Have an opportunity to get a pile of 125 JHP's for a good price. Lighter than what I normally use, but thinking they might make a good plinking load. Thoughts, load recommendations?
125 JHP's for a 38 plinking load...
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austintexas
Member
plinking
I would guess they would work ok, I don't recommend loading hot loads, they have a reputation for cracking forcing cones.
SWCA 892
PS, For those who haven't seen cracked forcing cones on a 38 special revolver, I personally have seen 2, first one was a 5 screw M 15 I bought at a gunshow, first 4 rounds and it locked up (forcing cone cracked in 2 places) 2nd one was a local gunsmith asked if I knew where he could get a barrel for a M 15, he was repairing one and couldn't find a barrel ( forcing cone cracked at bottom)
SWCA 892
I would guess they would work ok, I don't recommend loading hot loads, they have a reputation for cracking forcing cones.
SWCA 892
PS, For those who haven't seen cracked forcing cones on a 38 special revolver, I personally have seen 2, first one was a 5 screw M 15 I bought at a gunshow, first 4 rounds and it locked up (forcing cone cracked in 2 places) 2nd one was a local gunsmith asked if I knew where he could get a barrel for a M 15, he was repairing one and couldn't find a barrel ( forcing cone cracked at bottom)
SWCA 892
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OP
That was my thought too. I don't want any go fast flame throwers, just something cheap to plink with.
I would not worry about 125 grain 38 Special loads cracking or eroding a K-frame's forcing cone. That issue seems to be a feature of full power 357 Magnum loads using slow burning colloidal ball powder. You will not be able to safely generate the pressure and velocity of those loads in 38 Special nor will you be able to use the offending powder, H-110/W-296, in 38 Special. Odds are pretty good that the impact of the 125 grain bullets will be lower on a target than when using 158 grain loads, but other than that, no harm in using them.
125 JHPs are my favorite .357 projectile
Like stansdds says, a SAAMI standard 38 Special load should never be able to achieve the pressure necessary to cause that forcing cone problem
smithra_66
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They'd work great. 4.5 grains of Unique would be a dandy load.
I never heard that forcing cone fact, nor experience anything near. But, in hot loaded 357 125 gr JHP loads I have seen top strap erosion. I have a bucket load of different manufacturers' 124/125 JHPs and load a lot in my 38 Special/357 Magnum snubbies, mostly Universal, W231, CFE P, and BR-5. Forcing cons appear OK.
Ammo or bullets?
Ammo....start a stash!
Ammo....start a stash!
125 JHPs are my favorite .357 projectile
Like stansdds says, a SAAMI standard 38 Special load should never be able to achieve the pressure necessary to cause that forcing cone problem
Those look like Winchester JHP bullets. I've used them in m 357 Magnum reloading, both 125 and 158 grain versions.
You should do well with the 125 gr jacket for any type of 38 special target loads.
I have found that the 125 actually do better in the accuracy department than
the lighter 110 jacket bullets in my snub nose and 6" barrel, revolvers.
866fps is low book acc. in my snub nose and I try to keep them under
1020fps in my long tubes, for a nice light target load to keep the prices down.
Good shooting.
I have found that the 125 actually do better in the accuracy department than
the lighter 110 jacket bullets in my snub nose and 6" barrel, revolvers.
866fps is low book acc. in my snub nose and I try to keep them under
1020fps in my long tubes, for a nice light target load to keep the prices down.
Good shooting.
THE PILGRIM
Member
A while back I bought I think 800 125 Gr + P JHP.
Have shot about 50 or so, the rest are in the stack.
I usually shoot 130 Gr FMJ, that's what I have the most of.
Have shot about 50 or so, the rest are in the stack.
I usually shoot 130 Gr FMJ, that's what I have the most of.
Pisgah
Member
DO NOT load below any starting load you find for a 125 JHP bullet. Jacketed bullets have a much higher coefficient of friction than lead bullets, and trying to load jacketed bullets at target-load levels can result in a bullet stuck in the bore.
Yes. All day long. Just stick with published loads.
Absolutely correct.
I have always loved that projectile
A little over 9500 of them through my Model 19/66s and 27s so far. All loaded with 21.7 grains of H110
I have some sitting already loaded in the hobby room and 39 of the 100 count Winchester bags remain in the last ammo can just waiting for me to get some free time for them
The Model 66 Mag-na-Ported snubby always gets attention
Back in 2008, I bought 110 & 125 gr JHP from Winchester, Remington and Sierra
for my 38 and 357 target loads and also some 38 +P loads.
There was no way that these bullets could be loaded fast enough
with a standard or +P load to hurt my J frame revolvers, with
Alliant or Lyman 38 special data.
With todays prices, I am not buying 110 or 125 gr JHP bullets, right now.
for my 38 and 357 target loads and also some 38 +P loads.
There was no way that these bullets could be loaded fast enough
with a standard or +P load to hurt my J frame revolvers, with
Alliant or Lyman 38 special data.
With todays prices, I am not buying 110 or 125 gr JHP bullets, right now.
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Seems like a waste to load them for a .38 Special... Much prefer lead 125 grain bullets in my .38s. This load for instance - shot really well in my old Colt Diamondback.
Six shots at 10 yards.
Bullet: Missouri Bullet Company 125 gr. TCFP (.358 with Hi-Tek coating)
Powder: Ramshot Competition 3.3 grs.
Primer: Federal 100
Case: Federal
LOAL: 1.445
Six shots at 10 yards.
Bullet: Missouri Bullet Company 125 gr. TCFP (.358 with Hi-Tek coating)
Powder: Ramshot Competition 3.3 grs.
Primer: Federal 100
Case: Federal
LOAL: 1.445
LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
This is excellent advice, well worth paying attention to.
Over the years I have seen several instances of jacketed bullets lodged in revolver bores. Not the end of the world, not the end of the revolver's life, but an invitation to disaster if another round is fired before the stuck bullet is removed.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
If you're looking for a good .38 Special plinking load with that 125gr JHP bullet I suggest 4.5gr W231/HP-38. I think you will enjoy shooting that load.
If you're looking for a lighter .357 Magnum load H110/W296 is not a good choice of powder. That powder does not download well. I would use 2400, AA#9, HS-6, W572, Longshot or similar powder. With 2400 you might try 15.5gr under that 125gr JHP bullet.
I have been wanting to try W572 but haven't had the chance yet.
If you're looking for a lighter .357 Magnum load H110/W296 is not a good choice of powder. That powder does not download well. I would use 2400, AA#9, HS-6, W572, Longshot or similar powder. With 2400 you might try 15.5gr under that 125gr JHP bullet.
I have been wanting to try W572 but haven't had the chance yet.
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I did the same load for the 38 SP 4.6 gr of 231 and it worked really well. I also experimented with 5.1gr of VV N320 and was a great load for plinking.
max503
Member
I would jump on the deal.
I'm jumping on a similar deal for 100 grain RN plated boolits for my 380. Grafs has them. 1000 for $75.
I'm jumping on a similar deal for 100 grain RN plated boolits for my 380. Grafs has them. 1000 for $75.
