I need some load data using Hercules 2400 and 45 grain spitzer bullets.
I have about half of a cardboard canister of Hercules 2400 and I've got about half of a coffee can of 45 grain spitzers. I'd like to shoot them in my Handi-Rifle and my M70 Winchester.

I won't be using them in an AR so no worry about producing the pressure necessary to function a gas system.

I've found links on the internet that say the Alliant site has load data for .223 using 2400. However, those links are a few years old and they do not have the data up now. They do have them for the Hornet and the Bee but not the 5.56/.223.

So far I've found recommendation ranging from 9 grs to 18.5 grs.

Anyone have any experience using this combo? OR a load book old enough to have data for 2400 when it was labeled Rifle Powder?

An older Alliant reloaders guide that I have lists the following as the maximum load of 2400 and Speer 45.
14.9 gr 2400 for 3030 fps and 49,600 PSI. Case was federal and primer Federal 205M. They only listed maximum loads so a work up is advisable.

18.5 sounds like WAAAY too much!-Muddy

I've tested it and ran it up to 18 grains with 40 and 45 grain bullets in bolt action 223s...

didn't find 2400 or 4227 as accurate as some of the other powders within that burn range... at least in 223 cases...

Quarterbore, thanks that's exactly what I'm looking for.

Muddy, it sounded like too much to me too.

Seafire,In today's world of "whatchagot" reloading I'm trying to use what I have since getting the optimum componets isn't always possible. I'll load a few with 2400 and see if I can get acceptable accuracy out of them. If not I'll go back to hoping better powders come back on the shelf.