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IMR 4227 in 357 mag
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2025 2:38 pm
by rusticbob
Anyone else load .357 mag for a single shot Henry?
I went two the range today to try a couple of powders, IMR 4227 and H2400. I used 15gr 2400, and 14.5 gr 4227. New star line cases, std primers and 158 gr jacketed hollow point bullet. Red dot sights at 25 yards, the 4227 shot much tighter, and I will need to experiment with bigger charges .
. Any suggestions, if not I will probably go up one 1/2 grain till I hit 16 grains, although I believe Hornaday gives 17 gr as max.
Looking for a hunting load for my single shot, deer size game.
Re: IMR 4227 in 357 mag
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2025 5:40 pm
by Cofisher
Good shooting and reporting. Where are you finding 2400?
Re: IMR 4227 in 357 mag
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2025 6:35 pm
by BigAl52
Ive always had good luck with 2400 and Hornady xtp bullets. Im somewhere below the 15gr mark with 2400. But my 2400 is Alliant. You say H2400 I have not ever used that. Nothin wrong with 4227 its worked for me in other applications. I as well have a SS in 357
Re: IMR 4227 in 357 mag
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2025 7:43 pm
by rusticbob
The 2400 is Alliant, but is is over 10 years old. IMR 4227 is old also, and I am not sure if I can ever find them again. Looking for substitute powder when I run out. I do have a friend who wants to sell me a 8 pound can of 800x, it’s been discontinued, but some people have had good luck with it.
Re: IMR 4227 in 357 mag
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2025 9:26 pm
by BigAl52
You should be able to find the 4227. Powder Valley has some right now. Its pricey. H110 or 296 along with Longshot. Those will work. I’ve never used Longshot so can’t help you much there.
Re: IMR 4227 in 357 mag
Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2025 8:14 am
by rickhem
I've loaded the 158 XTP bullets, both the HP and FP versions, along with the 140 FTX bullets for my Henry BBS in .357. Mine has a 20" barrel.
I have found best performance with Lil Gun powder. There's a few posts on here about my efforts. I have not shot a deer with any of those loads yet, so I'm unable to offer any terminal ballistics experience, but finding fast, accurate loads was not too difficult.
Re: IMR 4227 in 357 mag
Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2025 10:36 am
by Hatchdog
I have had great success for accuracy with W296 and Hornady XTP HP 158 in my Big Boy. No experience on effectiveness on deer but sure is accurate. This is 50 yards with a 7x scope from a bench. I also shoot it offhand at bowling pins and it mows them down.

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Re: IMR 4227 in 357 mag
Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2025 3:05 pm
by rusticbob
![Image]()
Went to the range today, with three loads of 4227, I loaded 15gr, 15.5 gr, and 16gr. From the bench, with a red dot. Looks like 15.5 is the winner. I am not happy with a red dot on a rifle, I have scopes on all my other rifles, I think that helps accuracy.
I will load up a bunch, and look for a low power, maybe 2-3 power scope.
Re: IMR 4227 in 357 mag
Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2025 3:08 pm
by rusticbob
![Image]()
Went to the range today, with three loads of 4227, I loaded 15gr, 15.5 gr, and 16gr. From the bench, with a red dot. Looks like 15.5 is the winner. I am not happy with a red dot on a rifle, I have scopes on all my other rifles, I think that helps accuracy.
I will load up a bunch, and look for a low power, maybe 2-3 power scope.
Re: IMR 4227 in 357 mag
Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2025 3:25 pm
by BigAl52
Rusticbob
I agree precision work isnt for a red dot. The magnification with a scope helps for shooting groups. To me red dots or( green dots )which is what I like are just something that eliminates the need for lining up a front sight in a rear sight. The size of the dot can hinder when trying to pinpoint the same aimpoint