I was shooting 3.2 gr. of HP38 (same powder as 231) with the Zero 148 HBWC's from my PPC gun. They are accurate however they were leading the cylinder something ferocious, and the forcing cone more than I was use to. Another shooter was having the same problem with the Zero's, but I don't know what powder he uses. I am trying 3.1 grs. of HP38 with the Precision Delta 148 HBWC to see if that helps.

I hope I don't hijack or divert the thread, but I've had some leading issues with the Precision Delta 148 hbwc (match lube). I loaded them in 38 special cases (double cannelure-for wadcutters), over 2.7 grains of Bullseye, with about .10" bullet exposed. It leaded the forcing cone of three revolvers I shot it in (SW model 14, SW 27, and Ruger Security Six). Two of those revolvers are 357 chambered. Leading was seen within 10 rounds (two loads of 5 rounds), and I stopped to wire brush out the lead after 15 rounds fired. I bought the "match lube" as it was supposed to be better.

In trying to eliminate leading, I ran a bunch of the PD 148 gr HBWCs through my SAECO 0.360" sizing die with 50/50 NRA lube (beeswax/alox). I set up the lubing to lube both bullet grooves. I also loaded down to 2.5 grains of Bullseye. I reshot. No leading. Accuracy was excellent (5 shot groups that would be covered with a quarter at 50 feet from a two handed rested position).

I realize I changed two variables (lubed bullet and lower powder), but I wanted to eliminate leading. I'll play with it more (lubing one lube, then trying 2.7 grains of Bullseye).

I emailed my leading concern to Precision Delta, and within a few days I received a phone call (in the evening) from someone from PD who wanted to follow up on my concerns. He suggested running 2.9 grains of W231. He said they don't get any leading reports, and the the "match lube" was Rooster Jacket. I thought that was excellent customer service.

I just wish I didn't get leading at the 2.7 gr Bullseye loading. I may try running a batch of bullets with Lee Liquid alox, and let dry, or put a second coat of Rooster Jacket. Prec Delta may have to use a double coat of Rooster jacket themselves.

I haven't shot Zero bullets-can't compare leading to them.

Catboat, thanks for posting this. Last year....I loaded 2.8 B/E 148 Remmy's for the season and while accurate, I was frustrated with the slower loading process and dealing with the gumminess and mess.

this year I bought P/D 148 with Match Lube and was going to load the same 2.8.

would you suggest loading down to 2.5 or even 2.6 of B/E? I dont have the equip or even the time to re lube my lead.

to the OP....
before I switched to 148HBLSWC, I would shoot DEWC 148. My regular load for that was 3.0 to 3.1 of 231. it was light and accurate.

I load one bullet for both a 4" gun for LEO matches that allow WC and in my 6" PPC gun.

I just returned from the range and as of today have fired off several hundred reloads of .38 using both Bullseye and HP-38 (same as 231). I use 148 gr DEWC and SWC. As the last post said, I also find 3.1 of HP-38 works fine. Also 2.8 of Bullseye. The only difference, the Bullseye is dirtier than the HP but it cleans up well and isn't a problem.

Here's my 2 cents on the Zero 148gr. HBWC:

If you are determined to use W-231, a loading of 3.1-3.2gr. is optimal. Another excellent powder for this bullet is VV-N310. I currently load 3.0gr. of Titegroup for this bullet, as this powder has a slight edge in accuracy at 50 yds. slowfire over the VV-N310. These loads have been developed for a model 14 bullseye revolver.

All of this said, there is more than powder choices involved in developing a tack-driving load for the Zero 148gr. HBWC. I have a custom seating die just for this bullet, that only contacts the edge of the bullet's nose. I load this bullet a bit longer than most........COL is 1.160 with brass length of 1.145. I use a Redding taper crimp die to finish off the round. I get zilch leading with this formula. I believe that many leading issues with swaged bullets are caused by using a roll crimp(no matter how mild) that scrapes off a bit of lead as the bullet exits the case. You don't need no stinkin' roll crimp on a swaged bullet that has no cannelure, that is being fueled by a fast burning powder, and is loaded to pressures where "jumping crimp" is not an issue.

Here's what most of the guys at my club do for PPC loads.
Either PD HBWC or Zero DEWC over 2.3gr B.E. or 2.4gr Titegroup.

I used to use the Titegroup load until I tried the Bullseye load. The BE groups were quite a bit better. I also found 2.8gr and 3.4gr of Unique to be nearly as good as the 2.3gr BE, with 3.0 and 3.2 Unique just a bit behind the 2.8gr load.
How’s that for confusing.
The veteran PPC shooters at my club (consistently in the 596-599 scores) use the 2.3gr BE load as well. Me, I’ve been shooting PPC for 4.5 months, I am just getting into the 588-590 range for "Combat" and 565-574 range for "Service"
Shot today as a matter of fact in Fenton, Mich. 565 service and 585 24X Combat. My best score to date (during practice of course) is 590 32X, followed by 3 588's in a row.

Well, went to the banquet last night, won a 4" Springfield Service XD 357 Mag! I missed out on a gun in the combat match, was 3 points too high again...got booted to the bottom of the next higher class. Same for my service class, only it was two points instead of three. But, at this particular match, they had an aggregate match score as well. This is the combined scores from both classes. I ended up high shot in the Master class and won the gun.
Now I just gotta decide if I can use a 357 Sig. I can't think of any real use. At $25-$30 a box, it's way too expensive to plink with or practice, even with reloading. I have never picked up 357 Sig brass...anywhere! I could always buy a 40 cal barrel for it, but then I'd have three of them, can't justify that either. Maybe I'll sell it and get a 45.
I almost traded it for a 5" XD9 while in line waiting to fill out the paperwork. But when the guy realized he won a 5" gun, he didn't want to.

Hi,
I am the person that posted the original message and first of all I would like to thank everyone for helping me out on this. This is my first season of reloading and it has been a real learning curve.

My first conclusion, other then realizing how much I have to learn, is that my current load of 2.3 of W231 with Federal small pistol primers seems way to light to give me accuracy even at 50 feet.

Should back-up a step and let everyone know that I'm using a Dillon 550 new system with all Dillon dies. I have added an automatic shell feeder to speed up the process but other then that it is stock. My finished bullet length is 1.1500.

Seems that the concensis is that a load of 3.1 grains of W231 might be a good place for me to switch to. It also appears that my 2.3 grain load must be causing me some inconsistancy even at 50 feet indoors?

Thanks for all of the help.
lbm Michigan

One other thing that I should mention is that I have been averaging 561 in PPC with a high so far of 578. While this isn't great it isn't bad for my second season.
lbm

tdan, I would like your details in loading VV-N310 using 148 HBWC?

to include powder charge and OAL.

I will be using PD 148s with match lube and want to try something different other than B/E and 231. I dont have any TightGroup but I do have AA#2.

this will be a dual use ammo for PPC out to 50 yds and LEO matches out to 25 yds to be used in a H/B PPC 6" M14, 6" 14-5 and a 4" 686. I want to find one slug and powder combo and stick with it for the entire year.

I loaded .358" remmy's last yr with 2.8 of B/E and while they were accurate....the loading process was very slow and quite messy.

I hope I get the same accuracy or better with .357" PDs.

I too was roll crimping for smoother reloads, but I will try your method of sticking the bullet out just a tad further with a mild taper crimp to improve speedloader feeding.

when my PDs are gone in a few months, I plan to buy Zero since they seem to have a good following with minimal posted issues.

thanks in advance