Looking for a PPC load for my .38 using Zero bullets and 231

lbm · Jan 19, 2011

I am looking for an accurate load for my heavy barreled 6 inch .38 PPC revolver. My. intintion is to use Federal small pistol primers, with Zero 148 grain HBWC bullets, and Winchester 231 powder. I'm loading on a Dillon 550B. I have been told that I can use a powder charge of only 2.3 grains but every post that I have located indicates a much higher powder charge then this. (Ranging from 2.7 to 3.9grains)

Any help will be appreciated as I am new to reloading.
lbm

PeterM · Jan 19, 2011

I use 3.2 grains of W 231 with a Remington 148 HBWC in my Model 52, two Model 14s and a Model 67. I think you have been misinformed since this is pretty much a recognized, standard .38 load with the HBWC. I do know you do not want to go too high as there is a danger of blowing the skirt off the HBWC. A more common load in the Model 52 is 2.7 or 2.8 grains of Bullseye. I have used this load successfully in my revolvers as well.

OKFC05 · Jan 19, 2011

I use 2.9gr for HBWC. You should be OK with 2.8 to 3.2.
Little leary about 2.3 risking sticking a bullet.

lbm · Jan 19, 2011

I have not experienced any squibs using this 2.3 load but I am a nervous wreck that this is going to happen. The target holes are very clean and don't indicate any tumbling.

OKFC05 · Jan 19, 2011

I don't think a HBWC would tumble if you blew it out a drinking straw. The only two issues are sticking it (too slow) or blowing off the skirt (too hot).

boatbum101 · Jan 19, 2011

3.1 - 3.2gr W231 with a 148 HBWC is the load . 2.5 - 2.7 WST , 3.6 VVN 340 , 2.9 AA# 2 or VVN 320 are also good loads . Attached targets shot @ 50yds with above W 231 & N 340 loads . R-P cases , Fed 100 primers , Zero 148 HBWC . Remington 148 HBWC shoot great also , but messy to load .

PPC'r · Jan 19, 2011

This year I'm using Zero 148 HBWC bullets and also switched over to WW231. I was using Precision Delta's HBWC's and Titegroup (2.7 grs.). I like the Zero's because they are so clean. PD's were a bit messy.
I have some factory Winchester 148 rounds that shoot really good out of my revolver. When I develope a new load, I shoot 6 factory win. rounds through my chrono. It can be a little different due to temperature and such, so I check it at the same time I'm working up the new load. My intention is to mimic the factory round that works so good in my gun. Anyway, the factory rounds shot that day at 745fps, so that was my goal. Here is the short answer to your question: Zero 148 HBWC over 3.1 grs. of 231, using Winchester brass and Federal primers. That gave me the 745fps I was looking for. I hope it works for me, because all my match ammo is now loaded for this season. That's what I do in the winter since I can't shoot much.

GyMac · Jan 19, 2011

That 3.9 grain loading must be with a solid, DEWC, not the hollow base bullet. Use the lighter load or sources state that you will blow the skirt off the wadcutter.

Skip Sackett · Jan 20, 2011

My PPC load for a M586 6" barrel has always been 3.5gr of Bullseye under a 158gr LSWC.

Never worked up a load with W231/HP-38. The Bullseye load worked so good, I never thought about something else. Maybe I will give it a go!

ArchAngelCD · Jan 20, 2011

Anywhere between 3.2gr and 3.4gr W231 under that 148gr HBWC will be fine. You will have to see what charge your handgun likes best.

Paul4895 · Jan 20, 2011

ArchAngle hit it on the head. I expiermented with 231 from 3.0 to 3.4 in my PPC revolver. The best groups at 50yds with my revolver was with 3.3 gr 231.

lbm · Jan 20, 2011

Thanks everyone.

Thanks everyone for the help.

One more basic question that I have is how do I know if my load is "blowing the skirt off" of my HBWC?
lbm

OKFC05 · Jan 20, 2011

lbm said:
Thanks everyone for the help.

One more basic question that I have is how do I know if my load is "blowing the skirt off" of my HBWC?
lbm

If you're lucky, two holes in the target. If you're unlucky, a bulged barrel if the skirt stays in the barrel.

Trying it just to see what happens is not recommended.

lbm · Jan 20, 2011

Would you use this same 3.1 to 3.3 load indoors at a maximum distance of only 50 feet?

OKFC05 · Jan 20, 2011

lbm said:
Would you use this same 3.1 to 3.3 load indoors at a maximum distance of only 50 feet?

I've shot PPC with people who had different loads for each range, including one guy with a color-coded ammo tray and a sight chart for each load at it's selected range.

I often wondered if he accidentally used his 10 yard load at 50 yards whether it would land short or just stick up in the cardboard.

I have one WC load in .38 Spl. I don't use WC for PPC, however.
KISS.

RGPM1A · Jan 20, 2011

The loads the others suggested are good. However, if you have to speed load a HBWC is not going to be the best solution. I would recommend 125 grain LTCs or 158 grain LSWCs.

kshock · Jan 20, 2011

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.

ArchAngelCD · Jan 20, 2011

lbm said:
Thanks everyone for the help.

One more basic question that I have is how do I know if my load is "blowing the skirt off" of my HBWC?
lbm

A charge of even 3.4gr W231 is not a hot charge and in all probability won't damage the bullet at all. The loads you get from between 3.1gr and 3.4gr W231 are really kinda mild and have very little chance of damaging the bullet. (but anything is possible)

lbm · Jan 20, 2011

Would a load of 3.1 or 3.2 be correct for a 158 grain Zero SWC bullet?

boatbum101 · Jan 20, 2011

No you'd want 3.5 - 3.8gr to get velocity needed with a swaged bullet .

Looking for a PPC load for my .38 using Zero bullets and 231

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