38/44

[erickg]

Any favorite 38/44 loads to share? Picked up a new 627, I have a pile of 170 Keith's on hand.

 

[38SPL HV]

You should order Handloader Magazine Oct 2016 edition…excellent 38 Spl +P and 38-44 data. It's worth a purchase. Here's a link to it:

Handloader 304 October 2016 - Wolfe Pub

 

[Tim357]

11.0 2400 with 158s, you may get similar results with your boolit. right around 1100 fps from a 4" .357

 

[erickg]

Do you know if that article was written by Brian Pearce?

 

[Richard Simmons]

Do you know if that article was written by Brian Pearce?

Yes it was.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I use 13.5 grs of #2400 behind my cast 168 gr SWC in 357 cases........Cuz someone before me reamed mine to .357.

 

[Peak53]

If you are not trying to duplicate the original 38/44 load you might consider 5.0 grains Unique behind a 158 g. lead bullet. This is stout enough to let you know you shot something, but easy on the old guns. I have three in the caliber and find it accurate in all three. I assume the fps is around 900, nowhere near the original velocity around 1150.

 

[DWalt]

The "factory" MV given was usually 1100-1150 ft/sec with a 150-158 grain metal capped bullet. Exactly how it was determined is unstated. Underwood's .38-44 duplication load is the same. H110 and 2400 are the usual recommended propellants for .38-44. If you have a chronograph, you might start at around 10 grains of either, then work up loads to get into the 1100-1150 MV range from whatever revolver you have. The older Lyman reloading manuals provide .38-44 lead bullet loads using both 2400 and Unique.

 

[cowboy4evr]

I have that Handloader magazine . Brian Pearce , using the double crimp bullet , (Lyman 358156 ) with 12.0 grs of 2400 powder recorded an average velocity of 1216 fps . Using the Keith 173 gr swc , 12.0 grs of 2400 yielded 1230 fps . These were fired from a 38-44 , 6.5" barrel ( pre model 27) using CCI 500 primers . To get back into the 1100 + fps I would start with 11.0 grs of 2400 . A chronograph will be your friend to get it more exact . I hope this helps , regards Paul

 

[erickg]

Chrono is telling me I'm averaging 1230fps with 12.0 grains of 2400. This is just about what I'm looking for. Revolver is a brand new .357 magnum so I'm not looking to baby it. I just had a large supply of the too long for N frame cylinder's 173 grain bullets on hand and was needing a way to use them up in .38 cases at as close to .357 levels as possible. Looks like I'm there.

 

[71vette]

Thanks to this thread I ordered Handloader 304. Showed up today.

Erickg, your 12gr 2400 results track with the article. Pierce showed 1230fps with a 173gr SWC. Max is 13.5gr at a healthy 1409fps. That definitely sounds like 357 magnum pressure……

+P 38 Special with the 173's is only listed with Titegroup. 4.2gr at 817fps. Seems pretty pathetic versus the 2400 load……

 

[tops]

12 grs. 2400, 158 gr. SWC= 1194 FPS with a 6 in. barrel. Larry

 

[jimmyj]

Was the original .38/4 factory load a 158 grain jacketed round nose bullet ?

 

[DWalt]

Not jacketed but capped. The base of the bullet in contact with the bore was lead. But the cartridges looked like they had FMJ bullets.

 

[Doug M.]

Load to that approximate range with a SWC and you have a versatile load that performs well for almost everything.

 

[bmcgilvray]

2400 is your friend when ladled up in max or near max doses as recommended in Lyman's early/mid 1970s loading manuals such as the 44th through 46th.

'50s Smith & Wesson .38s, small, medium, and large.