I need a little help with trying to find a suitable powder charge for a .38 plinking load if anyone out there can oblige. I have 125gr round nose flat point polymer coated bullets. I would like to use Bullseye as I have a good bit. I have not been able to find a Bullseye reference as to how much powder to use and wanted to know if there were any opinions out there. I have been reading others recipes that were close and it seems that a COL of 1.44 and between 2.5 and 3 grains should be right. Any help is appreciated-Bill
.38 special plinking load with Bullseye
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Geno44
Member
46th edition of the Lyman book shows 2.8 grains of Bullseye as the starting load for a 121 lead round nose bullet. (690 fps) 2.8 to 3 grains ought to do it. I see X Ring and I posted at the same time. Personally, I would midpoint his numbers of 3.2 and 4.2 unless you are just trying to get the bullet clear of the barrel. The difference in powder consumption is negligible.
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Thank you ALL for your prompt replies. The only cartridge I have ever loaded is 45acp so this is my first revolver attempt. I am just trying to get it to leave the barrel, not looking to duplicate a factory loading with any kind of speed. To that end, does it seem okay to try 3gr, .2 below the starting load?
Bruce51
Member
Lyman
In my Lyman manual a 121 grain cast bullet lists 2 grains of BE at 560 fps.
With 3.8 grains 923 fps.
As long as the bullet is lead you can work with this data.
Jacketed bullets could get stuck with a low charge. That is why Speer lists 4.5 grains with a 125 JHP and a do not reduce warning.
I hope this information will help with your plinking load.
BLM
In my Lyman manual a 121 grain cast bullet lists 2 grains of BE at 560 fps.
With 3.8 grains 923 fps.
As long as the bullet is lead you can work with this data.
Jacketed bullets could get stuck with a low charge. That is why Speer lists 4.5 grains with a 125 JHP and a do not reduce warning.
I hope this information will help with your plinking load.
BLM
I started reloading over 40 years ago with a Lee Loader. There was (is) a little red dipper that throws 3.0 of Bullseye. It worked quite well.
There are two potential problems with trying to load as light
as possible. One is the possibility of sticking a bullet in the
barrel followed by another shot, or maybe several more shots.
Unlikely to blow up a gun but WILL ruin the barrel. Second is
that any bullet needs some velocity to stabilize and so
accuracy at minimal velocity may be poor. The cost of a few
more tenths of a grain of powder is negligible so it seems
well worth it for the safety factor provided for your gun
barrel alone.
Geno44
Member
What specifically are you trying to achieve with the light load? (Quiet, low recoil, economy, just testing etc.?) There are 7000 grains to the pound of powder. Loading 3 grains, you will get 2333 loads out of a pound. Loading 4 grains, you will get 1750 loads to the pound. Accuracy sometimes improves with increasing velocity if accuracy is a goal. Do you have a current load manual? I was using Lyman 46 which goes back to the 1980's. I have later editions but this is the one that was closest. Older manuals often showed higher charges which is why I didn't list the top load which I feel is a little too much. I don't think 3 grains will stick a bullet in the barrel but you always have to be watchful!
elpac3
Member
Absolutely true. I have found over the 40 years of loading .38 specials the reduced loads may suffer accuracy when you get too slow. I know from range testing the 148 grain wad cutters 800 fps provides optimal accuracy in my guns. By virtue of going to a lighter bullet you will have less recoil due less mass. You will also have less bearing surface which may or may not help accuracy in you gun. Only range testing will give you the answer you need.
If felt recoil and target acquire time are issues for you, consider adding barrel weights to minimize felt recoil and muzzle flip along with gripping the revolver as high on the back strap as you can.
Types of bullets change the OAL needed.
A HSM 125 LFN (truncated) for me was at 1.44" but the 125gr RN
"Cowboy Bullet" from Xtreme came out at 1.36" OAL for best fit.
I never got to the 4.2 grs mentioned since I reached 786 fps with a little lower load that hit at POA and grouped well, in my J frame snub nose.
In my 6" I was able to get 950 fps that also shot well but top honors went to a lower sped load at just 840 fps.
Have fun.
A HSM 125 LFN (truncated) for me was at 1.44" but the 125gr RN
"Cowboy Bullet" from Xtreme came out at 1.36" OAL for best fit.
I never got to the 4.2 grs mentioned since I reached 786 fps with a little lower load that hit at POA and grouped well, in my J frame snub nose.
In my 6" I was able to get 950 fps that also shot well but top honors went to a lower sped load at just 840 fps.
Have fun.
Thank you all for your most recent replies. I just wanted to make a little lighter recoil as I will use these loads to teach kids, next step up from 22 pistols. I do not have a current Lyman manual but I do have a currentish Lee manual, but alas, there was no load info for the 125gr bullet that I have. IT SEEMS from all of the comments that 3gr ought to work okay? I guess I need to bench test for accuracy as best I can and see where 3gr leaves me? Bill
Bullets are bonded better BUT....
Speer bullets are bonded better than they used to be, but I don't how much 'better' is. Also, other makes of bullets may not have jet-age bonding so I think it's smart not to go below recommended. It doesn't help anything and if you do stick a jacket in the barrel the results can be tragic.
Speer bullets are bonded better than they used to be, but I don't how much 'better' is. Also, other makes of bullets may not have jet-age bonding so I think it's smart not to go below recommended. It doesn't help anything and if you do stick a jacket in the barrel the results can be tragic.
bill skebeck
US Veteran
38 special loads
I load 3.0 grains of bullseye 158 grain roundnose excellent results. Same load in eight different S.W. pistols
I load 3.0 grains of bullseye 158 grain roundnose excellent results. Same load in eight different S.W. pistols
I went to minimum loads for our kids......... 531-600 fps in a 2".
what powders do you have from fast to trail, universal, 4756, 4759.......... along with the length of barrel you will be using?
I might be able to save you a lot of testing if you have my powders.
Later.
what powders do you have from fast to trail, universal, 4756, 4759.......... along with the length of barrel you will be using?
I might be able to save you a lot of testing if you have my powders.
Later.
I could tell you the length of the barrel, but I am too lazy to go open up the gun safe. It is a S+W model 64, I think 4" barrel. I use Clays for my 45acp and loaded 100 38s tonight with 3gr Bullseye. The only other powders I have are some Winchester WST and some Unique. Bill
The other post have good starting loads , looks like you are good to go..........
Have fun.
Have fun.
