What to use when you can't find 2400?

imakmst

imakmst

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I load 2400 for .357 magnum and am now o-u-t. It's my fault for not being aware of inventory in my shop, but now I need to load for the .357 magnum, target loads, 158gr LSWC. Any suggestions for a replacement powder? My "shootin' all the time" load was 13.5gr 2400. I don't have a chronograph, and I only shoot 158gr LSWC, and I want that nice .357 magnum thump. Thanks in advance.
 
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Powder charges will be slightly greater with 296/H110 but you can get the same accuracy and velocity as you did with #2400. However, 296/H110 has a terrible blast/ muzzle flash and I prefer not to use it in any handgun cartridge.

I've also had pretty good results years ago with Accurate #9 using their data. I've seen promising results with IMR4227 but haven't used enough of it to draw firm conclusions. H4227 shoud be about the same. I too prefer #2400. Powder Valley had it in stock recently, I believe, but it may have been available only in the 8 lb. keg.
 
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I used to use 2400 for .30 Carbine. About 15 years ago I switched to W296 and H110 with CCI # 41 primers for the .30 Carbine. I had a large quantity of 2400 since I had also been using it for .44 Mag. I used up the rest of the 2400 for .44 Mag and .351 Self Loader.

After the 2400 was gone I switched to IMR 4227 for both calibers. The .44 is loaded with my own cast 240gr SWC with data from Lyman Cast Bullet book. The .351 SLR data comes from the old spiral bound Lyman Cast Bullet book from the 50s. A 180 gr plated lead bullet takes the place of the cast bullet in the manual.

While the charge weights differ I don’t notice any difference in performance for either caliber. If you can find a can of IMR4227 I think it would be worth a try.
 
The two propellants closest to 2400 will be H110 and 4227. There is also a powder called Shooter's World "Heavy Pistol" which is similar to AA#9. Either of those two should also be fully satisfactory choices for your use.

Not many these days are familiar with any of those, but they are very versatile for a variety of Magnum handgun loads and also low case capacity full power rifle loads such as .351 WSL and .401 WSL. Also dandy for lighter lead bullet loads in almost any CF rife caliber cases clear up to .45-70. My favorite powder for .300 Savage lead bullet loads up to 2000 ft/sec is 4227.
 
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I also like to shoot .357 magnum, 158 lswc with 2400. Your load of 13.5 grains is a nice upper mid range load. I have found that around 12 to 12.2 grains of AA#9 will give you similar results. H110, 296 and 4227 are good if you are wanting a warmer load. Finally 6.5 gr Unique will give you a nice mid range load that will be a little lighter than your 2400 load, but it is still fun to shoot.
 
The powder close to 2400 is Ramshot Enforcer / Accurate 4100 . Same powder just in different bottles and labels . I have used a fair amount and found I liked it . I load 13.5 grs with a 158 gr cast bullet in a 357 magnum case for a real nice , friendly load . It meters well and shoots clean and accurately . It is also much cheaper than iMR 4227 and powder valley has it in stock at a real nice price . IMR 4227 is priced at $46.99 / lb and Enforcer is $34.99 / lb . For what you are looking for I would choose Ramshot Enforcer and yes I have and use both powders mentioned . Regards Paul
 
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Hodgdon Longshot. 7.8 grs with a mag primer chronographs 1200 FPS with a 158 gr cast SWC out of my 4" 27-2. Close to your 13.5 grs of 2400 if you use a std primer. Primers make a big difference in velocity with 2400. You can go up to 8.5 grs Longshot for close to 1300 FPS. Less smoke and muzzle blast compared to 2400. H110/296 powders do very poorly with reduced loads.
 
357 magnum Accurate No 9 powder - 158 Lswc.

Beware of OLD Accurate No. 9 data. HOT. Best to use Hodgdon current data. Start 11.2 - Maximum- 12.4 grs. With 158 gr lswc.
*Powder is position sensitive. *

I am going back to 2400
 
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W296/H110, Enforcer, AA#9, Power Pro 300-MP, #11FS are the most popular full powder magnum powders but I may have missed some.
 
I'll add Vihtavouri N110 to the list.
It seems to be available in places and is a well known magnum revolver powder.
A little slower than 2400 and a little faster than 296/H110.
As with most VV powders it ignites easily and burns cleanly.
You could also go with any of their somewhat faster handgun powders N340, N350, 3N38.
N110 doesn't have a recipe for the 158 LSWC/HP but you could follow the other 158 gr. loads for jacketed bullets and cut back a tad.
Reloading data tool for rifle, handgun and cowboy action shooting - Vihtavuori
 
Good to know.
I have never used that powder but have had my eye on it along with it's close brothers.
I was going to recommend N105 but it's been discontinued.
Now that powder is coming back and primers are even poking their little heads out,
it's time to prepare for the next shortage!
I have always liked the VV powders but they were more expensive than the USA offerings.
Now that's changed what with inflation and price gouging going on.
As I get occasional windfalls I am going to get big jugs of VV powders that can replace
the Aussie powders Hodgdon doesn't seem to be able to acquire these days like Universal, H4198, or H322.

I tend to enjoy the low and high ends of the 44 world.
44 special for general fun and self defense practice and the big 444 for hunting and blasting stuff in the quarry.
My best 44 mag load is a CastPerf. 260WFNCG over 19gr. 2400. I don't like 296/H110.
But I haven't shot 44 magnum for a few years and have given one of my 629's to a best friend.

I agree IMR4227 is a little slow for magnum revolver cartridges but it is fantastically
accurate and can't really be overloaded in revolver brass.
It's the only powder I use in the supermag up to 45kpsi.
Hodgdon quit selling H4227/AR2205 several years ago.
 
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Be careful with H110/W296. With this powder, it is unwise to and reloading manuals state that you should not reduce the maximum safe charge by more than 5%. Dropping this slow burning, spherical powder to less than 95% of maximum charge can result in inconsistent ignition of the powder. H110/W296 also has a well deserved reputation for impressive fireballs and forcing cone erosion. I reserve this powder for absolute maximum velocity magnum loads.
 
The usual stand in is H110 .
But 4227 can do a decent job and can (could at one time) be found as
IMR 4227 , H4227 and Accurate Arms AA 4227 ...but this line up may have changed wit Hodgdon buying IMR and/or Accurate Arms ...hard to keep up .
There is also Power Pistol and AA #9 ... make a list of the powders that can work , then start beating the bushes and see what you can get your hands on ... that's what I've been doing the last 10 years of this never ending powder shortage !
Good Luck ,Load Safe
Gary
 
imakmst said:
I load 2400 for .357 magnum and am now o-u-t. It's my fault for not being aware of inventory in my shop, but now I need to load for the .357 magnum, target loads, 158gr LSWC. Any suggestions for a replacement powder? My "shootin' all the time" load was 13.5gr 2400. I don't have a chronograph, and I only shoot 158gr LSWC, and I want that nice .357 magnum thump. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

16.2 grains of Lil Gun (no, it does not destroy guns) duplicates the 13.5 grain 2400 load in my guns. I've used them interchangeably since the early 2000s.
 
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