I have a steel M49 J frame that I have been shooting with the 158gr LRN, SWC and LHP bullets to try and figure out what loads will work in it.
The LRN at 570fps are super accurate with one load with 5 @ .54" as my best group as of this date.
The Lswc is my hot or +P test bullet and my one manual has 5.4 grs of Unique as a maximum 38 special loading.
I have tried 5.2grs of Unique but at 851 fps with a medium crimp it is very heavy on recoil.
With a LswcHP (FBI) bullet I finally have a 5.0gr load of Unique with a heavy crimp that hits 861 fps......... which is controllable with a fair grouping but 2" high.
With the same bullet and a different powder I have a load at only 822 fps but at poa and listed by Alliant as a safe 38 special loading.
Is this Unique load of 5.0grs going to be ok for SD use with light use in this revolver? I see lots of post were guys have 888fps or more fps in their snub nose guns. I don't know if I need more recoil and any more stress on the little J frame?
I tried to find some HS-6 but it is playing hide and seek with me..............2400 gave 835 in a max charge but had a "Shotgun" pattern and Universal maxed out at 824 fps but would not come near a poa.
Just funny how all the data is for a K frame ........... and very little if any for a J frame +P load........... or at least a maximum 38 special loading around 18,500 psi.
The LRN at 570fps are super accurate with one load with 5 @ .54" as my best group as of this date.
The Lswc is my hot or +P test bullet and my one manual has 5.4 grs of Unique as a maximum 38 special loading.
I have tried 5.2grs of Unique but at 851 fps with a medium crimp it is very heavy on recoil.
With a LswcHP (FBI) bullet I finally have a 5.0gr load of Unique with a heavy crimp that hits 861 fps......... which is controllable with a fair grouping but 2" high.
With the same bullet and a different powder I have a load at only 822 fps but at poa and listed by Alliant as a safe 38 special loading.
Is this Unique load of 5.0grs going to be ok for SD use with light use in this revolver? I see lots of post were guys have 888fps or more fps in their snub nose guns. I don't know if I need more recoil and any more stress on the little J frame?
I tried to find some HS-6 but it is playing hide and seek with me..............2400 gave 835 in a max charge but had a "Shotgun" pattern and Universal maxed out at 824 fps but would not come near a poa.
Just funny how all the data is for a K frame ........... and very little if any for a J frame +P load........... or at least a maximum 38 special loading around 18,500 psi.