February 20, 2024, 12:02 PM | #1 |
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H110 downloading
I use a lot of H110 as I like loads on the warmer end of things and it has always worked well for me. I have always been curious about the warnings of not downloading by more than "x"% of the max charge though.
From looking at my loading manuals, this seems like a poor standard to go by. For example, max load for H110 according to my Hornady manual for 454 Casull with a 300 gr bullet is 31.4gr (32.3 for 296). The same manual lists the minimum load for ruger only 45 colt with the same bullet as 17.9 gr of 296. Case overall length is less than .1" different. I guess my question is, is it a minimum pressure that H110 needs to burn correctly or a minimum percentage of case capacity? |
February 20, 2024, 01:00 PM | #2 |
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You are seeing such drastic differences due to allowable pressures in the two cartridges. 455 Casull is a much higher pressure cartridge than a 45 Colt.
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February 20, 2024, 02:09 PM | #3 |
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I agree, but I read where people say don't go below 97% of max, or 90% of max, or whatever.
In 454 Casull, you could download a lot more. In 357 mag, that would be a bad idea. So instead of basing it off of a max load that varies in pressure from cartridge to cartridge, wouldn't it be better to give it a minimum pressure and/or percentage of case capacity? |
February 20, 2024, 02:20 PM | #4 | |
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I don't know (or really care) what the minimum that H110 needs to run properly, but when it is listed in the manuals to "do not reduce below.." then simply don't do it. If you want something less than H110's listed starting load performance, simply use a different powder, one better suited to the performance range you want. Unique comes to mind...
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February 20, 2024, 02:43 PM | #5 |
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Is it x% below min or max? Different posts seem to be talking about different things.
Looking at published loads, very often difference between min and max is around 10%. It is prudent to stay within that range, and even so the loader needs to remain vigilant on pressure signs. However, although imprudent, it is not against any law to ventured outside. You are on your own and you really need to know what you are doing. -TL Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk |
February 20, 2024, 03:52 PM | #6 |
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Completely concur with 44AMP's view. In my own loading experience, I use Unique for loads to 1000fps in 357, 41, 44Spl, Mag, and 45 Colt. If I want more power, H-110 or Lil'Gun get the nod.
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February 20, 2024, 05:50 PM | #7 |
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Do not download H110/W296 below 90% of case capacity under the bullet
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February 20, 2024, 06:28 PM | #8 | ||
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I've been loading H-110/W296 for 357 and 44 mag since 1985. This propellant is a one-trick pony. You load it up good and stout and it delivers very clean, consistent, high velocity ammo. If you don't load it up good n stout, this happens:
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February 20, 2024, 06:41 PM | #9 |
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Yes, I totally agree, don't download H110, I had a bad day at the range one time with a revolver, H110, minimum load, standard primers, 357 magnum and 125g hollow points.
I started getting several squids and had to pound them out of the barrel at the range, I felt like an idiot. DONT DOWNLOAD H110,,,, MY EXPERIENCES. |
February 20, 2024, 07:56 PM | #10 | ||||
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February 20, 2024, 10:38 PM | #11 |
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If you want to download 454, use a full power load of Unique!
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February 21, 2024, 12:14 AM | #12 |
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The other thing commonly done with the slower/slowest pistol powders is using a heavy crimp. This isn't done JUST to keep the bullets in place during recoil, but also to keep the bullet in the case just a little longer, allowing the pressure to get a better start building up before bullet movement changes the volume.
Here's another tip, when working with light end slow powder loads, keep an eye out for "yellow sand" in your gun. This is incomplete powder combustion. IF it shows up, discontinue using that load.
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February 21, 2024, 12:44 PM | #13 |
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Ditto 44AMP and Nick C S, adding only A9 as an additional alternative powder to H110/Wind296. I have had really good results with A9 in both .357 hot loads and .32 Fed. Mag.
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