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 06-22-2020, 08:44 AM
max's Avatar
max max is offline
US Veteran
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: illinois
Posts: 6,294
Likes: 1,849
Liked 6,681 Times in 2,115 Posts
Default Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to 45's)

I still have plenty of loaded rounds on the shelf, but nothing new since 08. I have loaded thousands of .45's and bought thousands of 9mm in that interval. The rounds I have look hot compared to today's recommendations from Hodgdon. I am loading coated 158gr swc's to teach a new shooter. I am thinking 3.8 to 4.0 grains of 231.

Does this seem reasonable?

Last edited by max; 07-27-2020 at 02:46 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #2  
Old 06-22-2020, 08:58 AM
MyDads38 MyDads38 is offline
Member
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Central Indiana
Posts: 1,868
Likes: 1,762
Liked 1,284 Times in 694 Posts
Default

The Hodgdon website shows a starting load of 3.1 grs 231 and a max load of 3.7 grs for 38 Special. They don't show 231 for +P loads.

My Go To load uses Bullseye-3.2 grs. with a 158 gr. SWC.

Hope this helps :-)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 06-22-2020, 09:02 AM
LoboGunLeather's Avatar
LoboGunLeather LoboGunLeather is offline
US Veteran
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 7,518
Likes: 19,273
Liked 32,340 Times in 5,474 Posts
Default

The Lyman 46th edition gives the following data for .38 Special 158-grain cast using 231 and standard primers:

Start: 3.5 grains, 675FPS, 9600CUP
Max: 4.9 grains, 906FPS, 16800CUP

+P: 5.2 grains, 956FPS, 18500CUP

Your stated goal of 3.8 to 4.0 grains should be a relatively mild load for a new shooter to learn with.

Last edited by LoboGunLeather; 06-22-2020 at 09:06 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #4  
Old 06-22-2020, 09:16 AM
Goldstar225 Goldstar225 is online now
Member
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Austin, AR
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 1,618
Liked 2,419 Times in 748 Posts
Default

Here's some of my chronograph results from my 2" 642 and 4" model 15 using 231/HP38 and a cast 158 grain LSWC:

642 2"

3.5 grains - 645 FPS
4.2 grains - 721 FPS

Model 15 4"

3.5 grains - 756 FPS
4.4 grains - 840 FPS



And just for the heck of it, the 3.5 grain charge under the same 158 LSWC in magnum brass clocked at 910 FPS out of the 18.5" barrel of my Marlin 1894C
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #5  
Old 06-22-2020, 09:56 AM
gwpercle's Avatar
gwpercle gwpercle is offline
Member
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Posts: 6,838
Likes: 7,394
Liked 8,050 Times in 3,652 Posts
Default

RCBS Cast Bullet Manual shows a starting load of 3.7 grs. (744 fps) with a maximum load of 4.2 grs (810 fps) with 231 / cast 158 gr, SWC in the 38 Special ... therefore .... 3.8 to 4.0 of 231 should be a winner .

I use 4.0 grs of HP38 which I am now told is the same (or similar to) 231 with very good accuracy .

I say run with your proposed loads ... they should be just the ticket !
Gary
__________________
Certified Cajun
NRA Member
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #6  
Old 06-22-2020, 01:58 PM
max's Avatar
max max is offline
US Veteran
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: illinois
Posts: 6,294
Likes: 1,849
Liked 6,681 Times in 2,115 Posts
Default

Means 12 years since I changed calibers and primer size. I am making some rookie mistakes.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 06-22-2020, 02:56 PM
gwpercle's Avatar
gwpercle gwpercle is offline
Member
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Posts: 6,838
Likes: 7,394
Liked 8,050 Times in 3,652 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by max View Post
Means 12 years since I changed calibers and primer size. I am making some rookie mistakes.
Dust off and get back up on that horse ... not a lot has changed , It'll all come back soon ...
Gary
__________________
Certified Cajun
NRA Member
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 06-23-2020, 12:16 AM
Benchrest1 Benchrest1 is offline
Member
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: SoCal
Posts: 830
Likes: 962
Liked 902 Times in 444 Posts
Default

I use 3.2 grains of 231 with a 158 SWC for a nice soft shooting load.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #9  
Old 06-23-2020, 07:48 AM
Speedo2 Speedo2 is offline
Member
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Western Phraudsylvania
Posts: 1,670
Likes: 836
Liked 1,237 Times in 449 Posts
Default

My chrono results were very similar to Goldstar's:

From a 3" S&W M65-5 shooting 158 gr coated SWC (Bayou Bullets) w/ 3.9 gr W231; average of 10 rounds each @ 694 and 703 FPS. Very pleasant to shoot as I recall. -S2
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 07-08-2020, 06:11 PM
max's Avatar
max max is offline
US Veteran
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: illinois
Posts: 6,294
Likes: 1,849
Liked 6,681 Times in 2,115 Posts
Default

Most of the 38's I recently loaded have been fine. However, today I had a squib for the first time in many years. It was a swc and the nose just barely poked out of a 4 inch barrel. I don't think there was any powder in it, as it went pfft when fired. I knew instantly what it was and immediately unloaded and took a look. We tried to pull it out, but couldn't get a good enough grip. It was driven back and out. When cleaning the gun, I did notice some odd colored powder flakes in the cylinder. Maybe there was just a small amount of powder in the case.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 07-08-2020, 06:23 PM
.38SuperMan .38SuperMan is online now
Member
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 1,368
Likes: 1,276
Liked 3,095 Times in 868 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by max View Post
Most of the 38's I recently loaded have been fine. However, today I had a squib for the first time in many years. It was a swc and the nose just barely poked out of a 4 inch barrel. I don't think there was any powder in it, as it went pfft when fired. I knew instantly what it was and immediately unloaded and took a look. We tried to pull it out, but couldn't get a good enough grip. It was driven back and out. When cleaning the gun, I did notice some odd colored powder flakes in the cylinder. Maybe there was just a small amount of powder in the case.
I've had one squib in over 30 years of loading but had a very odd thing happen a few weeks ago. I was working on new loads doing some chrono work for a new Henry 357 rifle and had what I thought was a squib. The chromo though indicated the bullet left the barrel and crossed the chrono at 86 ft/sec. I'm loading my 38/357's for now on a Rock Chucker and look in every case and weigh about every 4 th or 5th. The only thing I can conclude is my RCBS powder measure threw a light load and I simply didn't see there wasn't enough powder in the case.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 07-08-2020, 06:51 PM
Huskerguy Huskerguy is offline
Member
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Central Kansas
Posts: 666
Likes: 155
Liked 1,190 Times in 376 Posts
Default

I use HP38/W231 for 38 special as well and have been through these same inconsistencies. I was loading at 3.5 grains for an RCBS 358-150 SWC bullet and this last session of a 1,000 rounds I bumped up to 3.8 which seem to give me very consistent results and no noticeable recoil increase. YMMV
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 07-08-2020, 07:16 PM
jjfitch jjfitch is offline
Member
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: PNW
Posts: 521
Likes: 201
Liked 537 Times in 278 Posts
Default Starting load!

Standard velocity for 158 Grn, LRN, 38 Spl is 755fps! Why is this important? If you are shooting these in a fixed sight revolver and vary from this too much your POI will be higher or lower than POA!

3.1 grains of W231 is indicated as the starting load and about 780 FPS! According to the Lee and Hodgdon reloading manuals!

Smiles,

Last edited by jjfitch; 07-08-2020 at 07:24 PM. Reason: Syntax
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 07-08-2020, 08:28 PM
max's Avatar
max max is offline
US Veteran
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: illinois
Posts: 6,294
Likes: 1,849
Liked 6,681 Times in 2,115 Posts
Default

I thought I was throwing 4.0 grains of 231. However, the last time I used those dies (12 years ago) I was loading 357's. I had some difficulty adjusting the die so that it would throw a full load and not over bell the case.

I am confident I have it all sorted out now, but have about 30 suspect rounds.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 07-08-2020, 08:33 PM
Nevada Ed's Avatar
Nevada Ed Nevada Ed is online now
US Veteran
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Reno Nv
Posts: 13,376
Likes: 3,183
Liked 12,712 Times in 5,669 Posts
Default

If I have lead bullet loads that are over ten years old I fire them and reload the cases.

My 38 +P 158 FBI loads tend to oxidize and turn gray after a
long time in the box, not that it hurts the bullet but the lube dries out.

I tried cleaning the bullets up but it is a hassle and not worth my time.

However I served in the US Navy and we were trained that "Scroungie" stuff, was not acceptable.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 07-12-2020, 04:52 AM
jc2721 jc2721 is online now
Member
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 545
Likes: 227
Liked 963 Times in 307 Posts
Default

I just tried a coated 158 rn over 4.5 gr. Unique--lots of unburned powder and sooty cases. I may try out 5 gr. Unique or just go with the 148 gr. hbwc over 2.8 gr. Bullseye--I really only punch paper anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 07-12-2020, 05:38 AM
ddixie884's Avatar
ddixie884 ddixie884 is offline
Member
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Avery,Tx
Posts: 2,563
Likes: 3,812
Liked 1,860 Times in 938 Posts
Default

You will like the 5gr Unique loads better than the 4.5.
__________________
dd884
JMHO-YMMV
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 07-12-2020, 09:16 AM
mikerjf mikerjf is offline
Member
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 2,232
Liked 2,930 Times in 1,091 Posts
Default

I've done piles of ~2.8 Bullseye behind a 158 LSWC. Totally mild in a steel gun, in an Airweight a new shooter would want bigger rubber grips at least.

What gun are you starting them with?
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 07-12-2020, 10:21 AM
max's Avatar
max max is offline
US Veteran
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: illinois
Posts: 6,294
Likes: 1,849
Liked 6,681 Times in 2,115 Posts
Default

She bought a Ruger SP101 with a 4 inch barrel. I have taken her to the range once and she shoots very well for a beginner. She had shot some with a cousin previously.


Quote:
Originally Posted by mikerjf View Post
I've done piles of ~2.8 Bullseye behind a 158 LSWC. Totally mild in a steel gun, in an Airweight a new shooter would want bigger rubber grips at least.

What gun are you starting them with?
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 07-13-2020, 03:06 PM
Maurice H Maurice H is offline
Member
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 55
Likes: 1
Liked 73 Times in 29 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jjfitch View Post
Standard velocity for 158 Grn, LRN, 38 Spl is 755fps! Why is this important? If you are shooting these in a fixed sight revolver and vary from this too much your POI will be higher or lower than POA!
You can't use velocity as such a rigid metric. 755 came from a nearly 8" bbl.

These W231 numbers from a 4" 686 at 7,800' and 83F (MBC 158 SWC BN 12, Fed 100, Starline):
  • 3.4 gr, avg 639 (soft)
  • 4.0 gr, avg 780

Loadbooks USA - Hornady: 158 SWC, W231, 3.2 gr - 4.4 gr.

I would reduce your proposed 3.8 - 4.0 gr for a softer round for a new shooter. That SP is a light gun. May be a bit more dirty but who cares. Bump the load once she's got her sea legs.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 07-13-2020, 04:10 PM
ArchAngelCD's Avatar
ArchAngelCD ArchAngelCD is offline
Moderator
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northeast PA, USA
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 1,029
Liked 5,070 Times in 2,660 Posts
Default

I load a lot off 38 ammo.

My favorite loads are:
4.0gr W231 under a 158gr LSWC
3.4gr W231 under a 148gr DEWC
3.2gr W231 under a 148gr HBWC

I have probably shot a dozen or more other combinations but those are my best loads.

IMO W231/HP-38 is a match made in heaven for the 38 Special and 45 Auto.
__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

Last edited by ArchAngelCD; 07-13-2020 at 04:12 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #22  
Old 07-21-2020, 08:33 AM
max's Avatar
max max is offline
US Veteran
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: illinois
Posts: 6,294
Likes: 1,849
Liked 6,681 Times in 2,115 Posts
Default

I finally got everything straightened out. I took the lady back to the range yesterday and all 50 rounds were perfect. She is shooting very well and is taking a beginner's class on Sunday.

I loaded 3.8 of 231 over a 158gr SnS coated swc.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 07-21-2020, 08:39 AM
glenwolde's Avatar
glenwolde glenwolde is offline
Member
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 3,669
Likes: 1,566
Liked 6,200 Times in 2,272 Posts
Default

4.0 gr of W231 under a cast 158gr SWC has been my go-to load for decades. Commercially cast bullets are a bit too hard at times and often need something more than minimum charges.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 07-23-2020, 12:28 PM
TMan51 TMan51 is offline
Member
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: May 2018
Location: UBE, PA
Posts: 163
Likes: 59
Liked 106 Times in 65 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by max View Post
She bought a Ruger SP101 with a 4 inch barrel.
.38 Spcl loads for the various 158gr LSWC bullets are all over the place. Bullet hardness, seating depth, primers, brass, etc. all play into pressures up and down.

If your friend has a SP101 4", (.357), it won't make any difference what load you pick, but the shooter/owner needs to understand that what is fine in her SP101 may be a kiss of death to an older Featherweight, or a revolver not rated for +P.

FWIW, I put a set of Pachmyar Diamond Pro's on my SP101 4", $17 from Midsouth. Much easier on the shooter than the OEM grips, especially if she transitions to .357 ammo at some point.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 07-23-2020, 01:42 PM
max's Avatar
max max is offline
US Veteran
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: illinois
Posts: 6,294
Likes: 1,849
Liked 6,681 Times in 2,115 Posts
Default

She bought the same grips. She is taking a class this weekend and got 2 boxes of PPU fmj rn factory loads.


Quote:
Originally Posted by TMan51 View Post
.38 Spcl loads for the various 158gr LSWC bullets are all over the place. Bullet hardness, seating depth, primers, brass, etc. all play into pressures up and down.

If your friend has a SP101 4", (.357), it won't make any difference what load you pick, but the shooter/owner needs to understand that what is fine in her SP101 may be a kiss of death to an older Featherweight, or a revolver not rated for +P.

FWIW, I put a set of Pachmyar Diamond Pro's on my SP101 4", $17 from Midsouth. Much easier on the shooter than the OEM grips, especially if she transitions to .357 ammo at some point.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 07-27-2020, 02:50 PM
max's Avatar
max max is offline
US Veteran
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: illinois
Posts: 6,294
Likes: 1,849
Liked 6,681 Times in 2,115 Posts
Default

It was June 22 that I changed the Dillon back to 38's. It has been a relearning period and at times, difficult adjustment. I am happy to report that I just changed everything back to 45's. I did notice it has been since September of 18 that I loaded a .45, but I don't expect the stress the previous switch caused.

My pupil finished her class yesterday with flying colors. I have been shooting some .45 lately and need to build the supply back up.

Thanks for all of your assistance.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 07-29-2020, 11:25 AM
Nevada Ed's Avatar
Nevada Ed Nevada Ed is online now
US Veteran
Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's) Haven't Loaded Any .38's For 12 Years (back to  45's)  
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Reno Nv
Posts: 13,376
Likes: 3,183
Liked 12,712 Times in 5,669 Posts
Default

158gr LSWC bullets out of my 686 6" revolver with\
4.7grs of w231 powder does 890fps with a F100 primer.

However other powder that get this lead bullet down to 755fps are a lot more accurate at 15 yards.

Nothing wrong with that Ruger for those 38 special loads.
Have fun.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Stoeger 18 inch, 20 gauge shotgun loaded for 25 years. Airborne423 Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics 17 04-08-2020 07:19 PM
Found in wall.....Loaded too...After 70 years. ischia The Lounge 81 07-27-2018 09:05 PM
1994 SW9V fired after being loaded for 12 years Bullet Bob Smith & Wesson SD & Sigma Pistols 4 03-15-2017 07:34 PM
629 for HD - 44Mag loaded down or 44spc loaded up? 44Fundi Ammo 11 06-04-2015 09:56 AM
Talked to A Guy Today, I Haven't seen in 41 years max The Lounge 9 04-04-2010 05:39 PM

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 11:01 PM.


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