Published: 2026 | Last updated: May 2026
Alliant 2400 is a fast-burning, double-base extruded powder that has been in continuous production since the 1930s – originally developed by Hercules (Alliant’s predecessor) for the 22 Hornet when that cartridge represented the cutting edge of small-bore varmint performance. Over nine decades, its application range expanded to define standards for 357 Magnum, 44 Magnum, 454 Casull, and the 410-bore shotshell. That longevity is not inertia – it reflects a burn rate and pressure profile that genuinely serves a specific category of applications that no powder introduced since has made obsolete.
The powder sits in the fast-rifle / slow-magnum-handgun burn rate territory: slower than conventional fast pistol powders, faster than the specialized magnum revolver powders like Hodgdon H110. This position makes it specifically efficient in applications where sustained gas pressure through short-to-medium barrels (4-20 inches) is the requirement – where faster powders peak and decay before the bullet clears the muzzle, and slower powders haven’t yet developed full pressure when the bullet exits.
The honest picture includes the temperature sensitivity (approximately 1.4-1.6 fps per degree Fahrenheit) and the extruded disc geometry that meters somewhat less consistently than ball powders. Both are known properties of a legacy double-base extruded formulation without modern stabilizer additives. Neither is a disqualifying limitation within the applications the powder was designed for.
This article is based on published manufacturer specifications, established load data, and documented field reports. Specifications and performance figures can vary between lots, rifles, and conditions. If you have loaded Alliant 2400 in practice – leave a comment below: real-world experience from the reloading bench is what separates verified data from manufacturer claims.
Powder Description and Technical Profile
Alliant 2400 is a double-base, small disc extruded powder. The disc geometry is distinct from both conventional long-stick extruded powders and spherical ball powders. Each grain is a small, flat disc – wider than it is tall – which produces a specific surface-area-to-mass ratio calibrated for the fast-rifle / slow-magnum-handgun burn rate category.
The disc geometry differs from spherical in one practical metering way: discs can stack and orient in a measure drum more randomly than spheres, producing slightly higher charge-to-charge variance than a ball powder would in the same measure. However, the relatively small disc size of 2400 meters better than larger-grain extruded stick powders – it does not bridge or shear in the same way that long-grain sticks do. The practical metering performance is better than Alliant Reloder 22 or IMR 4831, though not as consistent as Accurate 1680 or Hodgdon H110.
The double-base chemistry – nitrocellulose plus nitroglycerin – provides the energy density that makes 2400 effective in the range of applications it serves. The nitroglycerin content also provides reliable cold-weather ignition – a meaningful practical benefit for hunters who use 357 Magnum or 44 Magnum in sub-freezing conditions where single-base powders may show increased ignition inconsistency.
Bulk density is 0.873 g/cc – moderate for a fast-magnum powder and notably lower than ball powder alternatives in the same burn rate class like Accurate 1680 at 0.960 g/cc or Hodgdon H110 at 0.940 g/cc. This moderate density means that in the larger revolver cases like 44 Magnum and 454 Casull, 2400 fills the case at working charge weights to 80-90% capacity – visible and consistent, providing reasonable double-charge detection capability. A double charge in a 44 Magnum case with 2400 approaches or reaches the case mouth before a bullet is seated – providing the same visual safety margin that bulky flake powders offer.
The pressure curve is the characteristic most discussed in precision cast bullet communities. 2400 builds to peak pressure relatively quickly but sustains gas expansion more consistently through the bore than faster powders. This “sustained push” character is specifically valued by cast bullet shooters because it accelerates the lead projectile firmly and uniformly without the sharp pressure spike that can upset soft alloy bullets and produce leading.
Strengths:
- Sustained linear pressure curve specifically suited to heavy-for-caliber bullets in magnum revolvers and small-bore rifle cases
- Double-charge detection in large revolver cases from moderate bulk density (0.873 g/cc) – visual safety margin not available with dense ball powder alternatives
- Does not require magnum primers in most standard applications – the disc geometry ignites reliably at standard primer energy levels unlike the thick-coated ball powders (H110 requires magnum primers at all times)
- Cast bullet compatibility – the lower initial pressure peak produces less upset in soft-alloy cast projectiles than ball powders that spike more sharply
- 90+ year field record in primary applications – load data is thoroughly verified and widely published
- 410-bore shotshell coverage from a handgun powder supply – a specific dual-application niche
Limitations:
- Temperature sensitivity of 1.4-1.6 fps per degree Fahrenheit – loads developed near maximum at moderate temperatures can approach dangerous pressure at summer extremes. Load development at maximum expected firing temperature is mandatory for maximum-charge loads
- Disc geometry meters somewhat less consistently than ball powders – charge-to-charge variance of 0.1-0.2 grains is typical, acceptable for handgun and revolver applications but not for benchrest-grade precision
- More muzzle flash than modern flash-suppressed powders at equivalent pressures in short-barrel applications
- Higher carbon residue than single-base alternatives due to double-base chemistry and deterrent content
- Not suitable for medium or large-capacity rifle cartridges – burn rate is too fast for efficient combustion in 308 Winchester or larger
Technical Characteristics
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Alliant Powder (Vista Outdoor) |
| Heritage | Hercules Powder Company (1930s) |
| Type | Double-Base Small Disc Extruded |
| Bulk Density (g/cc) | 0.873 |
| Burn Rate Category | Fast Rifle / Slow Magnum Handgun |
| Burn Rate Position | Hodgdon Relative Chart #63 |
| Temperature Sensitivity | ~1.4-1.6 fps / °F |
The H110 Comparison – The Most Important Distinction
The comparison between Alliant 2400 and Hodgdon H110 is the single most practically important competitive comparison for reloaders considering either powder, and the original article touches on but understates the key difference.
H110 burns slightly slower than 2400 and is a double-base spherical powder with a specific, documented requirement: it must be loaded at or near maximum pressure for clean, complete combustion. Reduced loads with H110 in magnum revolver cases produce dirty burning, elevated carbon residue, and inconsistent velocity. Hodgdon’s own published data warns against reducing H110 loads by more than 3-5% from maximum. This is not a minor qualification – it means H110 is specifically a maximum-pressure magnum powder.
Alliant 2400 does not carry this restriction. Its disc geometry and deterrent structure produce clean combustion across a broader pressure range. Loads 10-15% below maximum still burn cleanly with 2400, which means reloaders can produce reduced-recoil 357 Magnum training loads, moderate-velocity cast bullet hunting loads, or minimum-velocity 44 Magnum plinking loads without the dirty-burning problem that H110 produces at reduced charges.
The practical application difference: if you need maximum-velocity hunting loads from 44 Magnum at all times, H110 is appropriate. If you load the same revolver for a range of applications from moderate target loads through maximum hunting loads, Alliant 2400 serves the full pressure range cleanly.
Temperature Sensitivity – Management Protocol
1.4-1.6 fps per degree Fahrenheit is significant. A 44 Magnum load developed at 55°F that produces 1,450 fps with a 240-grain bullet will produce approximately:
- 1,553-1,581 fps at 95°F (40°F temperature increase, 56-64 fps velocity increase)
- 1,367-1,378 fps at 15°F (40°F temperature decrease, 56-64 fps velocity decrease)
The hot-weather pressure increase is the safety concern. A load developed at maximum pressure at 55°F may show flattened primers, stiff cylinder rotation, or gas cutting at the cylinder-barrel gap at 95°F summer temperatures. The correct protocol: develop the final maximum charge at the highest temperature the firearm will be used at.
For a deer hunter who develops 44 Magnum loads in October at 50°F and hunts through late November at 20°F, the cold-weather velocity reduction (approximately 42-48 fps) shifts point-of-impact at 100 yards by less than half an inch on a deer-sized target – completely manageable. The danger only arises if the same hunter developed loads at 50°F and then carried them to a summer shooting trip at 95°F.
| Temperature | Velocity (40°F swing) |
|---|---|
| 15°F (winter hunt) | 1,367-1,378 fps |
| 55°F (autumn development) | Reference: 1,450 fps |
| 95°F (summer range) | 1,553-1,581 fps |
Burn Rate Comparison and Competing Powders
| Powder | Type | Density (g/cc) | Key Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accurate No. 9 | Double-Base Spherical | 0.950 | Faster – 357 Magnum, 10mm specialist |
| Hodgdon Lil’Gun | Double-Base Spherical | Medium | Similar – versatile magnum ball |
| Alliant 2400 | Double-Base Disc Extruded | 0.873 | Reference |
| Vihtavuori N110 | Single-Base Extruded | 0.800 | Similar-Faster – single-base stable |
| Hodgdon H110 | Double-Base Spherical | 0.940 | Slightly Slower – max pressure only |
| Winchester 296 | Double-Base Spherical | 0.940 | Slightly Slower – = H110 |
| IMR 4227 | Single-Base Extruded | 0.920 | Slower – 300 BLK, single-base |
| Alliant Blue Dot | Double-Base Flake | 0.550 | Slower – moderate magnum, shotshell |
vs. Hodgdon H110 / Winchester 296: Covered in the dedicated section above. The key distinction: 2400 works across a broader pressure range; H110 requires near-maximum pressure for clean combustion.
vs. Vihtavuori N110: N110 is a single-base extruded powder at a comparable burn rate with substantially better temperature stability (0.4-0.6 fps/°F vs 2400’s 1.4-1.6 fps/°F) and lower muzzle flash. It also does not require magnum primers in most small-case applications. 2400 has a deeper North American data library and a lower price point. For a precision revolver hunter who shoots year-round across wide temperature ranges and wants the best seasonal consistency, N110 is the more appropriate choice. For general-purpose magnum handgun loading at volume where the data library breadth matters, 2400 is more practical.
vs. Accurate No. 9: Accurate No. 9 burns faster than 2400 and is specifically effective in 357 Magnum and 10mm Auto at maximum pressure loads. Its ball geometry meters more consistently than 2400’s disc geometry. For 357 Magnum and 10mm at maximum velocity with jacketed bullets, Accurate No. 9 is a legitimate competitor. 2400 holds the advantage in cast bullet applications and in the broader pressure range flexibility.
vs. Alliant Blue Dot: Blue Dot burns slower than 2400 and covers the heavy-payload shotshell and reduced-velocity magnum revolver territory. For 44 Magnum at moderate velocities with the most progressive pressure curve possible, Blue Dot is sometimes preferred by cast bullet hunters. 2400 at maximum pressure produces more velocity than Blue Dot in 44 Magnum and covers the 410-bore application that Blue Dot cannot match as efficiently.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
Alliant 2400 is specifically efficient in the fast-rifle / slow-magnum-handgun burn rate position: small-bore rifle cases, large-bore revolver cases with heavy bullets, and the 410-bore shotshell.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 22 Hornet | 35-55 gr | Original design application |
| 357 Magnum | 125-180 gr | Full-pressure to moderate range |
| 44 Magnum | 200-300 gr | Primary hunting application |
| 44 Special | 200-246 gr | Near-maximum loads only |
| 454 Casull | 250-360 gr | High-pressure hunting |
| 45 Colt | 250-325 gr | Near-maximum specialty loads |
| 41 Remington Magnum | 200-265 gr | Full-pressure hunting |
| 410-Bore Shotshell | 1/2 oz | Specific hull/wad data required |
| 30 Carbine | 110 gr | Maximum velocity carbine |
The 22 Hornet application is the original design home for Alliant 2400. At the time of its development, the 22 Hornet was a top-shelf varmint cartridge and the powder was specifically engineered for its 13-grain case capacity. In the current market, Vihtavuori N110 and Hodgdon H4198 offer better temperature stability for 22 Hornet year-round varmint hunting. 2400 remains fully capable in 22 Hornet with a deep published data history; the choice between it and modern alternatives depends on whether temperature stability or data library breadth is the priority.
The 44 Magnum hunting application is where 2400 carries the strongest current competitive justification. The combination of the broad pressure range (from target velocity to maximum hunting), cast bullet compatibility, and the visual double-charge protection from moderate bulk density creates a profile that ball powder alternatives cannot fully replicate.
The 410-bore shotshell application requires complete published recipe adherence – hull, wad, primer, powder, and shot weight are a matched system. Do not substitute individual components without published data for that specific substitution.
Cast Bullet Specifics
Alliant 2400 has an established and documented reputation for compatibility with cast lead bullets in magnum revolver cartridges. The mechanism is the pressure curve: the lower initial pressure peak compared to ball powders at the same velocity reduces bullet upset (deformation at the base from the initial pressure spike) in soft-alloy cast projectiles. Less upset means more consistent projectile geometry through the bore, which produces more consistent accuracy with cast bullets.
For 44 Magnum with hard-cast hunting bullets – typically 240-300 grain WLN or Keith-style projectiles at 1,300-1,500 fps for woods use – 2400 is among the best documented powder choices. The sustained pressure develops adequate velocity from 4-7.5 inch barrels without the sharp spike that can produce gas cutting at the cylinder-barrel gap with hard-cast bullets.
Velocity with cast bullets should be kept within leading limits: most commercially available hard cast alloy (BHN 15-18) can be driven to 1,500-1,600 fps in large-bore revolvers before leading becomes a concern. 2400 in 44 Magnum with hard cast bullets at 1,350-1,450 fps is a well-documented and reliable hunting combination.
Bullets
Alliant 2400 is effective with jacketed, plated, and cast lead bullets across its application range. The moderate pressure peak provides better compatibility with cast bullets than faster-peaking ball powders at equivalent velocities.
| Brand | Model | Weight | Cartridge | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady | XTP | 158-180 gr | 357 Magnum | Hunting and Defense |
| Hornady | XTP | 240-300 gr | 44 Magnum | Hunting |
| Sierra | Sports Master | 158-180 gr | 357 Magnum | Competition / Hunting |
| Nosler | Partition | 250-300 gr | 44 Magnum / 454 Casull | Big Game Hunting |
| Nosler | AccuBond | 250-300 gr | 44 Magnum / 454 Casull | Premium Hunting |
| Barnes | TSX | 200-275 gr | 44 Magnum / 454 Casull | Lead-Free Hunting |
| Lehigh Defense | Xtreme Penetrator | 158-220 gr | 357 Mag / 44 Mag | Hard-Cast Defense |
| Hornady | V-MAX | 40-55 gr | 22 Hornet | Varmint |
| Sierra | Varminter | 40-50 gr | 22 Hornet | Varmint |
Have you loaded Alliant 2400? Your practical data on charge weights, cast bullet accuracy, temperature behavior, or comparison with H110 helps other reloaders more than any spec sheet. Leave a comment below.
Primers
Alliant 2400 does not require magnum primers in most standard applications – a genuine practical advantage over Hodgdon H110 which requires magnum primers at all times. Standard large and small pistol primers provide adequate ignition for 2400 across the standard pressure range in most revolvers. Magnum primers are appropriate at maximum charge weights in 454 Casull and similar high-pressure applications, and in cold conditions below 10-15°F.
| Primer | Type | Application |
|---|---|---|
| CCI 500 | Small Pistol Standard | 357 Magnum standard loads |
| Winchester WSP | Small Pistol Standard | 357 Magnum general |
| Federal 100 | Small Pistol Standard | 357 Magnum – sensitive option |
| CCI 300 | Large Pistol Standard | 44 Magnum, 41 Magnum standard |
| Winchester WLP | Large Pistol Standard | 44 Magnum, 454 Casull standard |
| Federal 150 | Large Pistol Standard | 44 Magnum consistent ignition |
| CCI 350 | Large Pistol Magnum | 454 Casull max, cold weather |
| Federal 215 | Large Rifle Magnum | 454 Casull maximum pressure only |
| CCI 400 | Small Rifle Standard | 22 Hornet, 30 Carbine |
| Remington 7-1/2 | Small Rifle Bench Rest | 22 Hornet – hot ignition |
| Fiocchi Large Pistol | Large Pistol Standard | General 44 Magnum use |
| Ginex Large Pistol | Large Pistol Standard | Cost-effective option |
The no-magnum-primer advantage is worth restating clearly: for a 44 Magnum reloader who loads across a range from moderate target loads to full hunting pressure, standard large pistol primers (CCI 300, Winchester WLP) work across the full range with 2400. Switching to magnum primers at the top end is optional and only occasionally necessary with maximum charges in the very largest cases.
Metering and Equipment Compatibility
Alliant 2400’s small disc geometry meters better than standard extruded stick powders but not as consistently as spherical ball powders. Charge-to-charge variance of 0.1-0.2 grains is typical on quality volumetric equipment – acceptable for hunting and target revolver loads where exact velocity is secondary to reliability.
For single-stage revolver loading, the Lyman Brass Smith Powder Measure and RCBS Uniflow both handle 2400’s disc geometry at controlled cycling speeds. Use a consistent handle stroke for best metering uniformity.
For progressive press production on a Dillon XL 750 or Lee Classic Turret, verify that the powder bar aperture is sized appropriately for the disc geometry and that the measure does not shear discs at the drum edge.
For precision loading where 0.1-0.2 grain variance is unacceptable, trickling to exact weight with a Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler and a quality scale like the Lyman Gen 6 Compact provides ±0.02 grain charge consistency.
Reloading Safety Notes
Temperature-induced pressure variation is the primary safety concern with Alliant 2400. At 1.4-1.6 fps per degree, a load developed at maximum charge at 55°F can produce dangerous pressure at 95°F summer temperatures. Develop maximum-charge loads at the highest temperature you will use the firearm at.
All charge weights must come from current published Alliant load data for 2400 specifically. Do not substitute Hodgdon H110, Winchester 296, or Accurate 1680 charge weights without independent verification.
Start 10% below the listed maximum and work up in 0.3-grain increments for standard revolver applications and 0.2-grain increments for smaller cases like 22 Hornet. Watch for pressure signs: stiff cylinder rotation, gas cutting at the cylinder gap, flattened primers, difficulty extracting cases.
For 410-bore shotshell loading, use the complete published recipe as a system – substituting individual components without specific published data for that substitution is unsafe in shotshell applications.
See the overpressure in reloading guide for systematic pressure sign identification.
FAQ
Does Alliant 2400 require magnum primers like H110?
No – this is one of 2400’s practical advantages over H110. Standard large pistol primers (CCI 300, Winchester WLP) work across the full pressure range of standard revolver applications with 2400. Magnum primers are appropriate only at maximum charges in 454 Casull and in sub-freezing conditions. H110 requires magnum primers in all applications due to its thick deterrent coating.
Why is 2400 better than H110 for cast bullet loads?
H110 requires near-maximum pressure for clean combustion – there is no flexibility to reduce loads without dirty burning. For cast bullet hunting loads that may be at 80-90% of maximum pressure (typical for modest velocity cast hunting loads), 2400 burns cleanly across that pressure range while H110 does not. Additionally, 2400’s lower initial pressure peak produces less bullet upset in soft-alloy cast projectiles than H110’s sharper pressure spike.
Can Alliant 2400 be used in 300 Blackout subsonic?
Accurate 1680 and Hodgdon CFE BLK are the documented powder choices for 300 Blackout subsonic with 200-220 grain bullets. 2400 is not specifically documented for this application in major published data sources. It burns slightly faster than ideal for 300 Blackout subsonic consistency with the gas system requirements of AR-15 platforms. Use powders specifically developed and documented for that application.
Conclusion
Alliant 2400 has remained in continuous production for over 90 years because it genuinely fills a position that newer powders have not displaced. The broad pressure range tolerance – working cleanly from moderate target loads through maximum hunting pressure – is uniquely practical among fast-magnum powders. The cast bullet compatibility is documented and field-proven. The double-charge visual detection in large revolver cases from its moderate bulk density adds safety margin. The absence of a mandatory magnum primer requirement provides loading flexibility that ball powder competitors cannot offer.
The temperature sensitivity (1.4-1.6 fps/°F) and disc geometry metering limitations are the known trade-offs – neither disqualifying, both requiring acknowledgment and appropriate protocols.
Choose Alliant 2400 if you load 44 Magnum, 357 Magnum, or 454 Casull across a range of pressures from target velocity through maximum hunting loads, particularly with cast bullets, and want the flexibility that a broad pressure range and no mandatory magnum primer requirement provide. Choose Hodgdon H110 if maximum hunting velocity is the only application and you will always load at or near maximum. Choose Vihtavuori N110 if superior year-round temperature stability across seasons and lower suppressor residue are the primary criteria. Choose Accurate 1680 if 300 Blackout subsonic or 7.62x39mm progressive production loading is the application.
Editor’s note: Published load data and manufacturer specifications are the starting point – not the final word. Field experience from reloaders who have actually worked with this powder is the most reliable guide to what it does in practice. If you have used Alliant 2400, share your results in the comments.
Editorial note: Originally published 2026, revised May 2026.
