Muzzle flash and shooting in low light

[Mr. 16 gauge]

I went to the range the other night (indoor) and was shooting under low light conditions.....WOW!!!! What a flash came out of the .357 mag I was shooting, and it had a 6" barrel on it! I can only imagine what it might be like with a 2 1/2" barrel. I remember shooting a .22 after dark when I was a kid, and the flash blinded me for a few moments.

Does anyone thing of this when considering CCW ammo? Is there anyone out there that promotes a 'low flash' load? Enquiring minds would like to know...

For those of you who reload, what powders have you found to be 'low flash' powders?

Thanks in advance...........

[Adam Helmer]

Mr. 16 gauge,

Excellent question!

We did night fire at the agency as part of our semi-annual qualification. The muzzle flash was a surprise to most agents.
As for low flash powders, I do not have a definitive answer. I do know that 2400, H110 and 296 flash a lot in my .357s.

I agree that a short barrel will give more flash.

Adam

[jmarriott]

I switch down to federal hydro-shoc's in 38 for nighttime carry. I have a 2 inch 357 and it is blinding. The 38's light up the night but not as bad. I would guess that since gunpowder is basicaly a controlled explosion i would not think there would be a low or no flash load. The revolver is going to spark more because of the cylinder gap.

[Contenderizer]

I guess if the gun goes bang there is going to be the inevitable flash. Never heard of a load designed to reduce same, though there may be some military ammo like that. Wasn't there a song with the words "sunglasses at night?"