I've got a bunch of this and can't find loads listed for it for anything, let alone 357 Mag. Can it be used with 125gr bullets? Any data around WITH velocities listed?

Paul
I have a complimentary reloading manual from Winchester and they list a load for 125 grain JHP, using WW-296 powder!

Bullet: 125 gr JHP
Powder: 18.5 gr of WW-296
Primer: Magnum
Velocity: 1800
Pressure (CUP): 32,500

The manual states: "Do not reduce powder charges with 296 powder. These loads must be used exactly as shown. A reduction in powder carge or change in components can cause dangerous pressures."

I have used WW-296 powder for a long time, in my 357 Mag, 44 Mag, 22 Hornet and 410 shotgun, with good results!

Hope this helps you out!

Probably best when used with heavy bullets. See if you have any data calling for H-110 or 2400. Hodgdon calls for 22 grs. of H-110 with a 125 gr. bullet. Don't start with much less than that but, I have always been able to substitute WW-296 for H-110. What I mean by much less, is don't go any lower than about 19 grs. of WW-296 and work your way up to about 22 grs.

Chuck White got in ahead of me but it looks like good information. Hodgdon's calls for 22 grs. at 41,000 PSI with the 125 gr.

You need a new manual (or two). W296 is useful in all of the magnums from .357 to .500. JH gave you the WW website, happy reloading.

W-296 is a great powder, when used with the heaviest bullets in magnum revolvers. It just doesn't seem to get a good consistant burn going from shot to shot when used with the lightest bullets, though muzzle flash is impressive

I shoot 30 grs behind a 410 GC LBT in my 500 Linebaugh; 33 behind a 350 gr Barnes Original.

Paul is right about muzzle flash, though. Through a double Magnaport 7-1/2 inch barrel it really "lights up the night". I let newbies to big guns shoot it at the camp at night and the grins they develop last into the deerstand the next morning.

I have shot a bunch in 357 too but its far from my favorite in that caliber.

I have used 296 with 125g bullets in a 4" barreled .357 Magnum and muzzle blast was unreal. Velocity wasn't what I hoped it would be either.

I had better results with 125g bullets using AA #7 and Blue Dot. Heavy bullets on the other hand are a different story. 296 is a great pick for 158g bullets and 180g bullets.

W296 is best with heavy bullets. I use 15 grs. with 180 Nosler Partitions in a SP101 Ruger. They work great.

Speer Manual No.10;

125gr. Max.21.6 of 296 recomended Mag.primer and heavy crimp.

I used this load for years in a Ruger Security Six 4"barrel with no problems whatever.
John L.

quote:

Originally posted by Ackley Improved User:
W296 is best with heavy bullets. I use 15 grs. with 180 Nosler Partitions in a SP101 Ruger. They work great.

Dang man - that sounds like it's pushing the envelope a little bit, especially in a small framed pistol. I use the book max of 13.0g in my 6" 686 and get 1180 fps with a 180g XTP.

quote:

Originally posted by Paul H:
W-296 is a great powder, when used with the heaviest bullets in magnum revolvers. It just doesn't seem to get a good consistant burn going from shot to shot when used with the lightest bullets, though muzzle flash is impressive

17.1 grains of 296 with Hornady's 158 grain XTP produces 1370FPS in my 6" 686. I also like 2400 as it's a little more flexible when one wants to reduce velocity a bit.

296 is not the best powder to use for light bullets in a .357. However it IS the best with 158gr and heavier jacketed bullets!

With 125gr bullets I had good luck with 2400 and Blue Dot. There are some other newer powders out now but I haven't had the chance to try them yet..

I,ve loaded 125gr & 158 gr with win296 in my S&W Model 27-2 and with the 8 3/8 barrel it really makes a little rifle out of it. van

Buzz, the most recent Speer Manual has W296 loads of 16 grs with 180 gr. bullets.

quote:

Originally posted by Ackley Improved User:
Buzz, the most recent Speer Manual has W296 loads of 16 grs with 180 gr. bullets.

But those are the "Silhouette loads" that are desgined for Contenders and Heavy Framed revolvers right? I never thought of an SP101 as a heavy framed revolver.

quote:

Originally posted by Ackley Improved User:
Buzz, the most recent Speer Manual has W296 loads of 16 grs with 180 gr. bullets.

May I ask how long is the barrel on your SP101? I have one in 2.25" and am looking for a heavy bullet load to ancore a deer up close 10 yards or less.

3 inches.

W-296 From 16.9 grains to 21.2 grains
CCI-550 Primer

Velocities depend on YOUR firearm.

Is it ttrue that W296 and H110 are identical?

DUK-
I don't believe H-110 and WW-296 to be the same. They are of similar, if not the same burning rate, but yet each produces a different colored muzzle flash. Therefore, the only reasonable conclusion is that they are indeed different.
Close is good enough with horseshoes, but not with gunpowder.

I use 16.0 grains H110, W296, or Lil Gun with 180 grain Cast Performance bullets, and CCI mag primers in my Marlin 1894. The velocity is about 1700 fps.

I tried some hot loads using Blue Dot and velocity was very disappointing. Because it's ported 4" barrel, it's effectively 3". I'm going to try to stick with a faster burning powder for a more complete burn. Thanx for all the tips.