Hello,

I am interested in hunting whitetail with my .357 Magnum revolver. It looks like the most ethical option/bullet is a heavy hard cast lead. So I found and purchased a box of 180gr WFNGC lead bullets (WideFlatNoseGasCheck).

I have been trying to find load data for 180 gr lead GC using W296/H110 powder but have not had any luck. My books either don't have any data for 180gr lead or the powders listed are something I don't have. Searching on the internet has gotten me nothing on this combo either.

I would really like to stick with one of the powders on have on hand, but would buy something else if necessary. Other powders I have are: IMR700X, IMR800X, Clays and W231. Looks like the W296 is the best option I have for a magnum load.

I have had someone tell me using a Horn XTP 180gr would work just as well but I am skeptical. I did buy the XTPs anyways and have already found data and made test loads.

Any information on the 180gr Lead with one of my powders would be much appreciated.

quote:

I have had someone tell me using a Horn XTP 180gr would work just as well but I am skeptical. I did buy the XTPs anyways and have already found data and made test loads

Using jacket bullet data for cast bullets is ok using cast bullet data for jacketed bullets is not. I would not be afraid of using the xtp data with the WFN bullet

I would think faster powder that bullets eats a lot of case capacity.

I had my best luck with 2400 but I wouldn't hesitate to try H110/296 either.

IIRC I think I got 1250 fps out of a 6" GP100 with pretty good sub 2" accuracy at 50 yards.

Simply some QL data using a 180 jacketed 100% fill and max pressure as upper limits.

Cartridge          : .357 Magnum (SAAMI)
Bullet             : .358, 180, Hornady SP SSPistol 3505
Useable Case Capaci: 8.297 grain H2O = 0.539 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 1.590 inch = 40.39 mm
Barrel Length      : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm

Predicted Data for Indicated Charges of the Following Powders.
Matching Maximum Pressure: 35000 psi, or 241 MPa
or a maximum loading ratio or filling of 100 %
These calculations refer to your specified settings in QuickLOAD 'Cartridge Dimensions' window.
C A U T I O N : any load listed can result in a powder charge that falls below minimum suggested
loads or exceeds maximum suggested loads as presented in current handloading manuals. Understand
that all of the listed powders can be unsuitable for the given combination of cartridge, bullet
and gun. Actual load order can vary, depending upon lot-to-lot powder and component variations.
USE ONLY FOR COMPARISON !

25 loads produced a Loading Ratio below user-defined minimum of 80%. These powders have been skipped.
Powder type          Filling/Loading Ratio  Charge    Charge   Vel. Prop.Burnt P max  P muzz  B_Time
                                      %     Grains    Gramm   fps     %       psi     psi    ms
---------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------
Rottweil P806                      100.0      7.6     0.50    1340   100.0    33061     721   1.859  ! Near Maximum !
Lovex D037.1                        87.2      7.2     0.47    1323    95.9    35000     764   1.870  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Accurate No.7                       87.8      7.2     0.47    1323    95.9    35000     764   1.870  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Alliant POWER PISTOL                91.7      5.6     0.36    1315    99.9    35000     703   1.871  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
ReloadSwiss RS 24                   94.1      6.5     0.42    1303    97.5    35000     719   1.887  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Lovex D037.2                        95.1      7.8     0.51    1301    90.2    35000     771   1.896  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Accurate No.9                       96.1      7.8     0.51    1301    90.2    35000     771   1.896  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Norma R123                         100.0      7.6     0.50    1297    97.9    21520     872   2.016
Somchem S221                        80.5      6.4     0.42    1285    99.2    35000     674   1.916  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Vihtavuori 3N37                     92.8      5.5     0.35    1230   100.0    35000     528   1.957  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Vihtavuori 3N38                    100.0      6.2     0.40    1218    96.3    29408     646   2.029
Vihtavuori N350                     96.0      5.3     0.35    1218   100.0    35000     511   1.968  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Alliant 2400                       100.0      7.3     0.47    1217    83.4    26601     741   2.068
Ramshot Enforcer                   100.0      7.8     0.51    1216    83.9    25126     759   2.079
ADI AP 90                          100.0      5.3     0.34    1213   100.0    31090     519   1.994  ! Near Maximum !
ReloadSwiss RS 20                  100.0      5.1     0.33    1211   100.0    34362     478   1.971  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Alliant UNIQUE                      93.0      4.6     0.30    1196   100.0    35000     473   2.003  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Alliant BLUE DOT                   100.0      6.2     0.40    1189    91.1    25932     684   2.112
Alliant HERCO                      100.0      4.8     0.31    1188   100.0    31563     498   2.042  ! Near Maximum !
Alliant BULLSEYE                    80.9      4.1     0.27    1186   100.0    35000     472   2.007  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Vihtavuori N105                    100.0      6.0     0.39    1184    97.5    22836     657   2.127
Somchem MP200                       85.3      4.8     0.31    1183   100.0    35000     461   2.018  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
ReloadSwiss RS 12                   92.5      4.7     0.31    1171   100.0    35000     427   2.039  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
PB Clermont PCL 506                 80.6      4.4     0.28    1171   100.0    35000     445   2.038  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Nitrochemie P2636 Ws                91.5      4.7     0.30    1169   100.0    35000     428   2.023  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
ADI AP 100                         100.0      5.3     0.34    1167    99.2    28106     563   2.100
Rottweil P803                       84.4      4.7     0.30    1157   100.0    35000     418   2.055  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Somchem MS200                       90.8      4.5     0.29    1157   100.0    35000     429   2.054  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Vihtavuori N340                     89.9      4.6     0.30    1151   100.0    35000     422   2.054  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Accurate 4100                      100.0      7.9     0.51    1149    76.7    23898     682   2.184
Rottweil J706                      100.0      4.6     0.30    1142   100.0    28465     451   2.138
Accurate No.2                       83.9      4.3     0.28    1141   100.0    35000     427   2.071  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
PB Clermont PCL 512                100.0      7.3     0.47    1139    80.5    21018     696   2.234
Fiocchi F-Rex yellow                82.9      4.4     0.29    1136   100.0    35000     404   2.076  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Lovex S020                          82.9      4.4     0.29    1136   100.0    35000     404   2.076  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Hodgdon Universal                   85.3      4.2     0.27    1130   100.0    35000     403   2.096  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Lovex S040                         100.0      6.8     0.44    1125    79.9    23358     644   2.222
Vihtavuori N330                     85.4      4.3     0.28    1121   100.0    35000     385   2.095  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
PB Clermont PCL 515                 87.8      4.4     0.28    1117   100.0    35000     384   2.103  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Accurate Solo 1250                  90.8      4.2     0.27    1101   100.0    35000     368   2.125  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
PB Clermont PCL 509                 84.5      4.2     0.27    1100   100.0    35000     373   2.131  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Hodgdon Lil'Gun                    100.0      7.9     0.52    1087    73.0    17892     734   2.378
Winchester 296                     100.0      8.2     0.53    1084    63.5    18172     701   2.372
Hodgdon H110                       100.0      8.2     0.53    1082    68.2    18111     689   2.376
Accurate Nitro 100                  86.2      3.4     0.22    1073   100.0    35000     361   2.181  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Lovex D013                          86.2      3.4     0.22    1073   100.0    35000     361   2.181  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Alliant GREEN DOT                   88.0      3.8     0.24    1073   100.0    35000     353   2.186  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
NitroKemia REX 1/Red/28            100.0      4.1     0.26    1073   100.0    31551     360   2.188  ! Near Maximum !
NitroKemia REX 2/Yellow/32         100.0      4.0     0.26    1070   100.0    30167     353   2.205  ! Near Maximum !
NitroKemia REX 3/Green/36          100.0      4.2     0.27    1068   100.0    28070     361   2.225
Rottweil R910                      100.0      7.1     0.46    1068    74.8    19082     652   2.375
ADI AS 50N                          83.5      3.7     0.24    1067   100.0    35000     345   2.194  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Vihtavuori N320                     82.8      3.7     0.24    1059   100.0    35000     331   2.198  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Accurate Solo 1000                  85.6      3.6     0.24    1049   100.0    35000     332   2.220  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Lovex S015                          85.6      3.6     0.24    1049   100.0    35000     332   2.220  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Alliant RED DOT                     88.8      3.4     0.22    1042   100.0    35000     331   2.238  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Accurate 5744                      100.0      7.3     0.47    1041    60.1    21291     585   2.407
Lovex D063                         100.0      8.0     0.52    1035    58.4    21885     553   2.388
ADI AS 30                           86.5      3.4     0.22    1020   100.0    35000     311   2.278  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Lovex D060                         100.0      7.1     0.46    1017    59.0    20054     565   2.468
ADI AR 2205                        100.0      7.3     0.47    1009    68.0    19293     552   2.484
ReloadSwiss RS 30                  100.0      6.7     0.44    1008    69.1    17076     563   2.507
Rottweil P805                       91.3      3.5     0.22    1000   100.0    35000     297   2.320  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Norma R1                            89.2      3.4     0.22    1000   100.0    35000     297   2.321  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!     

I ran the above data with what QL listed as the 180 Hornady. I reran the data using the shorter Nosler Silhouette and the numbers changed drastically. Moving H110 to the top. Goses to show bullet length DOES matter.

  Cartridge          : .357 Magnum (SAAMI)
Bullet             : .357, 180, Nosler SILH 42058
Useable Case Capaci: 14.380 grain H2O = 0.934 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 1.590 inch = 40.39 mm
Barrel Length      : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm

Predicted Data for Indicated Charges of the Following Powders.
Matching Maximum Pressure: 35000 psi, or 241 MPa
or a maximum loading ratio or filling of 100 %
These calculations refer to your specified settings in QuickLOAD 'Cartridge Dimensions' window.
C A U T I O N : any load listed can result in a powder charge that falls below minimum suggested
loads or exceeds maximum suggested loads as presented in current handloading manuals. Understand
that all of the listed powders can be unsuitable for the given combination of cartridge, bullet
and gun. Actual load order can vary, depending upon lot-to-lot powder and component variations.
USE ONLY FOR COMPARISON !

59 loads produced a Loading Ratio below user-defined minimum of 80%. These powders have been skipped.
Powder type          Filling/Loading Ratio  Charge    Charge   Vel. Prop.Burnt P max  P muzz  B_Time
                                      %     Grains    Gramm   fps     %       psi     psi    ms
---------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------
Norma R123                          93.9     12.4     0.81    1715   100.0    35000    1331   1.554  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Winchester 296                     100.0     14.2     0.92    1654    87.1    30731    1631   1.633  ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon Lil'Gun                    100.0     13.8     0.89    1653    96.1    28989    1599   1.642
Ramshot Enforcer                    93.5     12.7     0.82    1651    97.5    35000    1412   1.594  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
PB Clermont PCL 512                 99.6     12.6     0.82    1645    97.3    35000    1404   1.599  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Alliant 2400                        92.9     11.7     0.76    1634    96.5    35000    1385   1.608  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Hodgdon H110                       100.0     14.2     0.92    1626    90.4    30999    1543   1.652  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 4100                       96.0     13.1     0.85    1616    93.9    35000    1377   1.618  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Accurate No.9                       81.8     11.5     0.75    1597    98.0    35000    1281   1.628  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Lovex D037.2                        81.0     11.5     0.75    1597    98.0    35000    1281   1.628  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Lovex S040                          98.6     11.6     0.75    1593    96.1    35000    1308   1.628  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Rottweil R910                      100.0     12.2     0.79    1592    96.9    29307    1429   1.677
Alliant BLUE DOT                    95.3     10.3     0.67    1588    99.7    35000    1219   1.633  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Vihtavuori N105                     97.2     10.1     0.65    1586   100.0    35000    1057   1.617  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Rottweil P806                       84.1     11.1     0.72    1566   100.0    35000    1087   1.655  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Vihtavuori 3N38                     90.4      9.8     0.63    1541   100.0    35000    1041   1.659  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Lovex D063                         100.0     13.8     0.90    1538    79.4    33344    1334   1.686  ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 5744                      100.0     12.7     0.82    1533    79.7    31860    1364   1.710  ! Near Maximum !
Nitrochemie A/S 0200               100.0     13.3     0.86    1499    82.9    25988    1345   1.794
Lovex D060                         100.0     12.4     0.80    1499    78.6    29778    1323   1.756  ! Near Maximum !
ADI AP 100                          93.6      8.6     0.56    1483   100.0    35000     912   1.694  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
ReloadSwiss RS 30                  100.0     11.7     0.76    1479    89.5    25590    1270   1.808
ADI AR 2205                        100.0     12.6     0.82    1474    87.5    29424    1235   1.777
ADI AP 90                           88.1      8.1     0.52    1456   100.0    35000     833   1.711  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Vihtavuori N110                    100.0     11.2     0.73    1455    92.0    22205    1278   1.875
Vihtavuori N350                     81.4      7.9     0.51    1428   100.0    35000     800   1.738  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Alliant HERCO                       88.1      7.3     0.47    1424   100.0    35000     803   1.752  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Somchem S265                       100.0     12.2     0.79    1413    84.0    25043    1174   1.896
ReloadSwiss RS 20                   84.1      7.5     0.48    1410   100.0    35000     754   1.754  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Rottweil J706                       91.0      7.2     0.47    1389   100.0    35000     753   1.803  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
IMR 4227                           100.0     12.1     0.79    1364    75.5    22663    1140   1.951
Accurate 1680                      100.0     13.8     0.90    1358    66.6    23229    1148   1.954
Lovex S053                         100.0     11.9     0.77    1352    80.1    19454    1176   2.014
Hodgdon H4227                      100.0     12.1     0.79    1348    75.0    21266    1149   1.988
NitroKemia REX 3/Green/36           93.7      6.8     0.44    1321   100.0    35000     626   1.843  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
NitroKemia REX 2/Yellow/32          91.3      6.4     0.41    1302   100.0    35000     604   1.861  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Vihtavuori N125                    100.0     12.3     0.80    1302    74.4    17784    1144   2.100
NitroKemia REX 1/Red/28             90.3      6.4     0.41    1293   100.0    35000     612   1.866  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
ADI AR 2207                        100.0     12.4     0.80    1235    67.3    15625    1096   2.228
Bofors RP1 NT ~approximation       100.0     12.9     0.83    1232    59.6    19030     944   2.146
Alliant Reloder-7                  100.0     12.8     0.83    1232    64.5    15797    1056   2.223   

p dog

I did not know that, I work with someone whom has reloaded for years and will see what he thinks on this as well. There has to be a starting point somewhere for this combo.

ramrod

What I think I am getting from your data is that only about 60 percent of the W296 will burn, that is not very good.

What would your powder suggestion be for the .357 Magnum? Have you loaded heavy bullets in a .357 Magnum?

quote:

What I think I am getting from your data is that only about 60 percent of the W296 will burn, that is not very good

Several issues one is the 60% burn the max pressure is only 18172psi. That is a 100% full case no compression. Not to mention if you are looking for a hunting load giving up 20% of the velocity potential might not be good.

I burn a lot of Accurate No 7 and No9.

Just looking on www.accuratepowder.com the appear to have load data for your 180gr bullet.

Doing some more research that 180 Hornady must be LONG. Looking at the Nosler 180 Silhouette and both the Nosler manual and QL says you can get 13+ grs and 1300fps. I added Nosler data to the above post.

The Hodgdon site lists 13-13.5 and over 1300 for a 180Part.

Give me your OAL and bullet length and I'll run QL for you

W296 data - Maybe start with Winchester data for a 200 gr lead? 200 gr - 12.4 gr maximum-1335 fps- 35,000 CUP. http://castpics.net/dpl/ From Winchester 14 th addition.

STOP! Experamented with H110 in the .357 mag and suceeded in stiking two lead bullets in the barrel one behind the other. Big bang ,a lot of flash that eminated from between the cylinder and barrel, but no bullet out the barrel.They worked just great in my .357 rifle.

It seems that as the bullet leaves the cylinder the pressure and temperature go down before there is complete ignition of the powder. The rifle allows a loger burning time at high enough pressure. roger

Bartsche makes a good point. Use Magnum Primers.. When 296/110 is reduced from a maximum charge, it may produce a squib. Old Winchester data said to use as is, no changes. Newer Hodgdon data said ok to reduce the maximum powder charge by 3%. In the 357 mag, with 110 gr bullet it is more of a problem. But for heavy for caliber bullets like a 180 gr, it helps get a good working pressure. A good crimp helps. Hope this helps.

ramrod

everything I read about squibs with H110/W296 was from loading below the published data. That being said I have found no published data for these/this powder and 180gr lead bullets.

If I am to understand correctly you get a better seal with jacketed bullets than lead. That is why gas checks were invented and my Cast Performance 180gr bullets have them installed. I don't know if this is close to a jacketed bullet performance or not, I read its better than just lead. I have not loaded any gas checked projectiles thus far, I have however loaded a couple thousand lead bullets. Some special 100gr double wad cutters from Penn for my wife's .38spl, 1500 230gr RN for my 1911, a few hundred made specifically for my Dad's antique .38-40, and a few hundred 158gr bullets for both the .38spl and the .357mag that started all this.

This by no means makes me any sort of an expert, nor would I ever claim to be. I am a newbie at this, thus I am looking for advise.

What I see in my Lee Modern Reloading second edition (from the .357mag pistol data) is published data for 180gr jacketed using H110/W296 at 13.0 t0 13.5 grain charge giving between 1352 and 1396 FPS with 39100PSI (COL 1.575). So what I am not understanding is how we could only have 60% of the powder burnt and only that of about 8 grains from the QL software. Something isn't right here.

The two bullets I have will seat to the same depth to their cannulers at 1.575. The XTP measures to .752 and the CP Lead is .722 in length. This gives plenty of space in the case for what looks like about 15 grains of W296 (I have no intent of making hot loads, just stating what could fit), as measured with a Lee 1,0 cc dipper and my micrometer. The data max is 13.5, that is 10% less. This wasn't a scientific measurement but it shows, along with the published data for the 180gr XTP that something isn't right with the data on your post. 13.5 grains of W296 will fit the case and the longer XTP, so the slightly shorter CP lead bullet should fit as well.

Then there is the pressure in the Lee book W296 is PSI and H110 is CUP, I have not clue what the difference is only that PSI is the newer/better measurement. How is this published in this book in the .357 handgun section with the listed pressures and you got what you got with QL. I see the gun says 24" barrel, this is a revolver with and 8" barrel.

What I see from bartsche is that there is some loss (pressure/temp) from the gap from cylinder to barrel. Are these losses experienced when using the proper primer (magnum) and a good crimp? Does your data account for that? I would assume it does from what I read when googling QL. What other information would be needed to get better data?

243winxb

Yes I have read this about the pressure/temp loss causing squibs and I think you may have read on this as well from what you have posted.

What I read when using W296/H110 in the .357 mag revolver
1. use magnum primers - no brainer this is a magnum that is what I use
2. don't load lighter loads than what is published, I read you want to keep the case as full as possible at least 90% of the available space. - I have a good target load already worked out for this revolver so that is easy, I want a full power hunting load
3. A good crimp is required to get pressure properly built up before the bullet leaves the case, this is supposed to help burn the powder better as the bullet travels down the barrel - also easy, I always use the Lee factory crimp die on all my loads
4. pay attention for squibs

Usually I would load two cylinders worth of a load I am testing for a revolver. With the greater possibility of a squib with this powder I will only make up one cylinder each of the charge weights I end up with (the Lee dippers won't be used for this, that was just for measuring as the QL data seemed wrong) I will be using the Lee perfect powder measure. It meters W232 and H332 very accurately. I suspect it would be the same with W296 as its a fine grain ball powder too.

I sound like a Lee rep, but it all goes thru my rock chucker so I am not. But they do have the best crimp dies.

So what I am asking is and I think you may be saying, Is would this be a safe load to test, in your opinion?

R-P case, Rem 5 1/2 (magnum) Primer, 13.0 grains of W296, the Cast Performance 180gr gas checked lead bullet loaded to C.O.L of 1.575 and a heavy crimp?

FWIW here are a couple of loads with your powders from another sight using 180gr bullets. As always on internet load data, double check reasonableness with another source. NOTE that the H110 load is near or at MAXIMUM:

quote:

TMJ 14.0 gr h-110 1,450 fps CCI SRM guest
HOT!!!
Admin Note: Hodgdon max is 13.5gr, I would only use this in large frame 357s.



Nos Part 13.5 gr H110 1,396 fps 1.575" WSPM Hodgdon
Suggested starting load: 12.2 gr
Pressure: 39,100 CUP

jungajay39, I would load 1 round at a time, 12.5 fire. If ok, go to 12.8 grs. If ok, go up to 13.1 gr. And so one. I find 296 can spike pressure with an increase of 1/2 grain. The Lee factory crimp die may size the bullet smaller while in the case. I would not use it for lead. This is how i would do it. Do so at your own risk. Good luck.

243winxb
That sounds reasonable, one at a time, test fire in the ground, look for signs of high pressure. Living in the sticks does grant me that freedom.
I will check with my office mate, he got me started reloading and has many years experience. It looks like backing the crimp die off a bit for a good crimp, not heavy to try avoiding resizing the bullet. He too uses the Lee crimp dies so would have some thoughts on this and the load. I have also left a message at cast performance for their input on load data.

What was posted from gatogordo I had found and read from handloader and m. D. Smith, but it wasn't specific to what I have.

I don't need to loose any appendages or worse from this, I have four mouths that require my hands their ability to provide. If at the end of the day this is a bad idea then some accurate no 7 may be the answer, it's in my Lee book for 180gr lead.

Thank you

I am not sure how my wife can stand this tablet and it's auto correct that adds, deletes and changes words at will.

Correction 'my hands AND their abilty'

Correction 'end of the day IF this is a bad idea'

H110 is intended for and only works well in Full loads, meaning heavy start resistance and plenty of pressure to fully burn the powder. Not that you can't shoot Lead in front of it, but I don't think it is ideal. Several folks have listed the bad things above so I will just say, their are far better powders for 180 cast GC load and that is the reason you can't find much data for it... You get that bullet up to 1100 FPS and it will shoot through about anything you want to do so. You don't need 1300 fps.
I hope you get to hunt and succeed with your handgun!

quote:

You get that bullet up to 1100 FPS and it will shoot through about anything you want to do so. You don't need 1300 fps.

+1 Absolutely....and your gun and your hands will thank you for it. Practice will be easier and you will probably be more accurate with a bit slower load. If you really need more killing power, then go to a bigger diameter round.

Fury01 and Gatogordo

This is sensible, can't find data because it just doesn't work. I suspect I will hear the same from my co worker, he has always been...sensible. Looks like a trip to the g store for another powder.

I did not set out to get the hottest load possible, just ended up with W296 as I have had great luck with W231 in many other handguns and got advise (bad) it was a good choice. I do want the load to be fast enough to ethically take a whitetail, if 1100fps is enough and the issues/risks are that bad I will move on and look at the four options in the Lee book.

R True Blue
Ram ZIP
Accurate #9
Accurate #7

Any thoughts on these options for this application?

You do not tell us what you are going to shoot these loads in. I am going to give you my own experience, but will warn you right now: do NOT shoot these in a Smith. Period.

I have been casting since 1980, and I have a 200-grain WNFLGC mould from Veral Smith. I also have a 180-grain mould that throws a modified truncated cone, also gas checked.

I shot the 180s ahead of 14 grains of AA #9 out of my 7-1/4" Redhawk off a rest and the result was one ragged hole at 50 yards. The cases were not sticky. I used CCI-500 primers.

Again: do NOT attempt that load in a Smith and Wesson. I suspect, since the load is about a grain and a half above max, that the revolver would just not handle it. And it isn't worth the risk.

If you are using a Smith, somewhere between 12 and about 12.7 grains should be max. The deer will never know the difference...

Doubless

Taurus model 66 stainless with and 8" barrel.

Funny, the deer will hurt no matter what powder is used. My stand where I plan on using this setup is an excellent spot. I am on a ridge overlooking a swamp hole and a field. The deer need to come in front of my stand when crossing this swamp hole, this is evident from the super highway they have created in this spot. The last buck I shot from this stand was only 12 yards from my tree.

#9 is good, than I will probably stick with the published data. I tried researching the strength of the frame on the revolver, all that got me was people reporting timing problems. Maybe you know more on the frame of this gun?

jungajay39, just so you know, W296 and H-110 are the same powder, just put in different cans. Just treat them as different lots.

Didn't have any good luck at all with H110 in any of my 357 mag loads, I went all the way up to a 196 gr with a gas check. What I did find and use in all of my rifles in 357 mag (3 of them) is Lil'Gun. It burns clean in them and produced pretty close to top velocity.

Steve.........

Okay, I just got home from the g store. I have a pound of accurate No. 9. I looked on their website for load data, they have it. Data specific for the 180gr Cast Performance WFNGC. So this is what I will be using.

I will update when I have some testing done and hopefully a buck this November. I wouldn't call if a for sure thing but I have seen more bucks in this stand then the number of years I have sat in it.

Thanks everyone for your input, I was leery of trying something with this much negative information out there.

quote:

Originally posted by jungajay39:
Okay, I just got home from the g store. I have a pound of accurate No. 9. I looked on their website for load data, they have it. Data specific for the 180gr Cast Performance WFNGC. So this is what I will be using.

I will update when I have some testing done and hopefully a buck this November. I wouldn't call if a for sure thing but I have seen more bucks in this stand then the number of years I have sat in it.

Thanks everyone for your input, I was leery of trying something with this much negative information out there.