357 Magnum and Lil'Gun powder

[Iron Worker]

I have a 6"Ruger GP100 no current reloading books I have list Hodgen Lil'Gun powder for the 357 magnum . But they do for 44 magnum. Any reason why Hodgen Lil'Gun shouldn't be used in 357 magnum ?

[DZelenka]

Originally Posted by Iron Worker

I have a 6"Ruger GP100 no current reloading books I have list Hodgen Lil'Gun powder for the 357 magnum . But they do for 44 magnum. Any reason why Hodgen Lil'Gun shouldn't be used in 357 magnum ?

Yes. Lil' Gun burns very hot. It erodes top straps and forcing cones in short order. Freedom Arms voids your warranty if you use it.

Dan

[Iron Worker]

Hey that's very interesting ! So does that mean I'm harming my 44 magnum with Lil'Gun ?

[Clark]

The old load for 357 mag 158 gr XTP was 18 gr LIL GUN at some crazy low pressure.
I called or wrote to Hodgdon and asked why no load for 158 gr LSWC.
I was told it melted the lead.

I have been shooting 158 gr LSWC and XTP bullets with 26 gr LIL Gun. It is very loud and kicks hard in little old 38 special revolvers.

Then I chronographed it, and it is a hair slower than when I chronographed 18 gr.
So it is blowing a fire ball out the muzzle.

Still later, I realized I like the smell of H110 better.

[DZelenka]

Originally Posted by Iron Worker

Hey that's very interesting ! So does that mean I'm harming my 44 magnum with Lil'Gun ?

Give Bob Baker at FA a call. I spoke to him at length on the subject. Shortly after the powder was introduced, they had a significant increase in guns being returned for service. Lil' Gun was the common denominator. So they did some experimentation and also spoke to hogdon about it. Lil' Gun has a high amount of nitro glycerin in it and thus burns hotter. That was eroding the metal. Personally, I wouldn't use it in a revolver. I do use it in a TC .22 Hornet. Great powder for that.