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Old 01-02-2011, 09:42 PM
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Default HS-6 in 38 Special?

Anyone using Hodgdon's HS-6 in 38 special loads? I usually load with Unique or Clays but have a pound of HS-6 that I would like to try. I'm using the Laser Cast 158 gr SWC which I have not had good luck with shooting at lower velocities (700-800 fps). The Hodgdon's site lists 5.7 grs of HS-6 at 928 fps with a max of 6.3 gr at 1010 fps. Anyone have any experience with HS-6?

Thanks

Rick
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Old 01-02-2011, 10:13 PM
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I am interested in this load also.
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Old 01-02-2011, 10:23 PM
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My first loads for the .38 Special were with 158 gr cast swc's, and HS-6 about 30 years ago. I have used it in that round as well as several other since then, and have always been very satisfied with its performance. I worked up to the max load in Speer #9 which is 5.8 grains, and it always shot quite well out of my first .38, and .357.

It has worked well in many other .38's that have came and went since then too.
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Old 01-02-2011, 11:00 PM
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Just happens that fairly recently I purchased a pound of HS-6 because of the claimed velocities, specifically to load some +P equivalent loads. The only difference being I used the +P charge data from Hodgdon which, for the 158 JHP is 6.6 gr.

Here is the specific load:

W-W Nickel .38 Spl cases
Federal 100 primer
Speer 158 LSWCHP
6.6 gr. HS-6

3 guns used and approximate test temperature noted. On the first test I was only getting 2 of 3 rounds to read so I stopped at only one cylinder fired, 4 of 6 rounds read.

M 10-4 6" 50 degrees avg velocity 776 FPS

M 10-5 2" 60 degrees avg velocity 689 FPS 12 rds

K-38 6" 60 degrees avg velocity 744 FPS 12 rds

This last gun is a 1948 skinny barrel K-38 and tends to run a little slow.

Out of the 2" M 10 Win & Fed 158 LSWCHP +P both chronographed at 821 FPS, so it is obvious that the Hodgdon data is, to say the least, optimistic! I estimated that it would take 8.3-8.4 gr HS-6 or about a 28% increase in charge weight to get the same velocity as the factory +P loads tested! Ain't going to happen. Far from giving +P velocities as anticipated I barely got standard velocity performance.

In other words, don't expect anything close to the velocities Hodgdon shows for at least this cartridge/powder/bullet combination.

Last edited by Alk8944; 01-02-2011 at 11:05 PM. Reason: Added Italic comment.
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Old 01-03-2011, 12:06 AM
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ArchangelCD (whose birthday it is today - happy birthday, amico), convinced me to try HS-6 for the .38. I found that I definitely preferred a magnum primer with this powder, and that old-school loadings gave me quite accurate results very similar in power to the "FBI Load." I can also duplicate this with Unique and Power Pistol, but it's nice to have another load available. I have no idea what present-day load maximums are, though, so I'll refrain from publishing data.
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Old 01-03-2011, 01:40 AM
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An older data Unique load will easily surpass that kind of velocities out of a 2" barrel. Something like 850 fps, but I clocked 870 fps out of a 2" Rossi.

BTW, that's MV, the instrumental velocity was a little over 850 fps.
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Old 01-03-2011, 06:07 AM
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HS-6 will get you some serious +P velocities. It just won't happen with current data. HS-6 HAS GOT TO HAVE A MAGNUM PRIMER. Otherwise you are going to have abysmal results. Unburnt powder and wide ES and SD.

It meters like a dream and as Erich has stated, ArchAngel, has rung the limits of this powder in the 38spl. He'll be along, guaranteed, once he reads the title!

Alk's estimation is a bit high to get the desired results, but not that much. The Speer #8 maximum load is a bit less than the 8.4gr he stated and I too wouldn't go there. Speer #8 maximum load though, yeah, I'd give that a try. It says that they got over 1200fps from a 6" K frame! Now that is +P performance to say the least!
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Old 01-03-2011, 08:35 AM
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Speer #8 maximum load
Oh no, Skip! Now you've gone and done it!
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Old 01-03-2011, 08:58 AM
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Oh no, Skip! Now you've gone and done it!
They don't call me a "pot stirrer" for nothing!
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Old 01-03-2011, 11:23 AM
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Mercy!


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Old 01-03-2011, 01:19 PM
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As has been said, I have done a lot of testing with HS-6 and have settled on a few loads I really like.

Here's what I've found to be true for me:
HS-6 does not react well to light loads, it's "happier" up near the top end of the pressure range. Because of that I don't use HS-6 for standard .38 Special load, only for +P loads. As said, a Magnum primer IMO is a necessity. I can achieve single digit SD numbers with using a Magnum primer and the loads are much more consistent.

As for load data, the current load data available for HS-6 is anemic at best. I suggest looking at the .357 Magnum load data using a lead bullet and comparing it to the load data provided for lead bullets in the .38 Special and see what you can see! The current load data doesn't come near the SAAMI limits and with a little data extrapolation you can produce a very potent .38 Special +P load without pushing past the SAAMI limits.

I also use HS-6 in place of 2400 for medium to medium hot range .357 Magnum ammo and for .45 Colt "working" loads. HS-6 seems to generate less pressure than most other powders while generating the same velocities.
(as you can see I don't care for HS-6 in the least!! )

Thank you for the Birthday wishes Erich...
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Old 01-03-2011, 01:56 PM
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Thanks for the replies!
I just tried some test loads with 5.8 gr of HS-6 under a Laser Cast 158 gr swc (very hard lead or silver or whatever they use). I used a standard Winchester small pistol primer. The grouping was not good and there was a lot of powder residue in the barrel of my 6.5 in. Blackhawk. Recoil was mild.

I am guessing that the Laser Cast bullet is so hard that the base is not expanding enough to "grab" the rifling at lower velocities. Softer lead bullets such as Hornady and Speer work much better in the gun. I have not tried any in my Model 10 4" but am not expecting any better results.

Sounds like I will need a magnum primer and possibly up the charge before this powder will burn properly. Maybe I'll just stick to Unique!
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Old 01-03-2011, 01:59 PM
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Accuracy will improve with a higher charge weight and use of Magnum primer. When you get it right you will be impressed with the accuracy.
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Old 01-03-2011, 02:51 PM
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When you get it right you will be impressed with the accuracy.
He's telling you the truth!
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Old 01-03-2011, 03:06 PM
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I believe he IS telling the truth!
I just tried 5 more loads: 6.2 Gr HS-6 and Federal Magnum primers.
No more unburned powder, accuracy getting better.
Running out of time today but I am going to pursue this further. Thanks for the help!
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Old 01-03-2011, 03:10 PM
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I have been using the maximum Hodgdon load of 6.6 grains and a 158LSWC with my guns. Accuracy has been nothing to brag about, but it does seem to smack metal plates with some authority. While I have not chronographed the load, it does fire smartly when the hammer is dropped.

Also, as others have mentioned, there is a fair bit of residue and plenty of kernels of unburned powder. In fact, if I am remembering correctly from this past summer, there were a lot of what looked to be "bleached" granules of powder on the bench around that part touched by muzzle blast, and even in the cases themselves. I have not tried it with a magnum primer, as I use primarily WSP, but perhaps that will change the lacklustre results I've seen thus far.
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Old 01-03-2011, 05:56 PM
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I have not tried it with a magnum primer, as I use primarily WSP, but perhaps that will change the lackluster results I've seen thus far.
I'm betting you will see an improvement with Magnum primers.

I'm not telling anyone to exceed published loads as a rule but like I said above, the load data for HS-6 is anemic at best. Look around and look at the .357 Magnum load data on the Hodgdon Load Data Site for lead 158gr bullets and you will see a much higher charge listed than in the .38 Special but less pressure from .7gr more powder. Also, look at some older Winchester W540 data for real results. They are both the same powders.

Hodgdon lists a charge of 7.0gr with pressures of only 15,500 CUP in .357 Magnum brass using a Magnum primer. Granted the Magnum case is 1/8" longer but it's hard to believe you can increase the charge weight that much and have such low pressure from only 1/8" more capacity. This is only my opinion, I'm not telling anyone to do something they feel is unsafe. I'm only thinking out loud and extrapolating data.

With a .38 Special +P pressure ceiling of 20,000 PSI which is something like 22,000 CUP I'm sure 7.0gr is safe in a .38 Special case. Again, just my opinion, I'm not telling anyone to do what I do.
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Old 01-03-2011, 06:27 PM
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Objectively, HS-6 is at the edge of suitable powders for the .38 Special.
It actually works better in a .357 case at pressures between .38+P and .357 mag specs.
However, if you want to get into the range of high-pressure N-frame .38 loads, the HS-6 perks up and performs.

Haaving unusually low pressures in a load is not a goal to be coveted, because it also means low efficiency and often poor consistency.
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Old 01-04-2011, 04:39 AM
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Objectively, HS-6 is at the edge of suitable powders for the .38 Special.
It actually works better in a .357 case at pressures between .38+P and .357 mag specs.
However, if you want to get into the range of high-pressure N-frame .38 loads, the HS-6 perks up and performs.
As I said in my first post... (Post #11)
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Old 01-04-2011, 10:50 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ArchAngelCD View Post
I'm betting you will see an improvement with Magnum primers.

I'm not telling anyone to exceed published loads as a rule but like I said above, the load data for HS-6 is anemic at best. Look around and look at the .357 Magnum load data on the Hodgdon Load Data Site for lead 158gr bullets and you will see a much higher charge listed than in the .38 Special but less pressure from .7gr more powder. Also, look at some older Winchester W540 data for real results. They are both the same powders.

Hodgdon lists a charge of 7.0gr with pressures of only 15,500 CUP in .357 Magnum brass using a Magnum primer. Granted the Magnum case is 1/8" longer but it's hard to believe you can increase the charge weight that much and have such low pressure from only 1/8" more capacity. This is only my opinion, I'm not telling anyone to do something they feel is unsafe. I'm only thinking out loud and extrapolating data.

With a .38 Special +P pressure ceiling of 20,000 PSI which is something like 22,000 CUP I'm sure 7.0gr is safe in a .38 Special case. Again, just my opinion, I'm not telling anyone to do what I do.
Well, where I am, as in many parts of Kanuckistan, the shooting year involves about 8 months of range time and about 4 months at the reloading bench. We're in the reloading season now.

I'm using 6.6 grains right now in .38spl cases, but I'll be picking up some magnum primers at my local pusher's establishment before my next .38 reloading session.
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Old 01-04-2011, 11:26 AM
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Dad's up at his place 80 miles N. of the Soo right now, Last of the Mohicans - you've got a pretty country up there.

I have only done a couple of HS-6 .38 Special (+P) loads, but I found that the more pressure-y ones worked better. In my limited experience, I've found that the 158-grainers worked better for me with this powder/cartridge than the lighter bullets. I was closer to ArchangelCD's load than yours (hint, hint), and got what I felt to be good results.

Using more powder than present data suggests I should, hardcast 158-grainer RNLs from CO Cast Bullet Company, CCI 550 mag primer, and a medium roll crimp, I got the following:

4" GP-100: M 966.5/ES 83.28/SD 32.77
3" S&W 36-1: M 887.0/ES 29.15/SD 11.40
2 1/8" DS: M 841.4/ES 24.07/ SD 8.88

You know, I was pretty happy with this. It was dirty (both the DS and the GP actually sort of clogged up with schmutz and had slow mechanisms during firing this loading) but it worked well and felt like the real deal.

Group pix offhand at 10 yards:







The GP clearly liked it - I shot quite a lot of it offhand DA and had no problem keeping the groups around 1".


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Old 01-04-2011, 11:46 AM
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Erich, that's useful information indeed. And, I'm liking the looks of your results. Thanks for the advice.

And yes, this part of the country is very interesting. If your dad is 80 miles north of the Soo, he is about 4 hours drive west-northwest from my location (Sudbury). We don't have too much snow so far this winter, so he's probably able to get out and enjoy himself more!
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Old 01-04-2011, 12:44 PM
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I have had the best success with HS-6 and 125gr. JHPs and standard primers (never tried magnum primers with it) for 1,000ish fps in a model 15.

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Old 01-04-2011, 12:46 PM
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His neighbor's webcam:

Welcome to Montreal River Harbour Canada

Sudbury! I see your Wolves facing off against the ' Hounds sometimes in the online version of the Sault Star. Dad and his wife drive over there from time to time, but I can't recall why. Might be something to do with the college.

Enjoy your reloading season!
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Old 01-04-2011, 02:21 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ArchAngelCD View Post
Hodgdon lists a charge of 7.0gr with pressures of only 15,500 CUP in .357 Magnum brass using a Magnum primer. Granted the Magnum case is 1/8" longer but it's hard to believe you can increase the charge weight that much and have such low pressure from only 1/8" more capacity. This is only my opinion, I'm not telling anyone to do something they feel is unsafe. I'm only thinking out loud and extrapolating data.
.
The one thing I notice about the 357Mag data and the XTP bullet is how fast pressures rise with such a little increase in powder.

Tony, we have talked about this before only on a different load.(I don't remember now which one!) There is very little "wiggle room" in some of the data for HS-6. What I have seen before, both in published data and in real life tests, it that some powders (haven't tried this with HS-6 myself though) small changes means big differences in pressure. Case in point: Clays.

Maybe I'm "over thinking" this but it would seem that Hodgdon seems to think that is true about HS-6.

I know that I have had better results with SR4756 when building 38spl +P loads.

Just me though and I wouldn't be afraid to use any of the loads posted by ArchAngle.

FWIW
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Old 01-04-2011, 09:58 PM
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The cannelure on 158gr. XTPs sits higher on the bullet than most others that I have used, thus, the base sits deeper in the case. My favorite .357 mag loads (used for 20 years, warm but not hot) got too hot when I switched to XTPs. The model 28 would not handle them (primer setting back and cratering to the point of dragging). Had to shoot them in the Blackhawk. Now I always reduce powder charges more than usual (in any caliber) when switching to XTPs, then work up a new load.

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Old 01-05-2011, 04:13 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by smith crazy View Post
The one thing I notice about the 357Mag data and the XTP bullet is how fast pressures rise with such a little increase in powder.

Tony, we have talked about this before only on a different load.(I don't remember now which one!) There is very little "wiggle room" in some of the data for HS-6. What I have seen before, both in published data and in real life tests, it that some powders (haven't tried this with HS-6 myself though) small changes means big differences in pressure. Case in point: Clays.

Maybe I'm "over thinking" this but it would seem that Hodgdon seems to think that is true about HS-6.

I know that I have had better results with SR4756 when building 38spl +P loads.

Just me though and I wouldn't be afraid to use any of the loads posted by ArchAngle.

FWIW
Skip, I agree some powders will spike pressures even with small changes in charge weights. Those powder though seem to be the faster powders like Clays and Bullseye and a few others. HS-6 is a hard to ignite powder that sits right in the middle of the pistol powder range and as far as I can tell doesn't spike pressures like Clays easily can. Of course I would have to defer to the powder company because they do all the pressure testing whereas I can't.
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Old 01-14-2011, 12:38 AM
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I have experimented with HS-6 in .38 with cast bullets of 105 and 125 grns., the Speer 158 gr LSWC and the 125gr. Hornady XTP with powder charges ranging from 4 grains to 7.5 (125 Xtp only). I settled on 6 grains with the 158gr Speer as a pretty nice moderate practice load for my older snubbies.
Any less powder was prohibitively dirty. 7.5 under the 125 XTP (listed max is 7.8) shoots very well in my Trooper III. I also like 10 grns with the 125 XTP for a .357 load.
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Old 01-14-2011, 11:11 PM
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Was out at the range today with the max loading for 158-gr LSWCs in .38 +Ps, shooting them (after a lot of .357) from my Chiappa Rhino. The HS-6 loads just kept going into one hole at ten yards. Even after I reloaded.

Big shout-out to ArchangelCD for turning me on to this powder: I'll be using this load again!
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Old 01-15-2011, 01:40 AM
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I'm glad you found a load using HS-6 your new revolver likes Erich.
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Old 01-15-2011, 05:37 PM
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Me too, paisano! Thanks!
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Old 12-22-2012, 07:48 PM
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Cool HS-6 in .38

I use HS-6 in 9mm and am well pleased with it in a number of loads. I am trying to get my wife to shoot her snub .38 more often, so I thought I'd load some Hornady Cowboy 140 gr. lead with a light load. Used 5.5 gr. HS-6 and it's a great light load. I haven't shot for accuracy, but I think 5.5 gr. to 6.0 gr. will do the trick. I will move up to 6.0 gr. and see how that goes.
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Old 01-08-2013, 03:03 PM
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As mentioned HS-6 is a good powder for 38 +p loads but I have to note..........

SR4756 was mentioned and in my snub nose a near maximum load of 5.8grs only gave 729fps with a 158Lwwchp bullet. This powder works much better in my 6" guns.
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Old 04-04-2013, 08:06 PM
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Since this thread has been resurrected I don't feel too bad posting here. I actually had to join this forum just to talk to you fellows that seem to be using HS-6 a lot. Even though I don't own a single S&W (I feel a little sheepish about joining)

I have plenty of .38spl brass, and a fair amount of CCI 550's, and Hornady is a stone throw away from where I live, so there is a plethora of the 158gr LSWC and LSWCHP bullets available. I also have a few pounds of HS-6. So I figured, "meh, why not?"

I'm trying to work up a load close to "the FBI load". I'm not after barn burners, but a well rounded load that I can use for practice, but would still be sufficient against wild dogs, two-legged intruders, etc. So somewhere in the 850-950fps range seems reasonable. I have a 3" SP101 and 4" GP100. I will always stick to at least a 3" barrel.
---

I started at 5.9gr of HS-6 under the LSWC and worked up, starting with the SP101 first. I had a really hot load around 6.7gr and I'm not sure why. Extremely stout recoil, flattened and cratered primer, it was also pretty obvious that the case was under extreme pressure as it was slow to release from the cylinder wall as it slammed backward scrape marks and wall thinning at the bottom of the case. I also noticed I was losing accuracy past about 6.4-6.5gr. I ended up firing the last round of that cylinder without issue. And then ended up firing two more cylinders full in 6.8 and 7.0. No more hot loads, but continued poor accuracy.

This was over the winter at an indoor range, so I couldn't really use my chronograph. I'm planning on going fishing over memorial day weekend with my wife and kids, and some other friends. Nowadays I stick to using a Huntington Compac handpress and carry all my gear in a bag. I'll also take my chrony with me. So my questions;

- If I'm getting anywhere over 850fps on 6.3gr or less of powder, do you think it's worth going higher?
- Do you guys trim your cases, if so what length? I plan to make sure I have 100 cases trimmed before I go.
- Roll crimp, I assume. How much? Light, heavy? I'm supposing heavy because I want good pressure for HS-6, but I would like to confirm.

Anything else I should be aware of?

Thanks.
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Old 04-04-2013, 09:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Skip Sackett View Post
HS-6 will get you some serious +P velocities. It just won't happen with current data. HS-6 HAS GOT TO HAVE A MAGNUM PRIMER. Otherwise you are going to have abysmal results. Unburnt powder and wide ES and SD.
Does this mean you are supposed to use a mag primer w/9mm ?

I have some HS-6 and it reads on the front label for 9mm

Thanks,
Jim
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Old 04-04-2013, 11:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Risasi View Post
- If I'm getting anywhere over 850fps on 6.3gr or less of powder, do you think it's worth going higher?
- Do you guys trim your cases, if so what length? I plan to make sure I have 100 cases trimmed before I go.
- Roll crimp, I assume. How much? Light, heavy? I'm supposing heavy because I want good pressure for HS-6, but I would like to confirm.

Anything else I should be aware of?

Thanks.
-If you're getting the velocity you're looking for and the accuracy is good I see no reason to add more powder.

-I have never trimmed a straight walled handgun case and don't ever intend to.

-I use a medium to a little heavier roll crimp when loading with HS-6. I treat the loads more like a magnum load than a Special load.

-Anything else, yes, please use magnum primers when loading with HS-6, they just work better. (but I see you already mentioned you will be using CCI-550 primers, good) Don't forget the range report when you shoot them over the Chrono...
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Old 04-04-2013, 11:56 PM
Risasi Risasi is offline
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- we shall see if I get the speed I'm after.

- I'm trimming more for consistency in getting a good consistent crimp.

- And yeah, only magnum primers for HS-6. Standard primers for 2400.

So I'm guessing Rollbar will get better consistentcy with mag primers, no?

P.S. I will post a follow up on chrony results, accuracy, etc. Thanks for the prompt reply.

Last edited by Risasi; 04-05-2013 at 06:54 AM.
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Old 04-07-2013, 10:50 PM
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I'm starting from scratch here. I'm starting at 5.8gr and will probably work up in .1 gr increments. My goal is 900fps out of my 3" SP101.

I have a feeling I'm not seating them deep enough. The attached pic is seated at 1.584", trim length is 1.145".

ArchAngelCD,

Do you have a specific seating depth you like to use? And what do you think of the crimp, go a little heavier?
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  #39  
Old 04-07-2013, 11:44 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Risasi View Post
- Do you guys trim your cases, if so what length? I plan to make sure I have 100 cases trimmed before I go.

Thanks.
I trim new brass the first time I use it to even out inconsistencies in different makes of brass. The Lee trimmers I use will only trim to the proper length for the four calibers I load.
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Old 04-08-2013, 01:29 AM
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Just thought I would toss this info in about HS-6;

Lyman has its 6.7gr (4") load with a 160gr (#2 Alloy) bullet at 901 fps and a 16,200 cup.

18,500 cup is a +P pressure in the 38 spl.

The "Atomic" Speer manual with a K frame list the maximum at 8.0 grs with a mag primer.

Seems that HS-6 would work as a +P load in a J frame snub nose but it is one powder I have yet to try.
I have used w540 but did not have a snub nose at that time.........bummer.
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  #41  
Old 04-08-2013, 08:22 AM
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@rwsmith; I use a forster that uses different collets and pilots. I trim to the std minimum, at least in the manuals I have, which is 1.145". I also don't trim every time. Mostly just once-fired brass I pick up on the range.
---

@Nevada Ed; I assume you mean the Speer #8 manual. Yeah, ArchAngelCD is convinced you can get +P pressures without redlining, and it seems that old manuals indicate 8.0gr is max load for a 158gr LSWC bullet. Right now 6.3 is max in most manuals and I have a feeling 7.0 is probably all the higher I would ever want to go, mainly just for reduced wear and tear on the firearm.

- There is no way I'd shoot +6.3 loads in a .38
- I'm a little hesitant to shoot that high in my SP101 either, just because of the waaay over pressure signs I experienced with the one load.
- I still think this is a very good powder that can be worked up to get some stout .38 loads that should offer really good performance for heavier bullets. After I sort out the 158gr load I have some 170 Keith bullets from Rimrock which are next on the agenda.

Hopefully ArchAngel will pop in here and see my two follow up questions.
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Old 04-08-2013, 01:36 PM
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I know Unique is not like HS-6 but I shot 5.4 grs of it in a J frame snub nose one time..................
then tried 5.2 grs.........................for 851 fps
5.0 grs was only 20 fps slower and sure felt a lot better
on a naked hand with out the use of a shooting glove.

I would think if you could get HS-6 to around 850 fps out
of a J frame snub nose you have just about all one would like in a SD load. I guess 890 is possible to get but after getting
this load it would sit in a box for those one or two shots if
ever needed, when loaded for SD use.

One reason my secondary SD load has a 135gr bullet.
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Old 04-12-2013, 08:04 AM
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I'm not too worried about recoil. I'm shooting 3" SP101 or larger. My SP101 currently has a Badger boot grip and it's quite manageable even with 158gr Winchester Super-X.
Really, I'm trying for a "target +" load. But yes, 850fps is probably more than enough for most situations. Accuracy first, then I'll worry about speed. However my goal in the speed dept. is 850-950 fps.
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Old 05-27-2013, 09:56 PM
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This is a follow up. I just got back from a three day weekend fishing trout and had some time to work on this load. I took the chrony along. Case trim length, bullet seating, primer type, etc as mentioned above still apply. I'm working up specifically for my 3" SP101, and target was at 20 yards. All shots for all loads were within 6" shoot'n'see stickers. And all loads were mild, with no pressure signs.

5.8gr HS, very hit and miss on velocity. I saw a variance of 150fps. Unburned powder too. Highest velocity was low 800's

6.0 - more consistent, low 700's to low 800's. still unburned flakes

6.2 - high 700's to low 800's. Accuracy tightened up, although I was not shooting for accuracy. I'm trying to hit velocity first.

6.4 - this has a lot of potential. Most shots were between 830fps and 850's. Accuracy might have tapered off though.

---

Due to the spotty velocity real low, I think that I will adjust the seating depth, go just a smidge deeper, then start at 6.3gr and work up in .1 grain increments until I achieve the optimum accuracy. If I can consistently get 850fps or above I will probably stop there

Last edited by Risasi; 05-27-2013 at 10:00 PM.
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Old 05-28-2013, 05:41 AM
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My experience with HS-6 (which is considerable) mirror what Erich and AA have described.
In .38 Special it is a lousy choice for standard velocity loads, but with magnum primers is tops in a "+P" loading.
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Old 05-29-2013, 03:14 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Risasi View Post
I'm starting from scratch here. I'm starting at 5.8gr and will probably work up in .1 gr increments. My goal is 900fps out of my 3" SP101.

I have a feeling I'm not seating them deep enough. The attached pic is seated at 1.584", trim length is 1.145".

ArchAngelCD,

Do you have a specific seating depth you like to use? And what do you think of the crimp, go a little heavier?
You are supposed to seat lead bullets to the manufacturer's supplied crimp groove. I can't remember the last time I measured the OAL of a lead .38 Special round. (sorry)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Risasi View Post
Yeah, ArchAngelCD is convinced you can get +P pressures without redlining, and it seems that old manuals indicate 8.0gr is max load for a 158gr LSWC bullet.
Hopefully ArchAngel will pop in here and see my two follow up questions.
I HAVE NOT CONVINCED ANYONE OF ANYTHING! I only answer questions asked of me and I never tell anyone to use any load especially if they think it might be dangerous. It would be good if you were a little more selective on the words you use. I am not responsible for anyone's choices.

I'm done here and I would appreciate it if you would not use my name in your threads again.
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Last edited by ArchAngelCD; 05-30-2013 at 02:37 AM. Reason: Typo
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  #47  
Old 06-01-2013, 01:50 AM
Risasi Risasi is offline
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ArchAngel,

PM being sent. No offense was intended.
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Old 06-02-2013, 02:32 AM
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I got your PM. I'm not angry with anyone, I'm just done in this thread.
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