Loading .38 for a 637

smokindog · #1 03-12-2016, 06:25 PM

I didn't want to hijack the other thread and my question is a little different.

I added a 637 to my collection at Christmas and I'm new to reloading the .38 Special

Product: Model 637

As you can see in the attached photo, I've got 4 different bullets on hand.

They all are .357 in diameter varying in the "4th decimal place" on my inexpensive digital caliper

.

I'll start with my questions on the 125 gr bullets.

The XTP is .547 tall, the Xtreme HP .523, the Xtreme FP .528. These three all have cannelures

I checked my Hornady/Speer/Lyman manuals, the Hodgden and accurate sites and they have data for the Hornady 125 gr XTP however all data is for significantly longer barrels (4-7" vs < 2" for the 637). I've got multiple powders including HP38/W231, CFE Pistol, HS-6, Universal, WST, True Blue, No. 5 and Silhouette which are all listed at their respective sites for the XTP.

To get started, I want to just pick ONE powder and learn the .38 Special.

Questions

Is one of the above powders more "go to" for this round than the others?
What do I do to the recommended starting load for the XTP because of the significantly shorter barrel (4-7+" to 1.85")
For the two 125gr Xtreme bullets, should I use the same starting loads and use the cannelure to determine OAL (and of course the cylinder)?

For the 147 gr Xtreme bullet, you'll note that the box is labeled 9mm .357 (didn't pay attention when ordering). In another thread I was advised I could safely use these in my S&W 9mm Pro and not worry a bit.

Since I'm adding .38 Special to my loading activities, I thought I may be able to use them here. Is it unwise to try to use these in my .38? If I use them, any thoughts on where to start with on loads/powder/OAL? That bullet is .661 tall and no cannelure. I was considering the 158 XTP from my Hornady manual for a starting point.

THANKS in advance!

OKFC05 · #2 03-12-2016, 06:33 PM

1. HP38 stands for "Hodgdon Powder .38" Superb choice. Any powder of a dozen will also work.
2. Barrel length is irrelevant, unless you are loading so light you might stick a bullet. Start in the middle of the data, this is not a new mystery round you have to experiment with.

Rule3 · #3 03-12-2016, 06:36 PM

One of the easiest and most versatile rounds to load for,

You will get a million answers, info overload.

HP 38 was developed for (you guessed it) the 38 special. That and Bullseye.

So just go with data for HP 38/Win 231

Barrel length makes no difference. You just will not get the same velocity from a short barrel as in a 6" test barrel or something. That said the powders that give the highest velocity in long barrels will give the fastest in short also. It's a physics thing.

smokindog · #4 03-12-2016, 06:38 PM

What about my other Q's, especially the 147gr Xtreme bullet?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rule3

One of the easiest and most versatile rounds to load for,

You will get a million answers, info overload.

HP 38 was developed for (you guessed it) the 38 special. That and Bullseye.

So just go with data for HP 38/Win 231

Barrel length makes no difference. You just will not get the same velocity from a short barrel as in a 6" test barrel or something. That said the powders that give the highest velocity in long barrels will give the fastest in short also. It's a physics thing.

OKFC05 · #5 03-12-2016, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smokindog

What about my other Q's, especially the 147gr Xtreme bullet?

If you're not familiar with revolvers, a general rule is crimp in the cannelure, unless the result sticks out of the cylinder, in which case you probably have the wrong bullet or used the wrong groove.

Yes, you can load 9mm bullets in a .38 safely, with varying results as to accuracy with the undersized bullet in your gun. For across the table shooting, accuracy matters little.

Rule3 · #6 03-12-2016, 07:18 PM

As OKFC05 stated, yes you can use the 147 grain bullets but if you load 9mm also why mess with them? Save them for the 9mm.

You can save a lot of money on projectiles and shoot lead bullets. If you do not like lead get the new coated lead bullets, I prefer them over the copper plated bullets, No leading , smoke and a lot less money. XTP bullets are great for SD and hunting but for general shooting expensive.

smokindog · #7 03-12-2016, 07:20 PM

That's why I have the two boxes of Xtreme 125's

THX
Bob

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rule3

As OKFC05 stated, yes you can use the 147 grain bullets but if you load 9mm also why mess with them? Save them for the 9mm.

You can save a lot of money on projectiles and shoot lead bullets. If you do not like lead get the new coated lead bullets, I prefer them over the copper plated bullets, No leading , smoke and a lot less money. XTP bullets are great for SD and hunting but for general shooting expensive.

Rule3 · #8 03-12-2016, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smokindog

That's why I have the two boxes of Xtreme 125's

THX
Bob

The Extremes are a very good price point compared to the MBC HI TEK coated about the same price. I like the coated lead for revolvers in that they have a cannelure (crimp groove) and can be roll crimped and not worry about cutting through the the thin copper plating. Long ago I used Berrys when they came out, the price was much lower. then they upped their prices. I can get real FMJ for almost the same price now.

May have to try some Extreme in semi auto calibers