target load 38 spec. 158 lead

[oldtimer]

I just bought a Mod.. 14 38spec. made I think in 47 Looking for a mild target load with 158 hard lead using WN 231 thanks

[Matt_G]

From the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook:
Lyman 358311 158 grain LRN.
1.550 OAL
Winchester 231 powder
Starting load is 3.5 grains. - 675 f.p.s. - 8,300 c.u.p.
Max load is 4.9 grains - 906 f.p.s. - 16,800 c.u.p.
+P load is 5.2 grains - 956 f.p.s. - 18,000 c.u.p.

HTH

[Missionary]

Good morning
First be sure those bullets are fat enough to fill the throats of your revolver. If they are undersized for the throats you are already in a problem zone. Think of a too small piston in a cylinder. I cast my own and usually use a soft bullet for my low pressure loads. But hard cast will be OK. Hopefully your throats are larger than the groove diameter. I would check that just to be sure.
I have used 231 at 4 grains for many plinking loads in 38 Special with 150-165 grainers. Have used this in numerous #10´s and Colt Police Positives. Recoil is tame and a proper sized bullet (throat diameter) will shoot fine.
Mike in Peru

[Skip Sackett]

Don't put those two together BUT, if you have any Bullseye, use 3.5gr with ANY 158-160gr LSWC or LRN.

You will be good to go!

[boatbum101]

You should be able to find a good load from the following :
3.2 - 3.6 Bullseye , 3.2 - 3.6 Titegroup , 3.8 - 4.0 W231 , 4.5 Unique , 4.5 - 4.7 Universal Clays . I use either 3.2 Titegroup or 4.0 AA#2 with a Zero swagged SWC / RN for NRA DR matches .

[rewster]

I use 158 gr Hornady LSWC with 3.8g Win 231 with good results. Also load Berry's 158 FPDS with 4.0g Win 231.

Both are soft shooting and accurate.

[Steve in Vermont]

By coincidence I recently purchased a 14-3 and fired it for the first time last week. I loaded Hornady 148 gr HBWC with 3.0 gr of W231 and the accuracy surprised me. I've also shot some 158 gr Hornady SWC with 3.5 gr of that same powder with no problems. Just today I loaded up some more 158 gr with 3.2 gr, the minimum recommended by Hornady, will try them next week and get back to you. The 14-3 I have dates to the late 60's or early 70's if I'm not mistaken.

[David LaPell]

I use 3.8 grains of Win 231 and a 158 grain SWC or lead bullet.Great little load.

[jwr0201]

Made a few groups of 38 loads with HP-38, using load info that forum members recommended.
First is this: 158gr Berry's plated FP over 4.3gr HP38 with OAL 1.45 (this from OKFC05 as a favorite IDPA load).
Next is: 158gr Hornady LSWC over 4.0gr and as an alternate - 4.1gr HP-38 with OAL of 1.475.
I have to say - these are all incredibly smooth and accurate loads! Had my best groups from 686 & 66 with these.
I found that the loads are stout enough, but perceived recoil seems less than with factory ammo. Also seems that the ability to recover and re-acquire the target is quicker.
Many thanks to those who shared their knowledge!
RR

[jwr0201]

I forgot to include that I started with light loads for the 158 gr LSWC, using HP-38. 3.2 gr resulted in a lot of smoke - thought I was using black powder for a moment! Had not used HP-38 or 231 before and did not know to go with a heavier load. Big difference in accuracy and almost no smoke after going with 4.0 - 4.1gr. Others were absolutely correct in that the heavier load was much cleaner.
RR

[ArchAngelCD]

My favorite .38 Special load is made with 4.0gr W231 under a 158gr LSWC. It's accurate in every revolver I shoot and I'm sure you will like it too. Give it a try...

[davekp]

Exactly what do you call accurate? To me, it needs to be 2" or less, center to center, at 50 yards for 10 shots from a Ransom Rest.

[chief38]

I do use W231, but recently I have also been using Titegroup 3.1 gr under a 158 gr. RNL hard cast bullet. Makes an excellent target / practice load with out leading. I have used the W231 for ever it seems (and still do) but I had some friends touting the Tightgroup as being non position sensitive in a case that has a lot of empty space in it like the 38 Spl. does when light loaded.

After chronograph tests, it does seem to do what they say.

Chief38

[Black_Sheep]

My default plinking load is 4.0 gr of W-231 with a 158gr LSWC. They are very mild and reasonably accurate.

[Shutterbug]

If you want a powder-puff load for plinking, 3.1 grains WW231 with hard cast 158 grain bullets is right up your alley. I use this load for practice with a model 60 and is a pleasure to shoot.