Hi:
What do you reload for a Model 19 2.5"?
1. bullet
2. powder type and weight
Jimmy

I do not enjoy magnum loads in my snub 19. It is my favorite 38 special. However, if doing magnums, I would stay away from the 125gr jacketed stuff.

Magnums are tricky in short barrels. Most data comes from 6in barrels or longer. I'd stick with the faster powders like HP-38/W-231 , HS-5 , Unique.

Unless ya just want to make impressive fireballs , stay away from the slow burners like H-110/W-296 , 2400.

Flame throwers work great at close range

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Still Running Against the Wind

Jimmie, I like to put 11.5 grains of 2400 in a 38 Special case and top it with a 158 grain slug. It's got a nice bite in a K frame 357 and doesn't have the blast of a full magnum load.

It will depend on what you want. If you want control like Max has posted that is one thing. If you want powder conservation, that is a whole 'nuther issue, what mkk41 is referring to.

It has been proven over and over and over and.........you get the drift, that slower powders, even in short barrels, provide the highest velocities. That is not without cost though, you get tremendous fireworks along with it.

If you want less velocity with less fireball, any one of the faster powders will work.


Shooting any 38spl load in that firearm for target work is fun all in it's own right. If you want flame throwers, something to get the attention of others at the range, pick a light bullet, slow powder, low light and you will get quite a show!

I have 2.5, 4, and 6 in. barrels in "K" and "N" frames and I load them all with a .357 case, 15 grs. of 2400 and a 158 gr. SWC. It has worked since 1965. Larry

jimmyj,

I like the Accurate-Arms powder, and it's not a secret here on this forum.
I got really good results with of Accurate Arms #2 (6.1 grains) and the Speer FMJ-flat nose 158 grains.
I crimp the case "softly" in the cannelure of the bullet. (Why hurt the case unnecessary??)
I use the CCI 550 Magnum-primer. This load works fine from a 8" Colt Trooper down to the 3" Model 19
and the Korth Combat 3".
For your shorter barrel it is maybe wise to reduce the powderload by 0.3 grains. I am pretty sure that this load
gives you some adjusting-range for the sight, down to 40 yards.

Have a good sunday

Swissman

My K frame magnums only eat lead bullets and they tend to be pushed by mild doses of Win 231 / HP-38 since that is the powder I'm using for just about everything. I cast a 158gr SWC with TL that I dip in alox and load what the book says is around 1000 fps. Can't remember the volume. I use regular pistol primers. They may be a little poochy for magnum, but they don't lead, don't flame cut, don't hammer the frame, they do fly pretty straight, and I don't even use them that often. My Combat Magnums eat mostly .38 special loads. Either way if they had to be used for defense I bet they would still poke holes as needed. That's always been the plus for 158 gr SWC's from what I have read. I think I have the .38 loads in my 2.5" 19-4 right now.

I don't use a 2 1/2" barrel, but I do use a 4" M66. I load mostly .38 Specials for it, but they are really light magnums at about 1270 fps. Here's some 2 1/2" data for a .357, if you'd be interested.
BBHFarm Gallery :: Speer #8, Speer Inc, 1970 :: aar

This is 2" .38 Special load data.

http://www.bbhfarm.com/gallery/album10/aan?full=1