I just bought 2lbs of never opened Hercules 2400 powder I was planning on using in my .357 and .41 and I have heard that it is different than the Alliant 2400. Can I use the Alliant data with the Herc or is it the same stuff?


Thanks

As with any and all powders, if you begin with current published START loads, you will be fine. Even if the new 2400 is slightly different than the old variety (and THAT argument can go both ways), the long-established load workup procedure will keep you in the green.

You didn't ask, but no matter how old that powder is, if it's been stored properly, it will be good (undeteriorated). No worries there, assuming cool and dry storage.

Finally, you may get advice to use magnum primers with 2400 to help stave off "dirty" burning. Note that Alliant (and Hercules before them) recommend standard primers with 2400. I'd follow that recommendation. Good bullet seating tension and crimp have more to do with dirty burning than primer choice.

It was stored in a good place, so I figured that I would be good there. The primers were going to be my next question as I have read to use Mags and Standards, so I will give the standards a go as I have plenty of them as well. I have a nice load with H110 for my .357, but more powder equals more play time. :) I was thinking that the 2400 would be good for lighter bullets like the 125's??


Thanks

Well, it'll work, but with less mass to move, it won't burn completely. Bullet weight is part of that neck tension/crimp equation: the more the better with slow powders like 2400 (or H110/W296). I reserve my 2400 for top-end loads with 158-grain and heavier. Until/unless the unburnt kernels jam up the gun, though, you'll get good performance with lighter ones.

Well, I will work on some 180 stuff then. :)


Thanks

Bearcat, that 2400 is also good for reduced loads in your 45/70. Shot well out of mine with 300gr bullets, I think 28gr of 2400, CCI200 and Win brass. Just thought you might want to know of its other uses.

Ryan

Ryan, thanks for the info, may have to try that out.