Low flash powder for a .357

G

Gene'o

New member
I have a question on gun powders. Low muzzle flash type that is a good all around powder for .357 /.38 .using 140 grain or 158 grain HP-XTP Hornady bullets mid range loads. I’m Looking at a Ruger GP 100 SS or Blued 6". I’m hoping to get this by my birthday in January so I’ve got time to do all my looking for loads.
I’ve come close to getting bit by Coyotes two times when using my Camera and all I have for a hand gun is a Ruger .22 cal Auto. I’ve been hand loading Since 1975 but not for pistols in a long time. So I’ve looked on the net. and don’t seem to find what I want so fare. I don’t need a 3' flame coming out the sides or end of barrel. The 140/158 grain bullets will also be for HD, shooting can’s and targets of all kinds. So give me some ideas on a good powder ( low flash) if you know of some.
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Gene’o
 
Gene'o, When we were doing ammo evaluations for our .357 mags back in the late '70s, the worst one for muzzle flash was the Speer Lawman (158gr SP) series...it would put out approximately a 9' ball of yellow/whiteflame, but it was the most destructive in the impact area..

The one we wound up choosing, at the time, was the Federal 158gr HP Hydra-Shok... It produced a more reasonable flame ball and was in a more blue visual spectrum that didn't destroy the 'night vision' nearly as much..

I'm sure there are more adaptable factory loads out there now just due to the more recent innovation of handgun defense loads...

If it were me, I would be contacting the guys at Double-Tap as they are prone to developing custom loads for most handgun calibers...I know they have done a lot of experimenting to produce what the shooting public wants..
 
Honestly this sounds like a question for the experts at the powder companies. I would think (i'm only guessing) that you would want a powder that is fast burning,so that it is completely burnt in the chamber and barrel of the gun, in a mild to medium load. As for home defense loads you should always use a factory produced round, the ballistics are known and documented. This advice was given to me by a criminal defense lawyer,I know I don't like them either but it's family,what you gonna do.
 
I shoot a Colt Python with a 6" barrel. I usually load with H4227, 15g of powder with a 158g XTP, or 13.5g of powder on a 180g XTP. I don't really notice the flash, but I wouldn't really know how to measure that safely. The link is for powder burn rates. Try a faster burning powder. You should get less flash.

http://www.hodgdon.com/burn-rate.html
 
This is from Ramshot's webste:

Silhouette is a double based, modified (flattened) spherical powder that performs well in medium sized handgun cases. Silhouette's low flash signature, high velocity, and clean burning properties make it a perfect choice for indoor ranges and law enforcement applications.

I've used this powder for 40S&W and was really happy with it. Seemed to burn clean and meters like water in progessive press. They list data you want for 38Spcl for 357 they only have data for 125g Barnes bullets. It might be too fast or you might give them a shout and see if they can give you something for your needs.

peace.
unloaded
 
Use Unique or 231 and 135gr bullets with a short barrel for low flash. Similar to the loads that Speer markets for short-barreled 357s.
 


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