winchester 296 powder load reccomendations

[gil]

i want to load up some 38 special P loads in 38 and 357 mag brass for 154 grain semi wadcutters. anybody have any pet loads for this magnum pistol powder for plinking loads??? I don't have my manual handy and will consult it before I load any up of course, but if somebody has an especially good load, I would appreciate their ideas. I happen to have a pound of this powder bought a few years ago, and as many of you know, nowdays you load what you have on hand as going to the store to get something else isn't a guarantee. It is getting better, we are starting to see more and more powder available at high prices here in alaska.
also any 44 mag load recommendations for 240 grain cast bullets for 296?
thanks
gil

[mag]

296 is not a good powder for low velocity or cast bullets . It does not burn correctly loaded light . If you load it strong enough to work right it will be way to hot for cast bullets . I would use Bullseye , it is common and with a 4.0 for 38's and a 6.0 for 44's it will do alot of ammo . mag

[Motor]

296 is not a good powder for low velocity or cast bullets . It does not burn correctly loaded light . If you load it strong enough to work right it will be way to hot for cast bullets . I would use Bullseye , it is common and with a 4.0 for 38's and a 6.0 for 44's it will do alot of ammo . mag

I know "mag" and I don't always see eye to eye but he is spot on here. Win. 296 is one of the powders that can be dangerous when loaded "under" recommended charges. I have used it with HARD cast bullets with success but the loads were not light. As "mag" said a pound of Bullseye goes a long way.

[gil]

Thanks guys!
I posted this without the advantage of looking at my loadbooks! Please note that I mentioned the first thing I would do was look in the books. Just got an e-mail from leftist sister whom I have 'turned' into a Pistelero. She has really enjoyed shooting pistols, but intimidated by the short barrel 357 she is shooting so I need to hit the books and find a low power plinking load alternative.
gil

[TDM]

Thanks guys!
I posted this without the advantage of looking at my loadbooks! Please note that I mentioned the first thing I would do was look in the books. Just got an e-mail from leftist sister whom I have 'turned' into a Pistelero. She has really enjoyed shooting pistols, but intimidated by the short barrel 357 she is shooting so I need to hit the books and find a low power plinking load alternative.
gil

.38 Special is great for practice in a .357.

[Ranger Z]

Low power plinking load for 38spl. 2.5gr. of either Trail Boss or Clays behind a 90gr. LRN bullet. A very mild load. About 2,800 shots out of a pound of powder. Save the 296 for what is was meant for.

[Interloper]

Some of my own favorite plinking loads are 148 grain wadcutters over Unique or 231 and 158 grain LSWC over 231, Unique or 2400 .
I read your question about 296 last night so I looked through my notebooks. I don't even like 296 for full power magnum loads. It seems to produce too much flash and bang compared to other powders. I should show you the underside of the top strap on my GP-100. There is clear frame cutting from my experiments with 296 during my misspent youth.

[Motor]

Some of my own favorite plinking loads are 148 grain wadcutters over Unique or 231 and 158 grain SWC over 231, Unique or 2400 .
I read your question about 296 last night so I looked through my notebooks. I don't even like 296 for full power magnum loads. It seems to produce too much flash and bang compared to other powders. I should show you the underside of the top strap on my GP-100. There is clear frame cutting from my experiments with 296 during my misspent youth.

Like 24gr with a 110 HP ? I needed the xtra velocity for running deer shoots.
("running deer shoot") You shoot at a deer target that is moving on a wire. The normal lead with a .308 was about 16" you would shoot 3 rounds. The speed of 110 .357 load listed above actually made a little difference compared to a 158 at 1350 but the FLAME THROWING 110 load was a good show. I actually won a round or two with it.

[Interloper]

Yup I loaded up a bunch of 110's that way. They are very impressive when shot in the dark. Not just muzzle blast but from the cylinder as well!

[Motor]

Yup I loaded up a bunch of 110's that way. They are very impressive when shot in the dark. Not just muzzle blast but from the cylinder as well!

The funny thing is it was one of my best shooting loads too. (Ruger SS Security Six) I've since sold the Pistol mostly because of how easily it leaded up shooting cast bullets. Lead just loves sticking to that Ruger Stainless Steel. Replaced it with an old model
Blackhawk with a 4.5" barrel. No more leading problems and the shorter barrel makes it a nice compact backup in the field.