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.
One of the first groups of 6 shots from 30′ (freehand) grouped within 5/8″ – a demonstration of the manageable recoil!
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
You have found THE powder used by Elmer Keith for his heavy loads.
Did you happen to chronograph your load?
dd- No wonder Keith liked this powder! No, I didn’t have the chronograph with me this time.
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!!!
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!
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.
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.
2400 & 357 Magnum go together like peanut butter & jelly