Which is better for .44 mag? 2400 or H110

[Littledragon777]

I like W296. I shoot 23.5 grains under a 240gr.XTP out of my Ruger Super Redhawk with 9 1/2 barrel for whitetails here in Missouri. I do not use a magnum primer just WLP primers and have never had a problem even in cold weather. Excellent accuracy and the big bucks don't go far when I put it in the boiler room.

 

[BigBill]

I started off using the 296 powder and switched to the 2400 powder because i use less powder in my magnum loads. One pound of powder goes farther. I use 2400 for my jacketed magnum loads and unique powder for my leadcast loads.

The winchester WLP primers can be used in the magnum and standard loads. I do believe there a tad hotter over standard primers. I don't use these primers when an empty case/light powder charge is used. I just use caution. Bill

 

[Fishslayer]

2400 is available to me locally and there is tons of data available.

Availability was a big factor when I started out. I'm comfortable loading with it now & see no reason to change.

 

[Handgunner454]

H110 or 2400

I have been loading pistol for over 50 years.
My fav is Lil Gun, also use H110.
2400 is dirty and leaves a lot of powder unburned in the cylinders and barrel.

 

[Simmer down]

H-110 for max loads in my Henry or Ruger. 2400 in the 29.

 

[fredj338]

I don't think there is a "better", just depends on what you are trying to achieve. H110/W296 will give you higher vel, but only about 50ffps over 2400. I used to shoot nothing but full house loads from my magnums but over the years, dialing back a bit is less wear & tear on the guns. So 2400 is my go to now. It downloads better & can use a std primer.

 

[STCM(SW)]

H110/W296 burn too hot I think.
I use 2400 or Blue Dot for my magnum loads when I want hot stuff.
Then, again, at my age Unique and BE get used more for what I shoot now....

 

[ironhead7544]

Your gun will tell you what it likes.

Between 2400 and WW296/H110 there is little difference. In individual handguns I have had both give better velocity, but only slightly.

One load that I have found to give the best accuracy in any rifle/handgun is the listed Winchester load of 296 with 240 gr jacketed bullets. Most handguns will group about 2 inches at 50 yards, from a good rest. If this load does not shoot well, then there is probably something wrong with the gun.

2400 was designed for the pistol sized rifle cartridges like the 44-40 and 38-40. It will burn clean in rifle length barrels. There is a bit of unburned powder left in the handgun with both 2400 and 296. The only real problem I have had with that is some particles can get under the S&W extractor. No problem with other makes. The first cylinderfull is not a problem but keep this in mind if you might have to make a quick reload. IMR4227 can also give this problem. If this troubles you in your S&W, try AA#9. I find this one burns clean at top loads.

With 2400, I have never been able to download it successfully. Either too low velocity or not good accuracy. For slower loads I use Unique.

So, I would say try 2400, 296/H110, IMR4227 and AA#9. For full loads, one of them should work. There are some others out there too.

If you want to shoot a lot of heavy loads, then IMR4227 seems to put less wear on the gun. Burns cooler and leaves less leading in the barrel.

JMHO. Been loading the 44 Magnum since 1972.

 

[rwsmith]

H110 gets the top velocities.....

But often 2400 is close to H110 in some bullet weights/calibers. Unless I intend to shoot something big, tough and dangerous, 2400 does the job.

 

[derek45auto]

W-296/H-110

and a firm crimp

 

[Ben_hutcherson]

I've never used H110, although have used plenty of 296 which(as has been beaten to death here and elsewhere) the exact same powder with a different label on the bottle.

In any case, I rarely shoot full power 44 Magnums. I don't hunt, so my only real use for any high powered gun is to get more of a "reaction" out of a reactive target. My only 44 is a 629 Mountain Gun, which is not the most pleasant to shoot with full powered loads, either.

So, for my purposes, 2400 is a better powder in 44 Magnum. Unique is an even better powder for me in 44 Mag.

I have loaded 296 in 44 mag, but most of them I end up handing to someone else and saying "try this."