Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Ammunition-Gunsmithing > Reloading
o

Notices

Reloading All Reloading Topics Go Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 03-16-2017, 12:25 PM
Service Rifleman1 Service Rifleman1 is offline
Member
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 50
Likes: 1
Liked 6 Times in 5 Posts
Default FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads

Hello there. I have some Hornady 158 LSWCHP and also some Magtech 158 LSWC slugs and I would like to load up some accurate 38 special +P loads for my M64-5 Smith 4". I just got some TiteGroup powder along with my supplies of Unique and Bullseye. Please let me know any published loads from yore that would be suitable. Thank you. I have been shooting some loads with Unique 5.0 I believe and some Bullseye loads but I read an article awhile back by Brian Pearce and he was loading for a Smith and Wesson Pro 357 Magnum and used TiteGroup powder. Standard load data on the Can says 3.8 grains for standard pressure loads with 158 LSWC. Thank you.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 03-16-2017, 01:05 PM
StakeOut's Avatar
StakeOut StakeOut is offline
US Veteran
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: NW of Austin Texas
Posts: 3,090
Likes: 1,351
Liked 4,938 Times in 1,730 Posts
Default

I load 5.0gr of Unique under the Hornady 158gr LSWC with 1.45 AOL

I shoot these out of a 2.5" 686-4
__________________
NEVER GIVE UP YOUR GUN
Reply With Quote
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 03-16-2017, 02:14 PM
Service Rifleman1 Service Rifleman1 is offline
Member
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 50
Likes: 1
Liked 6 Times in 5 Posts
Default

Hello there. Yes thank you, I have used that load as well. I will dig up my copy of the Handloader where Brian Pearce uses TiteGroup in his loads with the Hornday LSWCHP.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 03-16-2017, 02:58 PM
Nevada Ed's Avatar
Nevada Ed Nevada Ed is offline
US Veteran
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Reno Nv
Posts: 13,376
Likes: 3,183
Liked 12,712 Times in 5,669 Posts
Default

Take that Unique load of yours and put a heavy crimp on that lead bullet.
Most shooters with a J frame will say it is enough.

With a K frame you can go a little higher.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 03-16-2017, 04:57 PM
Service Rifleman1 Service Rifleman1 is offline
Member
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 50
Likes: 1
Liked 6 Times in 5 Posts
Default

Yes I use a heavy crimp with a Lee crimping die. Excited to use some of the loads as I have some new slugs to try out. Shooting at about 20 yards with slow fire targets. Model 64-5 K frame the loads shoot well and are quite easy to shoot.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 03-16-2017, 05:06 PM
ArchAngelCD's Avatar
ArchAngelCD ArchAngelCD is offline
Moderator
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northeast PA, USA
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 1,029
Liked 5,070 Times in 2,660 Posts
Default

Years back I did some extensive work on replicating the FBI Load and I feel I was successful. Velocity alone is not the key, the felt recoil and of course accuracy is important too.

The powder charge I used is above current published limits but I and others have found a lot of data saying my charge is below the current SAAMI limits of 20,000 PSI. Use this data at your own risk.

Here's the load:
Winchester .38 Special +P case
158gr Hornady LSWC/HP
CCI 550 Primer (Magnum primer on this load)
7.0gr HS-6
COL 1.475"
4" M686 ---- 2" M640
927.0 -- AV --- 888.9
955.1 --- H --- 897.1
905.4 --- L --- 876.6
49.7 ---- ES --- 20.5
20.7 ---- SD ---- 7.9
17.0 ---- AD ---- 5.9
__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437
Reply With Quote
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
  #7  
Old 03-16-2017, 05:12 PM
Rule3's Avatar
Rule3 Rule3 is offline
Member
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 22,065
Likes: 10,777
Liked 15,465 Times in 6,787 Posts
Default

Up at the top of the forum. Notable Threads

There are better choices than TiteBoom

FBI load

Duplicating Buffalo Bore FBI Load
__________________
Still Running Against the Wind

Last edited by Rule3; 03-16-2017 at 05:15 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 03-16-2017, 05:43 PM
ArchAngelCD's Avatar
ArchAngelCD ArchAngelCD is offline
Moderator
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northeast PA, USA
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 1,029
Liked 5,070 Times in 2,660 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rule3 View Post
Up at the top of the forum. Notable Threads

There are better choices than TiteBoom

FBI load

Duplicating Buffalo Bore FBI Load
Man, we all had a great time developing that data back in 2009. Too bad Mike hasn't been around for a long time and Jim passed away. Still, good to see that thread, thanks...
__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 03-16-2017, 07:48 PM
hdwhit hdwhit is offline
Member
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: North Texas
Posts: 804
Likes: 86
Liked 482 Times in 300 Posts
Default

Quote:
Nevada Ed wrote:
Most shooters with a J frame will say it is enough.
Amen.

I shoot 158 grain jacketed bullets from the J-frame I inherited from my grandmother and five rounds per range session is quite enough for me.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 03-16-2017, 09:19 PM
USSR USSR is offline
Member
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Finger Lakes Region of NY
Posts: 418
Likes: 0
Liked 210 Times in 104 Posts
Default

Have used ArchAngelCD's HS-6 load, and it's a good one. In addition, I played around with AA#5 and came up with a 6.4gr load that pretty much does the same thing.

Don
__________________
NRA Cert. Reloading Instructor
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #11  
Old 03-16-2017, 11:18 PM
Tim357 Tim357 is online now
Member
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Arizona
Posts: 72
Likes: 281
Liked 89 Times in 39 Posts
Default

6gr Alliant Power Pistol will get you right around 1000fps in a 4" tube
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 03-18-2017, 01:43 AM
Service Rifleman1 Service Rifleman1 is offline
Member
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 50
Likes: 1
Liked 6 Times in 5 Posts
Default

Anyone used the LSWC loads from Federal 38G +P loads or Winchester or Remington. I have read alot about the Buffalo Bore loads and have will continue to read up on some of the threads mentioned. Thank you.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 03-18-2017, 12:12 PM
Service Rifleman1 Service Rifleman1 is offline
Member
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 50
Likes: 1
Liked 6 Times in 5 Posts
Default

Hello there. Thank you for the load data. I will have to pick up some of that powder HS-6 and try work up some loads with your data. I seen a pound of old 2400 in a shop that interested me to try some of the old 38/44 loads with 2400. Lots of choices to cook up some good 38 Special loads. Thank you all again.

Mike

Last edited by Service Rifleman1; 03-18-2017 at 12:38 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 03-18-2017, 12:18 PM
Jupiter01 Jupiter01 is offline
Member
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 157
Likes: 643
Liked 112 Times in 69 Posts
Default

5.5 gr. Unique, .357 brass, standard primers, 4" barrel 586= 860 fps chrono'ed. I used that with 150-158 gr. LSWCs in IPSC matches for years. Nice to shoot!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #15  
Old 03-19-2017, 12:32 AM
ArchAngelCD's Avatar
ArchAngelCD ArchAngelCD is offline
Moderator
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northeast PA, USA
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 1,029
Liked 5,070 Times in 2,660 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Service Rifleman1 View Post
Anyone used the LSWC loads from Federal 38G +P loads or Winchester or Remington. I have read alot about the Buffalo Bore loads and have will continue to read up on some of the threads mentioned. Thank you.
I have all three and I think the Winchester is most accurate but the Remington will expand best. The Federal load is not bad either but the bullet is harder than the one used in the Remington ammo.
__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 03-19-2017, 10:11 AM
Forrest r Forrest r is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Ohio
Posts: 1,455
Likes: 170
Liked 1,636 Times in 681 Posts
Default

It's always interesting to read these types of threads where someone wants to know about those chicago, fbi, treasury, keith, buffalo bore loads that skeeter worked on.

Myself, I like to pick 1 load. Here's what a fbi armorer has to say about the "fbi" load.

The FBI 158-grain lead HP +P .38 Special load is still available under the Remington symbol R38S12 or Winchester X38SPD. The equivalent Federal 38G has been discontinued. Alloy was 2% antimonial lead, which when fully cold worked and recrystallized is about 8 BHN. A cast HP of shape similar to #358429 with cavity 0.6 of the meplat diameter, with 15 degree included angle draft on the core pin, cast of 1:40 tin/lead has very similar upset characteristics but is a bit heavier at 162-164 grs. Velocity of the X38SPD with which I am most familiar was 855+/- 30 fps from the 4" SAAMI "vented" test barrel, which simulates revolver ballistics with a 0.008" cylinder gap.

This velocity is approximated with 158-162-grain cast LHPs using canister powders with either 4.2 grains of Bullseye, 4.8 grs. of W231, 5.2 grs. of Unique or 5.5 grs. of PB, at a minimum cartridge OAL of1.50". All are +P loads!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #17  
Old 03-22-2017, 11:50 PM
Service Rifleman1 Service Rifleman1 is offline
Member
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 50
Likes: 1
Liked 6 Times in 5 Posts
Default

Yes it seems that the lead SWC and HP's were the ones the people who carried the 38's depended on the loads for their lives and their families. The "Treasury" ++P+ loads with the 110-125 JHP's were another one of the loads as opposed to the 158 RN of antiquity which sadly was not very dependable to stop a determined adversary. Thank you.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 03-23-2017, 12:04 AM
SquarePizza SquarePizza is offline
Member
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: CNY
Posts: 489
Likes: 62
Liked 520 Times in 210 Posts
Default

I know its not a powder that you asked about, but I use 12.0 grns of IMR 4227. It is VERY accurate out of my 686, and has a very tiny orange flash in low light. I'm getting about 900ish fps (my data isn't here or I would post exact numbers)

The only issue is that load is above the 38 +p data I have, but under the minimum load for 357. So take that how you will.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 03-23-2017, 02:14 AM
Duckford Duckford is offline
Member
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 575
Likes: 563
Liked 920 Times in 303 Posts
Default


I used Speer's SWCHP, not Hornady's so i can't attest for them, using 5.4 grains Unique Fiocci cases and Winchester SPP. Ended up with a 5 shot

889fps, 855, 927, 906, 924
900 fps average standard deviation 26.4! 284 ft. lbs.

I put time into each round, but still couldn't get consistent velocity, but it was fine pressure wise, and worked well enough. Bullets seem pretty hard for swage, as other shave said here and other forums, lead hardness for SWCHP changes from make to make. Still, for the low power of my load, the .55 average caliber mushrooms and 16 inch penetration is actually competitive in today's world.

Keep in mind BB's FBI load is not only hotter, but uses what they claim to be pure lead, ultra soft bullets. I might have to buy some Hornady's and try them in a test.

Planning on doing a hot load 357 Magnum test with these same SWCHP tomorrow, be interesting to see those results.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #20  
Old 03-23-2017, 06:00 AM
Forrest r Forrest r is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Ohio
Posts: 1,455
Likes: 170
Liked 1,636 Times in 681 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Duckford View Post
Handload 38 Speical Speer FBI Load Clear Ballistics Test - YouTube

I used Speer's SWCHP, not Hornady's so i can't attest for them, using 5.4 grains Unique Fiocci cases and Winchester SPP. Ended up with a 5 shot

889fps, 855, 927, 906, 924
900 fps average standard deviation 26.4! 284 ft. lbs.

I put time into each round, but still couldn't get consistent velocity, but it was fine pressure wise, and worked well enough. Bullets seem pretty hard for swage, as other shave said here and other forums, lead hardness for SWCHP changes from make to make. Still, for the low power of my load, the .55 average caliber mushrooms and 16 inch penetration is actually competitive in today's world.

Keep in mind BB's FBI load is not only hotter, but uses what they claim to be pure lead, ultra soft bullets. I might have to buy some Hornady's and try them in a test.

Planning on doing a hot load 357 Magnum test with these same SWCHP tomorrow, be interesting to see those results.
Welcome to the wonderful world of unique. Unique is very unique when it comes to consistent velocities or lack there of. If you were using standard loads instead of p+ loads you'd be getting 100fps es's for 10-shot groups.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 03-23-2017, 08:45 AM
franzas's Avatar
franzas franzas is offline
Member
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Richmond, VA
Posts: 587
Likes: 378
Liked 333 Times in 179 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Duckford View Post

Keep in mind BB's FBI load is not only hotter, but uses what they claim to be pure lead, ultra soft bullets. I might have to buy some Hornady's and try them in a test.
These are the bullets he's using.
g/ch .38/.357 158 gr. SWC-HP per 100/ in a plastic ammo box
__________________
an actual conservative
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 03-24-2017, 10:55 PM
Groo01's Avatar
Groo01 Groo01 is offline
Member
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: central ohio
Posts: 1,385
Likes: 949
Liked 826 Times in 488 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Forrest r View Post
Welcome to the wonderful world of unique. Unique is very unique when it comes to consistent velocities or lack there of. If you were using standard loads instead of p+ loads you'd be getting 100fps es's for 10-shot groups.
Groo here
Many people are worried about SD in the rifle world.
In the handgun world , at SD ranges , SD means little.
Let the target tell you what works, not the crono.
As long as the impact speed is close to 800/1000 fps [with SOFT bullets]
they will deform.
If you need to weight a charge instead of bulk dropping it[dipper etc]
Your too close to the edge,or using the wrong powder...
" quote ,J.D. Jones of SSK"
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 03-25-2017, 12:12 AM
Forrest r Forrest r is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Ohio
Posts: 1,455
Likes: 170
Liked 1,636 Times in 681 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Groo01 View Post
Groo here
Many people are worried about SD in the rifle world.
In the handgun world , at SD ranges , SD means little.
Let the target tell you what works, not the crono.
As long as the impact speed is close to 800/1000 fps [with SOFT bullets]
they will deform.
If you need to weight a charge instead of bulk dropping it[dipper etc]
Your too close to the edge,or using the wrong powder...
" quote ,J.D. Jones of SSK"
It has nothing to do with sd in my little world. But it has everything to do with how a hp performs. If you think a load that is 800fps to 1000fps is acceptable for consistent hp bullet performance, you might want to re-think the 800 to 1000 thing.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 03-25-2017, 02:12 AM
rwsmith's Avatar
rwsmith rwsmith is offline
Member
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: (outside) Charleston, SC
Posts: 30,907
Likes: 41,495
Liked 29,150 Times in 13,779 Posts
Default For accuracy...

Bulleye and Titegroup are known to be great for 'mild target loads' but both of them can be loaded to higher velocity than most people think. Being faster target powders they could be more accurate than Unique. Wouldn't hurt to try. Just be careful with heavy loads with them because a little too much can go a long way to raising pressure. I'd weigh all the charges.

Lyman sez that 3.3 grains of Titegroup gets slightly better velocity than Unique with 158 gr lead bullets.
__________________
"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Last edited by rwsmith; 03-25-2017 at 02:17 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 03-25-2017, 02:17 AM
SquarePizza SquarePizza is offline
Member
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: CNY
Posts: 489
Likes: 62
Liked 520 Times in 210 Posts
Default

Rifleman, I tried to return your PM, but your inbox was full. So here is my reply:

I have found that 4227 doesn't really like small/slow charges very much. I've noticed if the pressure goes too low with 4227 you can get a lot of unburnt powder. So I put my "FBI load" in a 38 special case to reduce volume, and I used a magnum primer. I get a few unburnt kernels of powder, but not that many. I've been very happy with the powder.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 03-25-2017, 02:43 AM
rwsmith's Avatar
rwsmith rwsmith is offline
Member
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: (outside) Charleston, SC
Posts: 30,907
Likes: 41,495
Liked 29,150 Times in 13,779 Posts
Default I don't get this part....

Quote:
Originally Posted by Groo01 View Post
....
If you need to weight a charge instead of bulk dropping it[dipper etc]
Your too close to the edge,or using the wrong powder...
" quote ,J.D. Jones of SSK"
This part I don't quite agree with. While I think it better to use a powder that doesn't require max loads to get desired velocity, I have no problem with weighing charges around or at max. I can measure well within a tenth of a grain with my scale. And I KNOW what the charge is. I'm also happy to use a scoop when at about 3/4 load or less. Or my powder measure.
__________________
"He was kinda funny lookin'"
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 03-25-2017, 03:20 AM
Service Rifleman1 Service Rifleman1 is offline
Member
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 50
Likes: 1
Liked 6 Times in 5 Posts
Default

Hello there. Finally cleaned out the mailboxes. Thank you for the replies. I just use my RCBS powder dribbler and with the small charges weighing the loads is a snappy process that goes smoothly. Loaded up a few loads with a few powders tonight to see how the rounds shoot and how the points of impact will change with the fixed sights. I found some Winchester JHP's 110gr and the 145 Silvertip HP's and Hornady XTP 125's and 158's. I will try a few loads out and see how they compare to the Magtech 158 SWC's and the Hornady LSWCHP 158's that I have been shooting. Regards.
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 03-28-2017, 03:56 PM
hard nose street cop's Avatar
hard nose street cop hard nose street cop is offline
Member
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Va Beach, Va
Posts: 44
Likes: 8
Liked 27 Times in 12 Posts
Default

Since were on the subject of the FBI Load and reloading it, I figure I would add my .2
The Remington 38 Special +P 158 Gr LHP load # R38S12 which by the is what I CCW in my S&W Model (64-4) (2 inch). Contains 5.5 grains of a medium Gray powder, the OAL is 1.468. The bullets are .699 in length.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #29  
Old 04-03-2017, 03:39 PM
Service Rifleman1 Service Rifleman1 is offline
Member
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 50
Likes: 1
Liked 6 Times in 5 Posts
Default

Hello there. I have been doing some load developments and having some success and some suprises. Shooting my supplies of Hornady 158 LSCWHP bullets along with the jacketed varieties. The various Winchester JHP 110's and Hornady XTP 125's shoot really well and have different feel and recoil that the 158 grain lead slugs. I like the heavy loads but I have had a couple heavy recoiling rounds with hard to extract cases and one case failure so I have cleaned my brass and found a couple rings of telltale pending case failures waiting to happen so I culled those from the loading bench. Have found a few jems in the loading logs and a few bordering on Magnum pressures. Gonna stick to regular to +P loads and leave the ++P+ to the better left alone category. Thank you for the replies. Safe shooting. Cheers.
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 04-04-2017, 01:25 AM
ArchAngelCD's Avatar
ArchAngelCD ArchAngelCD is offline
Moderator
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northeast PA, USA
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 1,029
Liked 5,070 Times in 2,660 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by hard nose street cop View Post
Since were on the subject of the FBI Load and reloading it, I figure I would add my .2
The Remington 38 Special +P 158 Gr LHP load # R38S12 which by the is what I CCW in my S&W Model (64-4) (2 inch). Contains 5.5 grains of a medium Gray powder, the OAL is 1.468. The bullets are .699 in length.
The powder you describe is only valid for that lot # of ammo. The powder in the next lot might look totally different and of a different weight. I have not disassembled any if this ammo but I have looked at Speer Short Barrel .38 Special +P ammo. All three lots where I pulled bullets had different powders and weights. One even used a ball powder while the other 2 used flake powders. All powders weights were different for each lot but the same within the lot.
__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437
Reply With Quote
  #31  
Old 04-05-2017, 05:56 PM
Service Rifleman1 Service Rifleman1 is offline
Member
FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads FBI Chicago 38 Special +P 158 LSWCHP loads  
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 50
Likes: 1
Liked 6 Times in 5 Posts
Default

I am amazed at the versatility of the 38 Special and how you can have light charges of fast powders like Bullseye and hit targets with or you can pummel your hand with heavy loads that the recoil and report is much different in feel and blast. Have experimented with a few different grips as well to feel out the revolver and change up the looks and ways that it handles and shoots. Anyone know if there were 5" or longer barrels made for the 64-5 Smith? It has the heavy 4" it was made with currently screwed in. Thank you.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Loads for Hornady 158 grain LSWCHP? Last of the Mohicans Reloading 14 01-21-2017 05:28 AM
Remington 38 Special +P 158-grain LSWCHP Naphtali Ammo 7 07-07-2016 06:00 PM
38 special plus p 158 LSWCHP vs Hornady CD 110 ammo? drew-67 Ammo 29 01-28-2015 12:36 AM
Canadian .38 special+P 158gr LSWCHP? ds8514 Ammo 12 09-26-2014 10:35 AM
LSWCHP +P 38 Special thelongman Ammo 11 08-01-2009 03:51 AM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:19 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)