

cowboy4evr · Mar 13, 2020

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

S&WIowegan · Mar 13, 2020

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.

fredj338 · Mar 13, 2020

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

38SPL HV · Mar 13, 2020

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.

Pisgah · Mar 13, 2020

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.

dhom · Mar 14, 2020

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.

gwpercle · Mar 14, 2020

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

stansdds · Mar 14, 2020

S&WIowegan said:
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.

Words of reloading wisdom.

44 magnum H110 vs 2400 accuracy?

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