I plan to carry the Buffalo Bore 158gr 38+p load in the future and I'd like to work something similar up for range practice. Does anyone have a good recipe for cloning this one? Specifically I'm looking for the powder used, charge weight, bullet type, primer type, and OAL measurement.

Right now I'm using berry's bullets, CCI primers, and an abundant supply of Bullseye, so I'd like to know what powder to get when I run out to mimic that load. I don't have a chronograph to verify velocities at this time.

I imagine this topic might have been covered already, so if anyone has a link please post it here. Thanks!


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With Bullseye being a fast burning powder I'd keep loads with it in the target velocity range. To get +p velocities I'd go with a slower powder, maybe Blue Dot or 2400. There are many reloading data sources that list +p loads, where you could start out. I wouldn't want to try and guess what powders or components BB uses....

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Tom
"Panem et Circenses"

I actually have some 2400 on hand. I have the Speer and Lyman 49 manuals, but I don't think they have anything close to what BB does. I only saw 2400 listed under magnum loads in those manuals if my memory serves me right.


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Buy some PADDED SHOOTING GLOVES, You'll need them.

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NRA Pistol/Rifle Inst. RSO

Suggest you look up HS6, 158gr lead loads in Hodgdon online loading data. That should ring your chimes.
Set your sights on pistol reloading data | Hodgdon Reloading
Not even going to ask why you think you need that heavy a load for practice.

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Science plus Art

Right up top in the stickies "notable thread index"

You can not really duplicate it with plated bullets and Bullseye. It's a lead bullet and uses a much slower powder. Bullseye will burn so fast and build up pressure too fast, bad things can happen if you exceed recomended loads. The BB load is BRUTAL in a snub nose!

Duplicating Buffalo Bore FBI Load

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Still Running Against the Wind

Thanks for the link! Just what I was looking for.


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"I only saw 2400 listed under magnum loads "............

What do you think a 159gr +P in a J frame is ?

Now if you are shooting a K frame or heavier you might not need that welding glove..............

I'm carrying a model 66 when I pack a wheel gun.


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Why then the FBI load (38 +P), just carry a 357 Mag load??

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Still Running Against the Wind

I feel like the FBI load has a bit less recoil and blast. Easier for follow up shots and a little less ear damage I guess. I usually carry a Glock 26 in a crossbreed, but I'm experimenting with carrying my 66 in a Milt Sparks rig right now.


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Been considering undertaking the same project - at some point.

BB uses Rimrock 158LSWCHP-GC bullets, so I'd probably start there. And for powder? I'm thinking AA#5 might work well, even if not producing quite the velocity...

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Regards - GCF

Yes, a 38 +P is more than sufficent IMO. I just meant for practice you can shoot downloaded 357 (start loads) and not get that "ring around the collar"

To be honest the BB +P load is pretty much a magnum load. In the 66 it should not be too bad. Is it a 4"?

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Still Running Against the Wind

That's a good point regarding downloaded 357. Didn't think about that (doh!). It's a 2.5" 66.



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Nice gun! I would not use plated bullets as it's hard to get a good crimp without breaking through the plating. You need a solid crimp to prevent bullet creep. They should not exceed 1200 fps. So lead is the cheapest but if you don't have those or don't want to shoot them try to find some Hornady XTP which are reasonable for a quality bullet. Or any FMJ RN for practice.

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Still Running Against the Wind

Ok I will play but I will start with not recommending anyone follow what I do. I know I am above currant listed max charges. This is just data for those interested. .38 special 158 grain rim rock semi wadcutter hollow point with gas check. 7.5 grains HS-6 cci 550 magnum primer. Firm crimp. 10 shot strings. 1976 mod 36 3" 1025 fps. 1955 pre-10 4" 1011 fps. 2011 686 6" 1026 fps.
1995 Colt Detective Special 2" 960 fps. I will note the 36 is a fast gun and the 686 is on the slow side. Unlike the Buffalo Bore it does not gain much from the longer barrels.

Brian Pearce, in an article in Handloader said the Rim Rock bullet on top of 6.3gr of Power Pistol gave the same velocity as as the BB factory loads in a Ruger LCR .38spl. Look it up in Handloader......

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dd884
JMHO-YMMV

In case anybody plans to load these up in 357 Mag, Rim Rock told me that 1150fps is their recommended max. speed for this soft (5 BHN) bullet. I loaded some up with Unique, P-P & 2400 but haven't gotten to the range to try them yet.