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  #1  
Old 03-29-2009, 01:21 PM
dcb dcb is offline
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what are you using to load for the 38s&w
smith J frame?
I tried some 148gr SWC 2.0 grs bullseye and it was a little to hot in my opinion.
1.8grs was not as bad but it had some stick cases.
thanks Dave
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Old 03-29-2009, 01:21 PM
dcb dcb is offline
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what are you using to load for the 38s&w
smith J frame?
I tried some 148gr SWC 2.0 grs bullseye and it was a little to hot in my opinion.
1.8grs was not as bad but it had some stick cases.
thanks Dave
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  #3  
Old 03-29-2009, 04:21 PM
JBONES JBONES is offline
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need loads for 38 s&w not a special need loads for 38 s&w not a special need loads for 38 s&w not a special need loads for 38 s&w not a special need loads for 38 s&w not a special  
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Your not talking break top are you?
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  #4  
Old 03-30-2009, 05:09 AM
dcb dcb is offline
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no just an older 38sw
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  #5  
Old 03-30-2009, 06:14 AM
Calaveras Slim Calaveras Slim is offline
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need loads for 38 s&w not a special need loads for 38 s&w not a special need loads for 38 s&w not a special need loads for 38 s&w not a special need loads for 38 s&w not a special  
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I like Win 231 behind the Magtech 158gr RN from Midway. It has a hollow base so it expands quite well to fill the barrel. If you can't find a load for W231, get with me and I will give you one. I just don't like to post loads on the forum
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  #6  
Old 03-30-2009, 02:41 PM
HKSmith HKSmith is offline
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need loads for 38 s&w not a special  
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I'd be surprised if your loads are too hot. Both the Speer and Lyman manuals list loads well above 2.0 grains of Bullseye for the .38 S&W.

You don't mention your overall length (OAL); this is really critical in a small, short case like the .38 S&W. Are you using 148 grain WC's or SWC's? 148 grains is the usual WC weight. Wadcutters should NOT be seated flush with the case mouth in this cartridge, unlike the .38 Special.

I load a lot of 148 grain hollow base WC's in .38 S&W over 2.5 grains of Bullseye, but the bullet is only seated about half way into the case (OAL = 1.11 inches). I've never had a problem with this load in several solid frame S&W's and one Colt.

Sticky extraction in older revolvers is frequently caused by lead or carbon deposits in the chambers; sometimes this can be hard to see. I've solved this problem in some of my older guns with the Lewis lead remover. Sticky extraction is not a great indicator of excessive pressure in low pressure cartridges like .38 S&W because it usually takes greater than magnum pressure to cause it.
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  #7  
Old 03-30-2009, 04:43 PM
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VonFatman VonFatman is offline
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need loads for 38 s&w not a special need loads for 38 s&w not a special need loads for 38 s&w not a special need loads for 38 s&w not a special need loads for 38 s&w not a special  
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What a hoot....look at the load I use and compare to HKSmith's 148gr load!

148gr HBWC (Zero swaged)
2.5 gr. Bullseye
WSP
Mixed Brass
OAL: 1.090
680 fps S&W Model Regulation Police w/4 in. Barrel
648 fps S&W Model 32-1 w/2 in. barrel

148gr HBWC (Zero swaged)
2.5 gr. Bullseye
WSP
Mixed Brass
OAL: 1.11
610 fps S&W 32-1 w/2 inch barrel
655 fps S&W Model Regulation Police w/4 inch barrel


Does "my" second load look familiar?

BTW, I ended up staying with the first load which seated the bullet a bit deeper...for no particular reason.

Bob
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  #8  
Old 03-30-2009, 06:05 PM
duckloads duckloads is offline
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That's a cool little round. Larry's in Huntsville had beautiful S&W revolver (can't remember model) with a 4" barrel in blue chamberedin the 38 S&W.
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  #9  
Old 03-30-2009, 06:12 PM
HKSmith HKSmith is offline
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I guess great minds think alike, VonFatman!
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  #10  
Old 03-30-2009, 07:51 PM
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VonFatman VonFatman is offline
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need loads for 38 s&w not a special need loads for 38 s&w not a special need loads for 38 s&w not a special need loads for 38 s&w not a special need loads for 38 s&w not a special  
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HKSmith,
I guess so! I love shooting my Regulation Police and Terrier with this load.

Accurate and inexpensive...also easy to reload.

I did have to install a SMALL powder bar on my drop to get that small charge to drop consistently. (Dillon 650)

Bob
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  #11  
Old 03-31-2009, 02:48 PM
dcb dcb is offline
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thanks for the input. it does appear that I need to adjust my seating depth. ill set it to 1.08 to 1.1 and try afew test loads.
Dave
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