Alliant 2400 and 357 Magnum – Liking it!

For quite a while now, I’ve been waiting to try Alliant 2400 in my magnum revolvers (for 357 Magnum, and for 44 Magnum). Well, a while back I put in an order for a 4lb canister of this powder. I had the Dillon XL-650 setup for 357 Magnum, so I thought I’d give this powder a try.

This load consisted of 14.4 grains of Alliant 2400, Remington 5 1/2 small pistol magnum primers, and Speer 158 grain JHP bullets. At the range, I immediately liked the feel of the recoil- seemed even and more smooth somehow than the H-100 that I normally use.

I fired these magnum loads from my Ruger GP-100 357 Magnum 6″ stainless revolver. All shots fired without incident even with my lightened trigger springs (some harder primers don’t fire reliably in this revolver.

My Ruger GP-100 357 Magnum - Image Copyright 2010 Ultimate Reloader
My Ruger GP-100 357 Magnum - Image Copyright 2010 Ultimate Reloader

One of the first groups of 6 shots from 30′ (freehand) grouped within 5/8″ – a demonstration of the manageable recoil!

6 shot group fired off-hand from 30' range - Image Copyright 2010 Ultimate Reloader
6 shot group fired off-hand from 30' range - Image Copyright 2010 Ultimate Reloader

Overall, I’m impressed with Alliant 2400 so far. A lot of people love this powder, and I’m looking forward to loading some 44 magnum loads with it. One benefit of this powder is that it’s not as sensitive as H-110 when it comes to reduced loads. I guess we’ll have to see!

Thanks,
Gavin

7 thoughts on “Alliant 2400 and 357 Magnum – Liking it!”

  1. I really like using 2400 for shooting hot loads, I use 17.2 grains pushing a 125-grain JHP in my GP-100 .357 Magnum (I call them “Elmer Keith Memorial Rounds” :). The 2400 does indeed seem to be flexible in loading, from docile to wild. I like this powder so much that I have about 15 pounds currently in stock… and only for my GP-100! The 2400 is great powder IMO.

    Have fun!!!

    1. Alex- thanks for sharing- have you had any trouble with incomplete combustion or particles in the air with 125 grain bullets? I’ve heard reports that Alliant 2400 does better with 156 grain bullets. I still have the Dillon XL-650 setup on my bench, perhaps I’ll have to try both for the next range trip!

  2. Can’t say I’ve had any problems with incomplete combustion- but I do use magnum primers, even though Alliant says standard primers are to be used, so that may be a factor. Lyman’s 49th loads for the .357 are built around magnum primers FWIW…

    P.S. my brother also lives in Bothell- I now reside in Lynden but used to live in the Lake City area. Small world.

  3. Need some advice I am new to reloading have alliant 2400 powder for .357 .41. And .44magnum. Want to load for .357mag in a gp100 using large primers cci #350 for magnum loads are these ok together? Also the bullet is a plated 158 grain round nose.
    Can the alliance t 2400 powder be used for .38 special? Or a +p load?
    Any help is greatly appreciated.

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