Accurate .38sp target loads with .357 brass

[MikeChandler]

Everybody knows why I want to use the 357 brass... so I won't waste time repeating it. However, I haven't seen much about how to make an accurate target load for 38 special using the 357 brass (a plinker++ if you would). I have read online in several places that one of the keys to achieving better accuracy using the .357 brass is increase your .38 special load by 10%, to make up for the extra space of the longer brass.

I currently have 158 gr LSWC, as well as Speer 4211 158gr HP bullets, magnum and normal small pistol primers, and for powders Unique, N320, 2400, WST, and 4227. The speer 4211 has been very accurate with magnum primers, and 14 gr 2400. Obviously, that's not a recipe for 38 special. I've noticed decay in accuracy (as one would expect) by just loading the same powder lighter.

The main use would be in a couple 4" and 6" S&W L frames, and a Marlin 1894C carbine.

I'd appreciate any input here!

Thanks in advance,

Mike

 

[Cpt. Obvious]

have you tried using any 38 +p loads? I would start there. I've noticed the high end of some of those loads is rather close (by a couple tenths of a grain) to starting loads of 357.

 

[Rule3]

Well they are not the powders you mention, but I just use the Max loads for HP 38/W 231 with the 158 gr LSWC. HS 6 works well also. (some state to use a mag primer with it)

With the HP 38 you do not use a lot of powder and do not need a mag primer even though it is listed. Hodgdon lists a mag primer for every "Magnum load" I called them about it and they stated it was just to keep everything consistent,

I see no sense in using twice the powder with say 2400 for plinking paper punchers. I have it along with H110 for all the full house Magnum loads. I load XTP's or similar with those.

 

[Troystat]

I am sure any of the 148 grain wadcutters sitting on top of 3 grains of bullseye would work fine with 357 brass, load up a few and try them out.

 

[PERAZZI]

play around with Trail Boss..

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have come up with a method of making "Special" loads in "Magnum" brass that works very well for me. I use the Max charge from the "Special" recipe in the Magnum brass with a standard primer and those loads seem to be very accurate in my revolvers. For example, a 158gr LSWC .38 Special Max charge from Hodgdon is 3.7gr W231/HP-38. That charge weight in .357 Magnum brass makes a good shooting round even though it's above the starting charge weight of a 158gr LSWC .357 Magnum load. (according to Hodgdon that's because they use a Magnum primer in the Magnum round but not in the .38 Special load)

I have also used the same method for .44 Special loads in .44 Magnum brass with good success.

 

[Titegroups]

Switch to faster powders, I use bullseye and titegroup for reduced 357 loads which is what they are. I get very good accuracy.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Switch to faster powders, I use bullseye and titegroup for reduced 357 loads which is what they are. I get very good accuracy.

He already has WST which is in the same burn rate range. If he doesn't want to buy a new powder I think it will work just fine.

 

[Titegroups]

He already has WST which is in the same burn rate range. If he doesn't want to buy a new powder I think it will work just fine.

I'm sure it will, just suggesting using faster powders for reduced loads, ie...

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm sure it will, just suggesting using faster powders for reduced loads, ie...

I agree with you and I hope my post didn't sound like I was in disagreement.

 

[Coastie762]

If you are open to trying another bullet, I'd suggest a 148 gr HBWC over either 3.1 grains of Bullseye or 3.6 grains of W231. Out of a 6" M66, the BE load averaged 778 FPS and the 231 load 751 FPS. Federal.357 cases and Win SP primers. Both loads provided very good accuracy.

For a 158 grain LSWC, try 5.0 grains of 231, .357 case and primer of your choice. I've found it to be a good all around plinking and informal target shooting load. I can't locate my chrono data for this load but IIRC it runs around 950 FPS or so out of a 6" barrel.

 

[alwslate]

Well Mike I have found that with good loads accuracy in my 357
S&Ws can be a little better with magnum brass rather than with 38 spl
brass. My best accuracy with light loads has always been with cast RN
bullets rather than SWCs. 4.0 grs of 700X and 3.8 grs of Bullseye were
two good loads at about 830 fps in my 6" md 28. You just have to
experiment in your own gun but as in the 38 spl brass best results
will be with fast burning powders.

 

[TSQUARED]

I use Trail Boss powder with a 158 gr. LRN bullet for some nice accurate and mild loads. The Hodgdon website provides load data. I started with their recommended starting load and moved up in ca 0.2 gr. increments.

 

[BobB257]

Mike,
I have had very good accuracy with Green Dot and the 357 cases loaded down to very moderate speed over my Chrony. Very easy shooting for new shooters and accuracy is better than good with the 158 SWC cast w a bevel base from Missouri Bullet co., out of a 66 with a 3 in barrel.
The thing that is nice is that the powder is very "Clean" thru my Lee powder measure and drops very even charges. The finer grain powders seem to migrate out of the measure disc more.
Deff. keeps the cylinder from getting the ring that develops from using the 38 in the 357 chamber in that gun.

 

[BobB257]

This is an older post that has some loads and speed using Green Dot and W231 at target vel comparable to 38sp.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/166445-357-loads-green-dot-231-unique.html