Matt
Active Member
After the earlier discussion about 2400 v W296/H110 my main issue with 2400 was the unburnt powder that spread throughout revolvers. Ric claimed that the new 2400 did not have that sin and perhaps I should try some new Alliant 2400 to see what was going on in the modern world. Because of the Chinese plague and my health issues I sent my son in search of some 2400. He found one pound in one store.
I loaded 50 rounds with each powder: .41 magnum 16.0 grains, Lyman 410459 220gr SWC, Winchester LP primers, and once fired Winchester brass. The results:
Ruger Blackhawk 6 1/2 inch barrel
Old Hercules 2400 1970s vintage
Average velocity 10 shots 1266 FPS
Extreme velocity spread 84 FPS
Standard Deviation 32
New Alliant 2400 purchased in June ‘20
Average velocity 10 shots 1316 FPS
Extreme velocity spread 34 FPS
Standard Deviation 13
I would have shown unburnt powder from the old 2400 but the wind blew it away! I’ll admit the new 2400 had about 1/10th the unburnt residue of the old. It was very overcast and hot here today. There was no appreciable muzzle flash from either new or old 2400. I shot a number of .357 loads with W296 and saw the bloom of muzzle flash at noon!
Accuracy with both was so so. First five shot groups at 25 yards with both were about 3.5 inches. They just got worse after that. I was trying some “simple lube” that left a lot of lead at the muzzle. Should’ve stuck with Ben’s !
New and old 2400 meters from my Redding powder measure just as accurately and smoothly as W296/H110 .
My newer PACT chronograpph crapped out on me. Had to get my old Oehler 33 out. Finding 6 D cell batteries in the house was a chore but the old 33 worked!
Funny the old container was marked as rifle powder and the new magnum pistol powder.
I’m sold (again) on 2400. I’ll save my W296 for .410 shotshells.
I loaded 50 rounds with each powder: .41 magnum 16.0 grains, Lyman 410459 220gr SWC, Winchester LP primers, and once fired Winchester brass. The results:
Ruger Blackhawk 6 1/2 inch barrel
Old Hercules 2400 1970s vintage
Average velocity 10 shots 1266 FPS
Extreme velocity spread 84 FPS
Standard Deviation 32
New Alliant 2400 purchased in June ‘20
Average velocity 10 shots 1316 FPS
Extreme velocity spread 34 FPS
Standard Deviation 13
I would have shown unburnt powder from the old 2400 but the wind blew it away! I’ll admit the new 2400 had about 1/10th the unburnt residue of the old. It was very overcast and hot here today. There was no appreciable muzzle flash from either new or old 2400. I shot a number of .357 loads with W296 and saw the bloom of muzzle flash at noon!
Accuracy with both was so so. First five shot groups at 25 yards with both were about 3.5 inches. They just got worse after that. I was trying some “simple lube” that left a lot of lead at the muzzle. Should’ve stuck with Ben’s !
New and old 2400 meters from my Redding powder measure just as accurately and smoothly as W296/H110 .
My newer PACT chronograpph crapped out on me. Had to get my old Oehler 33 out. Finding 6 D cell batteries in the house was a chore but the old 33 worked!
Funny the old container was marked as rifle powder and the new magnum pistol powder.
I’m sold (again) on 2400. I’ll save my W296 for .410 shotshells.