Which powder for accuracy in .38 special?

36general

36general

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I'm looking to load .38 special for an upcoming Dirty Harry league. It's one handed, double action shooting from 50ft. So I'm looking for accuracy and low recoil. I will be using Missouri bullet 148gr DEWC, fresh starline brass and shooting out of a 66-4 6".

The powders I have for .38 are bullseye, trail boss, unique, and AA#2. I know all these powders will work and have load data for all of them but I'm looking for advice as to which powder to start with for accuracy as well as low recoil. You guys have much more experience than me so I hope you can start me off in the right direction :)

This load will be for paper punching only, if you have any secret recipes please share them. I've found plenty of load data, just not much comparison between the powders. Thank you for your advice.
 
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What works in one gun may not work in another. I just loaded a batch for my 38's, it was 3 grains of 700x behind a 158 gr. hard cast SWC. The Colt Officer's Model Match grouped them under 1.5", the Combat Masterpiece wouldn't group them under 2", and normally it's the more accurate of the two.

If I had a can of Bullseye, that's what I'd use to load my target ammo. It's a pretty safe bet.
 
Once again, there really is no such thing as the most accurate powder, rifle or handgun. Some are better than others, but your search for accuracy should start with a good bullet. If the bullet is krap, the powder won't matter much. For 38sp target lods, BE has been a std for decades, but other fast burners work equally well with less carbon fouling. Try WST, Solo, 231, TG (ugh) even TrailBoss. There are alos no secret formulas, every gun is diff.
 
Shooting my M49 J frame snub nose with the 148gr HBwc bullet my lightest loads in Bullseye and Trail Boss were both at just 2.5grs of powder........for minimum recoil and fair groups.

Best group with minimum recoil came with 2.7grs of Bullseye and a medium light crimp.

If you are shooting a 4" or longer barrel.........
test the 2.5gr loads to make sure they have enough velocity to clear your barrel !! I was getting only 550 to 588 fps.
 
I like 2.9 BE. No crimp other than removing enough flare so that the round chambers easily. Seated so that about a thumbnail's thickness of bullet protrudes from the case.
 
It's one handed, double action shooting from 50ft. So I'm looking for accuracy and low recoil. I will be using Missouri bullet 148gr DEWC, fresh starline brass and shooting out of a 66-4 6".

The powders I have for .38 are bullseye, trail boss, unique, and AA#2. I know all these powders will work and have load data for all of them but I'm looking for advice as to which powder to start with for accuracy as well as low recoil. You guys have much more experience than me so I hope you can start me off in the right direction
Click to expand...

Being the always say to much/ analytical person I am, here is my take. Please do not take it the wrong way, as it is just how I see it.

You say you have load data for the powders you have, great, but have you shot any loads with any of the powders and tested for accuracy with YOUR pistol ?

The time to work up loads is not always best right before a match. Are you going to take someones advise and load up and test them ? or just go on what others say and hope for the best?

There is a correct way to achieve the best accuracy out a particular pistol, your approach is not the way, close, but you will not get a gold star from me. Pick a powder that has a known reputation for accuracy with your bullet and caliber. In this case I can be comfortable with the B/E someplace between
2.7 and 3 grains. however your shooting at 50 feet so I might favor the slightly lower charge.

Load min. to just below Max. for the given data, about 6 or 8 rounds each, shoot off a sand bags as well as you can. Check the groups for accuracy while shooting at 50 feet. pick the most accurate and run with that load. Adjust sights for standing free hand if needed.

50 feet, 16.5 yards is not that far, so I would use that to my favor.

But Unless you have practiced double action shooting under pressure this can work against you in a big way, especially if it's a timed event.

At this point it looks like the best advise would be to pick the best load from all the advise give, do the best you can and enjoy the shoot.

If what i say makes any sense to you, then you can always practice and be better prepared for the next match.

I hope this has been helpful, when I ask a question about good loads I try to weigh the info and use it as a starting point,
not gospel.


GW​
 
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Bullseye is the traditional powder for precision target shooting in the 38 and 45. It's been around for almost 100 years. There are newer powders out there that work well also, but if you can't get your revolver to shoot well with Bullseye, you may have other problems. 2.7 or 2.8 gr with the 148 gr WC in the 38 spl, is the old standby loading. I sort of like the roll crimp for the 38 spl, rather than the taper crimp.
 
Thank you to everyone for your answers. I guess I will start with bullseye :)

Gray wolf:
Thank you for your input as well. I will answer some of your questions.

No, I have not shot any loads with any of these powders in my gun before. That's why I'm asking the question.
I realize that developing a load before a match is not the best time. It's my first time shooting in the league and in a club I just joined a few weeks ago. So timing may not be ideal but I figure it's better than starting when the league is over. My post asked which powder is better for accuracy, so I can determine a starting point and powder. For me, this league will be for fun and to be used as a learning experience. Thank you for your input and maybe next time I can earn a gold star!
 
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In these times it is nice to find a powder that will work with minimal amounts of powder..............for your loads.

However I do not mind a few more grains of powder to acquire a good load with a tight grouping and maybe also one that strikes at POA.

One reason I have LOTS of powders and bullets in my logs.

I finally reduced my snub nose loads down to only six !!
Two SD and four target loads.

I don't even want to bore you with all my 6" barrel loads..........
but I have been testing loads since the late 60's.

By the way a accurate load is only 10% of shooting a good group with a one hand grip...............
Good luck at the shoot.
 
Gray wolf:
Thank you for your input as well. I will answer some of your questions.

No, I have not shot any loads with any of these powders in my gun before. That's why I'm asking the question.
I realize that developing a load before a match is not the best time. It's my first time shooting in the league and in a club I just joined a few weeks ago. So timing may not be ideal but I figure it's better than starting when the league is over. My post asked which powder is better for accuracy, so I can determine a starting point and powder. For me, this league will be for fun and to be used as a learning experience. Thank you for your input and maybe next time I can earn a gold star!
Click to expand...
GOLD STAR ? HA, HA, ( smile here )
After such a great and honest answer you you get a big one.
stick out your chest.

Re-read the post and pick the best B/E load that you think will work, then sike yourself up to the fact that it will work.

at that distance all you need is a group of about 2" or less to keep you in the game. A lot depends on the targets being used.
a round bulls eye with score rings and you can get aced out by a 1/8 " A combat style target and you have a much bigger score area and a better chance of getting a higher score.

Use all time you are given, (take your time ) Let the other folks blast away. If you haven't practiced double action while staging your trigger don't start now. Use a good amount of trigger finger on the trigger, not the tip and practice a straight back trigger pull. try to initiate the shot without moving the sight picture. You can do this at home, just don't shoot the TV.

It's you that will win this match, not the load that sends the bullet to the target, ( well it helps a little EH. )
You can always fine tune your load development latter.

Try doing it like I suggested in my other post and good luck.
 
Forget Tradition

Use 2.7 grains of AA #2 and never look back! Clean burning, accurate, no leading, very mild to no recoil.

Carry on, you got a lot to learn shooting in a double action match. The first one won't be pretty but will be fun! :D
 
Okay Matt, you should have asked me first.:D

3.2 grains of HP38 or W-W 231 behind a swaged HBWC bullet or a double ended wadcutter.

If you need some 231 powder, I have a 1 pound can you can have.

If you can make it this Sunday, we're shooting trap.
 
I've been having good luck with 2.8 BE and 3 to 3.5 grains of Red Dot.

I've been using Hornady HBWCs and Hornady 140 grain Cowboy bullets.
I was pleasantly surprised by the accuracy of the Cowboys and Red Dot.
I've only been able to find one pound of BE in the last year.
I can get RD easily.
 
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