How much can 2400 be loaded down?

[Rule3]

As opposed to say H110 (w-296) which they do not want you decreasing the load by more than 3%. Which I believe is the minimum published load as their data shows a 10% reduction from max to min loads.

Would not the same inconsistencies occur with 2400??

 

[Milton]

I shoot 2400 in my 32 H&R Rugers,my .357's and my .44 mags.I get the best results if the bullet seating and weight will allow with a full case.2400 is not as finicky as say 296 but I would be careful loading it down too far as you will get at best a bore full of un-burned powder ,at worst a squib.

 

[canoe on the yukon]

Every powder has a sweet spot in the sense that too little powder is inefficient and does not perform well.

2400 and H110/W296 are not the same however there is an exaggeration about the downloading effects of H110.Look at the data in Sierra and Hornady manuals.The starting loads are WAY less than 3%.Speer says not to reduce more than 10% while Hodgdon says 3%.I can show you 44 magnum data for the Sierra 240 gr JHC and 25.8gr of H110.What if I told you not to reduce below that?The truth is that H110 and W296 should not be reduced MUCH.It is not efficient when downloaded much and it will result in squibb loads because of the low pressure if excessive downloading is done.

About 2400,there are those who download this more than I would.It needs a certain level of pressure to be efficient.

 

[canoe on the yukon]

An added thought......If you really want less velocity than the starting load for whatever powder you're using,you're far better off to simply use a faster powder.

There are those who go lower but I personally won't go below 18 gr of 2400 behind the cast 250 SWC in the 44 magnum.

In a jacketed 240 gr bullet in the same caliber,I won't go below 22 grains of W296/H110.

 

[Rule3]

The reason I ask is that I am messing around with this Lee Auto Disc Powder drop on the turret press.

I am loading some 158gr LSWC with 2400.
The load data is 13.9 to 15.3 (from the Lee tables)

started with disc 1.02 which estimates a charge of 14 grs but really only drops 13.2.

went to the next disc size 1.09 which estimates 14.7 grs but drops 14.1grs

I was going to use the 13.2 which prompted my question but have decided to "kick it up a notch" to the 14.1 and still be below maximum.

 

[canoe on the yukon]

14.1 gr of 2400 behind that bullet should do very well in the 357 mag.

 

[truckmsl]

I use 11 grains of 2400 behind a 158 plain base cast SWC primarily for my Marlin .357 lever gun, but this load works nicely in my ruger GP100 with 6 inch barrel. Great target load.

 

[durco]

Some years ago Hank Jr. gave me a box of .44 specials he "home-brewed".
Case: Rem
Primer: Rem
Powder: 15-1/2 gr. 2400
Bullet: Lyman 424244 (Gas check)
Sized: .431 for S&W Model 24
His Remarks: Hot hunting/defense load.
My Remarks: Sun Nova Beach! (and that ain't a place in Florida.) I used them in a 629. However, no extraction problem and no severely flattened primers....
Hope this helps.
Mike

 

[Rule3]

Well I went to the range and shot 50 rounds of the 14.1 grs 2400 with a 158gr Lswc. They were stout enough out of a 686 and MP R8. Not too much, but a true magnum. I see no need to go any higher. Perhaps maybe a tad lower and they would be a bit more pleasant. Still do not see how some folks shoot these out of alloy snubbies. My R8 is alloy but at least it is full size.

 

[tops]

16grs. of 2400 will average 1087fps out of a 7 1/2in. barrel. Larry

 

[Old 44 Guy]

Durco; That load you listed is the same I've used for years. I have a pre war Colt S.A. .44 Spec. 7 1/2 " Bbl. Use a Keith 429421 lead SWC. 15.5 Gr. 2400 is accurate & stout enough for me. Old Elmers loads were for him not me.

 

[jj2am44]

It depends what you are using it for. 2400 is used mostly for hunting loads at max velocities. You are wasting your $$ if you are shooting paper.

 

[bmcgilvray]

Hi OCD1;

Your 14.1 grain load of 2400 sounds like a reasonable full power load. I've used a slightly heavier charge weight of 2400 than that with the same weight and style of bullet in a Model 27 but doubt it'd be more effective than your chosen load.

I don't know of any safety issues encountered with loading down 2400 but imagine that the results would be mostly "yuck." I tried some Lyman published 2400 loads for the .38 Special and .44 Special. At near maximum charge weights they effectively achieved the velocities published in the manual but left a crumbly powder residue.

 

[Hook686]

I use a Lee MVD of 1.04 to get 13.6 grains of 2400 for 158 grain JSP bullets.

My Lyman Manual shows a spread of 11.4 to 15.5 grains of 2400 for 158 grain (Linotype) bullets. The minimum is a good 25% tested downloading from the maximum tested load. I would caution against going lower than the minimum. However, ...

I've never had a problem going maybe 10% lower than the minimum load with 2400. I have approached the minimum much as I approach the maximum ... slowly and carefully looking at the residue remaining. Do I recommend this ? No, but I merely point out I have done so.

 

[Rule3]

It depends what you are using it for. 2400 is used mostly for hunting loads at max velocities. You are wasting your $$ if you are shooting paper.

True, but I have to liven things up once and a while.

Paper is very boring at times so the big bang in 357 or 44mag gets the adrenalin pumping a bit.

 

[jmcghee]

OCD!,If you order the lee double disc kit for your measure ,you can drop exactly what you want.

 

[Rule3]

OCD!,If you order the lee double disc kit for your measure ,you can drop exactly what you want.

Actually, I have it and the adjustable thingy. I ordered them all at the same time. I have not had a chance to experiment with it. I did try the adjustable one but I was trying for a real small amount of HP38 for .380 auto and it would not calibrate that low. Thanks for reminding me though, I forgot I had it out the garage I think there is a micro disc also, I do not have that one.