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  #1  
Old 11-13-2010, 09:37 PM
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Hello Guys.
I have just purchased everything I need to start reloading.
I need 3 good loads

I want to know reloads for the following;

.38 Special...I plan on making the FBI load.
I will be using the LSWCHP and +P is what I want. I have a 38/44 that can handle the load easily. Looking for 1100 FPS.

.44 Mag . I would like the full Magnum Load like Winchester or Remington Factory Ammo. I would also like target loads in the .44 special range...Can you make such a lower pressure load with Magnum Brass? I don't want to invest in more than 1 type of Brass.
I have a Ruger Vaquero in .44 that I will be using with these loads.

And last I have a Walther PPK/S that has been fixed by the factory with that big recall they had.
Ideas for a good personal defense load to maximize this .380 pistol's effectiveness.

When I start something I leap in head first. It is a fault of mine, but it keeps the wife on her toes...

BTW...When I first got together with my wife, I asked her how she felt about guns and this was her reply....
"I refuse to have an unloaded gun in my house."
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Old 11-13-2010, 09:48 PM
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I strongly suggest you get a number of reloading manuals or visit some powder company websites. I will tell you that 7.0 of Unique and a cast swc makes a fine light load in 44.
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Old 11-13-2010, 09:54 PM
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Thanks for the warning. I have no desire to blow my hand or other things off. I will research the loads diligently and be 110% sure before I ever fire the first shot.
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Old 11-13-2010, 10:14 PM
K&Nframe K&Nframe is offline
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You are asking for max loads. You can't really use someone elses max load without working up to it in your own gun. A load that is safe in my gun may be over pressure in yours or vice versa.

I can tell you that in the 44mag win 296 and it's twin H110 are the 2 most widely used powders for max loads. I have no experience loading 380, and there are at least a dozen powders that will work for +p loads in the 38 special.

I hope this helps.


Kevin
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Old 11-13-2010, 10:26 PM
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Thanks. I guess I will just wait on the reloading manual.
In particular, I was looking for the .38 FBI load.
My gun can handle it
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Old 11-13-2010, 11:04 PM
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If you have or buy the Lee manual, it compiles all load data from different sources. Whats nice it is lists all loads from highest to lowest for each caliber and bullet.

That being said it is wise to start at the minimum loads and work up. IMHO there is not need to load the FBI load for use in a short barrel revolver. Any of the+P loads using modern bullet designs like the Speer short barrel Gold Dot bullets work just as well and have less recoil, muzzle flash and wear and tear on your gun.

Buy several manuals before loading anything and start slow and low.
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Old 11-14-2010, 12:39 PM
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You might want to get a few hundred rounds of less than max loads under your belt before you start loading for bear and elephant.
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Old 11-14-2010, 02:21 PM
Skip Sackett Skip Sackett is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by epj View Post
You might want to get a few hundred rounds of less than max loads under your belt before you start loading for bear and elephant.


Ya THINK? LOLOLOLOLOL!

I don't know, 38spl elephant loads, now I want to see some of them!

As for the 38spl FBI load: Many have made comments about what that is. A few times, they have even matched each other. Now, what do you call an FBI load? What length barrel and weight of bullet?

I have developed a 160gr LSWC load that delivers 1100fps from a 3" tube. I'm not going to post the load here because it is even over 38spl +P pressures. It would be safe in your 38/44HD but still........................


If you want to find a load of that type with current data, you aren't going to get one from any American powder company. Oh, it is achievable with American powders, don't get me wrong. It's about getting current data.

Go to Vitavouri's (sp) website and look at their data. All of it meets either SAAMI or CIP standards and they list a load with a 158gr LSWC going 1100fps from a 5 or 6 inch barrel.

Let us know how things work out!
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Old 11-14-2010, 02:49 PM
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I am new to reloading as well.
I love my firearms, and started just above the minimum for my 45.
It was significantly light!

I think middle of the range of a manual is perfect.
Then move up from there...

I have been told to take it slow and take good notes as you increase your load.
good luck, have fun, & be safe
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Old 11-14-2010, 02:52 PM
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After you have gained some experience with your new equipment, you can experiment with nearly any load you see in print. Any load you don't have first hand experience with, just reduce it by 10 to 20%, according to how "HOT" it seems to be, and work up to it by 1 or 2 tenths of a grain of powder. Often, you will find that less than the max will suit you very well. Be safe.
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Old 11-14-2010, 04:21 PM
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laney556,

Others have said it, but it still bears repeating. If you don't have at least one good reloading manual, preferably several, you don't have everything you need to start re-loading! Read it several times too.

It's like a baby, they start to crawl, then walk, and finally, run. When it comes to loading you are a baby and want to start out running without learning the basics, don't do it.
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Old 11-16-2010, 02:29 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ddixie884 View Post
Any load you don't have first hand experience with, just reduce it by 10 to 20%, according to how "HOT" it seems to be, and work up to it by 1 or 2 tenths of a grain of powder.
Even though I know what your talking about and I know your intent is good that really isn't the best advice to give. Reducing a load by 20% can cause even more problems than too high a charge. That much of a reduction can cause a squib load or even a detonation problem. (though very rare) It's never a good idea to reduce a load by 20%. If you're that unsure of the load data don't use it at all instead of reducing it by that much. Always stick with known published data especially when you're starting out.
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