I have been reloading my 357 rounds using HP 38 and Titegroup but recently switched to Winchester 296 after reading how well it worked for 357 Magnum. I loaded Winchester once fired brass with 158 gr. Extreme copper plated flat nose bullets , CCI 550 Magnum Small Pistol Primers and 15.7 gr. of 296 powder (Max load listed as 16 gr. on Hornady reloading app.) with a C.O.L. of 1.58 and what I believe is a medium crimp I am including a photo for others to give their opinion? When I went to the range I was surprised by the muzzle flash and was a little concerned since I have not experienced it before with reloads or factory ammo. I inspected the gun and found nothing to appear to be damaged. The 16 rounds I fired all were accurate at 15 yards so no problem there. Just looking for some reassurance that this is relatively normal or advice otherwise. Firearm is a S&W 627 Pro Series 4" barrel
Muzzle flash concern
- Thread starter D.Pierson214
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.38SuperMan
Member
I’m sure some of the technical minded folks can give a better answer but I’ve had similar problems with some calibers. A good example was with my 38 supers. My old load that I used in USPSA used WW231 now Hogdons HS6. Shooting in bright daylight through a 1911 w/compensated 5” barrel and making major power factor I never noticed any flash. When I went to shoot some left over rounds through my I’m compensated 5” Kimber the flash was tremendous. I’m a big fan of HS6 but the flash created a problem.
I even reduced loads to pretty mild loads now that I don’t compete but the flash was still serious. I did some research and decided to try CFE pistol. I’ve come up with some very good loads now with virtually no flash.
I’m speculating that the HS6 was too slow burning and There wasn’t a complete burn by the time the bullet exited the muzzle. Powders have different burn rates and energies and it’s a trial and error citation to find the right combination for you.
I’ve been eying some BE-86 which has a flash suppressant. I’m curious how it works.
My most commonly used powders are CFE pistol, Bullseye, HP38/231 and Unique.
I even reduced loads to pretty mild loads now that I don’t compete but the flash was still serious. I did some research and decided to try CFE pistol. I’ve come up with some very good loads now with virtually no flash.
I’m speculating that the HS6 was too slow burning and There wasn’t a complete burn by the time the bullet exited the muzzle. Powders have different burn rates and energies and it’s a trial and error citation to find the right combination for you.
I’ve been eying some BE-86 which has a flash suppressant. I’m curious how it works.
My most commonly used powders are CFE pistol, Bullseye, HP38/231 and Unique.
rockquarry
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I no longer load any magnum cartridges, but found the flash to be horrendous with full charge loads of 296 / H110 in the .357 and .44 Magnum cartridges. The only time I've seen a fireball on a sunny day was with this powder.
Before ever trying 296/ H110, I used #2400 in magnum handgun cartridges for years. As I recall, you give up a little velocity with #2400 in comparison with 296 / H110, but I found accuracy with both powders to be virtually the same. #2400 certainly has less in the way of blast and fireball effect than 296 / H110.
Before ever trying 296/ H110, I used #2400 in magnum handgun cartridges for years. As I recall, you give up a little velocity with #2400 in comparison with 296 / H110, but I found accuracy with both powders to be virtually the same. #2400 certainly has less in the way of blast and fireball effect than 296 / H110.
Normal.
You went from using (some of) the fastest burning pistol powders to one of the slowest, and you're are using ~2.5x more of it.
Normal.
.
You went from using (some of) the fastest burning pistol powders to one of the slowest, and you're are using ~2.5x more of it.
Normal.
.
Last edited:
muddocktor
Member
Like others have said, entirely normal with 296/H110. You will also notice some pretty good flash with full charge loads of 2400 too out of a 627 Pro (I have one also). If you want less flash with a magnum class powder, look at Accurate #9, as it has some flash suppressant in it. It won't give the top end speed of 296, but it's pretty much comparable to 2400 in my experience with quite a bit less flash.
I have a Coonan Classic and with that autoloader you really notice the flash even more than with a revolver. Here is a H110 load being shot out of it that my brother managed to capture on his iPhone.
I have a Coonan Classic and with that autoloader you really notice the flash even more than with a revolver. Here is a H110 load being shot out of it that my brother managed to capture on his iPhone.
Funflyer
Member
fredj338
Member
Have you ever shot full power factory 357 in your revos? The previous piwders you are using produce solid midrange loads & because they are quite fast, less blast & flash.
You have made some incorrect reloading assumptions though. Plated bullets are NOT jacketed, so bullets arent plug & play. A plared bullet is a lead bullet with thin plating. They actually load between a lead bullet & jacketed. If you arent getting stcky cases, you are probably fine.
elpac3
Member
Flash with the slow burning powders in shorter barrels is quite common - due to unburned powder getting some fresh air to burn in.
gwpercle
Member
It's normal ...the slower the burning rate and shorter the barrel the bigger the fireball .
Get close , if you miss you can set them on fire... only joking !
Shooting these loads at near dark can be quite impressive !
Gary
Get close , if you miss you can set them on fire... only joking !
Shooting these loads at near dark can be quite impressive !
Gary
boatbum101
Member
Following powders will have greatly reduced flash : Acc 4100 / RS Enforcer , WAP / RS Silhouette , VVN -340 , N-350 , N-105 & N-110 .
OP
Thank You to all who responded! This was very helpful and I am more comfortable now knowing that this is a relatively normal occurrence with 296 and I am not at risk of damaging my firearm. Thanks again to you all.
Dave
Dave
Qc Pistolero
Member
Coming in late but to add my 2 cents,since I use 296 and H 100 by the 8#s,in my 3 original magnums,I add my voice to those who said that it is normal.And I like it that way.
So enjoy your shooting...and the fireworks too.
So enjoy your shooting...and the fireworks too.
