Flashy .357 load

[nitesite]

Out of a 4" 686, I tried a load of 14.0 2400 with a 158 Hornady XTP HP. It's below-max in Hornady's 7th ed. manual. No issues at all, except a distracting bright white muzzle flash (indoor range, low-light). Can anyone suggest a powder that will yield performance similar to this 2400 loading (estimated 1150-1200 fps) with less flash?

I won't recommend any powder other than 2400 with 158-gr .357-Magnum loads. It's just the perfect powder for that cartridge and a 4" service revolver.

But just for shiz and giggles, I'll give you some photos I took a couple years ago and posted on another forum. IIRC, I think I posted many of my pics on this forum as well but it has long been forgotten. I photographed the muzzle flash(es) using a S&W 4" 686 and a Canon 30D DSLR.

Unique MAX load will give you less velocity and less flash than 2400

2400 is a "bright" flash for only a millisecond. I took these pics outdoors and my eyes were already adjusted for night when I touched off this round. I don't even remember blinking, let alone being dazed by some flash. It just didn't happen. No "spots on the retinas" and no lingering issues. I never have found this load to be "distracting" at all even in pitch dark.

This link will let you see about a dozen other "popular handgun load" photos taken by me at night using simple time exposure. I enjoyed doing this photography for my handgun brothers and sisters. Jeez, these threads have been dormant for quite a while.

Nighttime muzzle flash pics - GlockPost

I own the copyright on my photos but you are free to share these as long as you link back to the original thread on GlockPost.com

Nighttime muzzle flash pics - GlockPost

 

[nitesite]

Here are the threads I started on this forum a couple years ago. Many, MANY thanks for the encouragement!

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...-night-photos-muzzle-flash-my-357-magnum.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...ore-muzzle-flash-photos-night-38-snubbie.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...-night-muzzle-flash-pics-courtesy-hoptob.html

 

[Skip Sackett]

Here is a picture that I took a picture of from one of the gun magazines I subscribe to. Didn't scan it for some reason, hence the "shiny" spot on the middle of it.

This is muzzle flash and it is even trained! haha

As many have said, Paul5388 being one, ArchAngel being another, SR4756, AA#9 are two powders that will get you there just fine. Personally, with a 4" barrel and a magnum caliber, there is only so much you can do. Use a heavy bullet, full charge and a good crimp. All of those things will allow the powder to burn more efficiently causing a reduction in muzzle flash. There is a MILSURP powder, WC820 that loads like AA#9 or H110, depending on your lot, that has much less flame associated with it.

Hope this helps!

 

[shil]

You might try closing both eyes when you pull the trigger. That's what I do.

So that's why I can't seem to shoot worth a darn!

 

[Bruce51]

FWIW I loaded 158JHP Remington bullets with 10.5-11-11.2-11.4-11.6 grains of AA#7 and fired these loads in a 4" 686. There was no noticable flash as compared to H110 or Bluedot. The load feels good and primers appear normal unlike heavy loads of H110 or Bluedot.
I do not know the actual velocity of these loads.
If you are looking for less flash the AA powders may be the way to go.
YMMV.
Bruce