Hello guys-

I'm looking to get an accurate load in the ~1300fpsMV neighborhood for my 5.5" Redhawk.
There's a box of 100 of these nice looking bullets and a pile of brass on the bench next to my powder scale waiting to become ammunition. Got to start somewhere with load development and powder and primers are the next choice.

Reviewing a pile of load data it looks like 296/110 or Lil'Gun should get me there.
I have a jug of Lil'Gun in the cabinet, but seem to recall having heard of throat erosion issues.

Anyone here know the straight dope on the Lil'Gun throat erosion problem?
I think that the first I'd heard of it was in a conversation with a bullet maker in the context of light bullets and high velocity in the S&W500mag (bright pressures there), and since then recall seeing/hearing of this issue relative to this powder in high-strung bottleneck rifle cartridge loads.
What's the story guys?

With no 110/296 on hand and a recipe (17gr - 20gr for ~1200fps-1360fps, 1.730"oal 29.4KCUP-38.6KCUP) from the Hodgdon Powder website for Lil'Gun that looks like it's in the ball park and at relatively similar pressure to the suggested 110/296 loads, I'm thinking I have a good first foot forward -- that's if I'm not looking at pissing my barrel off while I'm at it.

Given there's no issue with this powder/load and (the possibly mythical) throat erosion problems, I still need to make a primer choice. Any suggestion/advice/input there will be appreciated too.

The external ballistics of this bullet at 1300fpsMV look freakin' great on paper, from what y'all have said and shown here it'll make a solid and reliable, flat shooting 'down for whatever' load within (and beyond!) iron sight range.
If Lil'Gun isn't a threat to the throat I'm going to give it a shot, otherwise I'll make it out to the local shop for a fresh can of 110 and go from there...



Cheers
Tinker

I loaded the CPBC 320 gr GC with H110 and Win WLP primers in my Texas Longhorn Arms #5 (5 1/2") with the following results (average of 10 shots):

20.5 grs ====> 1210 fps
21.0 grs ====> 1273 fps
21.5 grs ====> 1338 fps

The 21 gr load was the most accurate. I have read of Lil'Gun causing throat issues with the 454 Casull. I use it in my 32 and 41 Mag and in stout 45 Colt loads and have not noted any issues. I have not used it in my 44 Mags.

Redhawk---HIIO, 21.5 gr. All other Rugers--296, same load.
Lil'gun burns HOT, it will never go in my revolvers.

I have not had any issues with Lil gun either. I have a few loads for my 500 Mag using Lil gun, and they work just fine and no throat issues.

Lil'gun does not have the deterrent coating other powders have. I turned a barrel hot enough to solder copper pipe with 12 shots. The rest of the jug is in the drawer to be used in my .410 ONLY! When it is gone I will never buy more.
It shot good, but I don't like the heat.

Interesting, not my experience at all. What caliber were you shooting?

.357 and that was about enough for me. A larger caliber might not show heat as soon but it is still there in the throats and forcing cone.
I compare the powder to a welding torch instead of a propane torch.

Be prepared to install a taller front sight because the heavy bullets will shoot higher due to the greater recoil.

Thanks to all for your comments and perspective.



Cheers
Tinker

The 300gr LBT with 21.0 gr of H-110 broke through both shoulders of a small bull moose for me a few years back out of a 4&5/8 Super Blackhawk. Velocity is about 1325fps, this revolver was tuned up by Ben Forkin in WSS MT and has a very tight gap. Recoil is stout and the bit about the higher front sight is good advice. The 300gr LBT and the 250gr Nosler Partition have proven themselves to me over and again on large game.