.38 Special 2 inch barrel

CMD-KY · Nov 21, 2011

.38 Special 2 inch barrel

I am interested in choosing a powder for 105 - 125 grain cast bullets RNFP and 125 gr JHP bullets. The purpose is targets for the cast and personal defense for the JHP.

If you have any thoughts or comments, please let me know.

squidsix · Nov 21, 2011

I think you will find 105 grain projectiles to shoot very, very low for your revolver. With S&Ws, I have found heavy bullets to be the trick to amazing accuracy. Try getting something over 140 grains.
As for powder, I can't help you. I have never loaded bullets that light. Some nice fellow will be along shortly to tell you the right medecine for your snubby.

OKFC05 · Nov 21, 2011

Of the baker's dozen powders that can be used to load .38 Special, my choice is Win231/HP38 (same powder). HP38 is "Hodgdon Powder for 38".
I also suspect you are going to be disappointed with the light bullets not shooting to point of aim, if that matters to you.

sunday bill · Nov 21, 2011

CMD-KY, IMR Trail Boss powder is good stuff for light bullet loads in 38 Special brass. I learned this through loading my wife's cowboy action loads. Several years ago we switched to 38 Long Colt brass for her handgun loads, but the IMR site offers loading data that should meet your needs.

Rule3 · Nov 21, 2011

With HP 38/W 231 you can do pretty much anything, any caliber.
Very versatile powder.

hawgleg · Nov 23, 2011

I also like the 158 gr bullets for my 38's. I like Bullseye for low recoil and accuracy in my plinking loads. As for picking a powder they're many out that work great with 38 spl. Check your reloading manuals and see which powder they're using with your bullet type.

It's easy to pick up a powder and then find the manual don't have listing for that said powder and/or bullet type. Yes there's all kind of info on the web, but to me it's easier to open my manual to find my info.

Pick a bullet company buy a manual by that company and then see what powder they use. Using cast go to the web or Lyman's 49 manual. Good luck.

ArchAngelCD · Nov 23, 2011

I have to add my voice to HP-38/W231 for the use in most handgun calibers. W231 is a great powder for use in the .38 Special. I hardly use anything else. At time I will use HS-6 for building FBI Loads. (158gr LSWC/HP .38 Special +P)

blujax01 · Nov 24, 2011

I guess I'll have to be the dissenting voice in this one. While I totally agree that 158 is the answer in a 4" gun, I prefer a lighter round in my snubby. WP 231 is a good "go to" powder for sure.

bananaman · Nov 25, 2011

CMD, I have not loaded a ton of .38's, but I really like Clays. It is clean, economical, and works in alot of applications. ( I use it in 9's & 40's also) Others on the Forum, have good results also! I use 158 gr. LSWC bullets. Good luck on your quest! Bob

CMD-KY · Nov 25, 2011

Thanks all. You have given me a lot to think about. It looks like some small quantities of a few powders and a selection of bullets. Question: When testing different bullets with various powders, would a trial run of ten each be sufficient?

Maximumbob54 · Nov 25, 2011

I cast Lee's 105gr SWC by the bucket. I love that little bullet. It will shoot low in a snub. I tumble lube them with alox. They are all loaded with a median load of Win 231 with data from the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook. Win 231/HP-38 has got to be one of the easiest to measure pistol powders on the market. The flattened ball powder is capable of that +/- .1gr that we are all trying to achieve. I think if you try it then you will be hooked. I use either one for almost all of my handgun loads.

Rule3 · Nov 25, 2011

CMD-KY said:
Thanks all. You have given me a lot to think about. It looks like some small quantities of a few powders and a selection of bullets. Question: When testing different bullets with various powders, would a trial run of ten each be sufficient?

Yes, that is a "standard" amount when using a chronograph.

If you do not have one, it is a good thing to think about getting.

For accuracy testing you can shoot several 5 shot groups but use a rest of some sort, take as much "human" interference out of the testing.

Skip Sackett · Nov 25, 2011

In 38Spl, I never shoot anything lighter than 158gr, never.
I have two loads. A target load, 3.5gr of Bullseye and a whomper for steel guns only, THE LOAD.

The first load has been a standard for years and years. Drives my H&G #290BB, 160gr SWC @ 780fps from my M586 with a 6" barrel, the latter throws the same projectile @ 1100fps from my 3" M60 -13.

FWIW HP-38/W231 is a GREAT choice for the heavier bullets in this caliber, not so sure about the lighter ones unless you load to the top of the data. Bullseye is a much better choice for them. Trail Boss will not give you anything close to something for personal defense, unless you are using them against mice!

There are some Vita Vohuri powders that show some interesting velocities while staying inside of the pressure limits of the cartridge. You may want to check them out for your defensive loads.

Hope this helps.

.38 Special 2 inch barrel

CMD-KY

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squidsix

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OKFC05

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sunday bill

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Rule3

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hawgleg

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ArchAngelCD

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blujax01

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bananaman

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CMD-KY

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Maximumbob54

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Rule3

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Skip Sackett

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