148gr HBWC / 38spcl

[Bronco89]

I've used Hogdon / IMR Trail Boss with 158gr Lead with good results. Anybody ever use this powder with 148gr HBWC? I'm wanting some easy shooting loads for:

• S&W 64
• S&W 637 Airweight

Will be shooting all rounds on paper targets inside of 10 Yards.

[Bronco89]

The 637 is my wife's gun. She has been carrying Hornady 110 gr +P Critical Defense and we are happy with that round. But she is wanting to start doing some simple drills. Starting with getting 5 rounds inside the 8-ring on a 12'x18" splatter target, inside of 5 seconds.

The 64 is my gun and I am just wanting a round that makes me look really good at the range.

[ArchAngelCD]

I have not used that load but I see no reason why it shouldn't work just as well as your 158gr load. Hodgdon supplies data on their online load data site.

Set your sights on pistol reloading data | Hodgdon Reloading

[reddog81]

Trail Boss is a very bulky powder and with a wadcutter deep inside the case it doesn't leave much room for powder. Hodgdon shows a max load with a velocity of 675 FPS. The common load of Bullseye with 2.7 grains is supposed to get close to 750 FPS.

It looks like it should work, it'll just be a real light load.

[Nevada Ed]

I have use Trail Boss in my J frame snub nose with a 148gr HBwc
with the swaged soft Speer #4618 bullet from 1.15" out to 1.20"

Lowest charge of 2.4grs did 560fps but was not as accurate as
2.7 grs at 672 with a f209 primer.

I have loaded 3.4c in my M686 but it did not do as well for a "Full Load" in a 38 special
as a full load of Bullseye or w231 for accuracy with heavy recoil.

It also works well with a 158 Lwc in my revolvers.
Stay safe.

[Boogsawaste]

I’ve tried it with 148hwbc and it works ok. I much prefer bullseye or hp38 (w231).

I however use a lot of trailboss with 158lswc.

[boatbum101]

If you'll search my past posts , you'll see a thread I started on 38 HBWC loads & tests results . Granted these were all shot using 1911's & Model 52's , but the load recipes are the same regardless of platform . Other faster end pistol powders will give better results . Historical favorites for these type loads include Bullseye , W 231 , WST , HP38 , 7625 , 700X , N320 & N340 . Not every gun likes the classic 2.7grs of Bullseye . My Model 52 likes W 231 , Giles 38 conversion likes WST & my PPC revolver likes 2.9grs Bullseye .

[38SPL HV]

I too prefer Bullseye, classic 38 Spl load of 2.7 grs Bullseye and 148 gr HBWC is a match made in Heaven.

[BE Mike]

Originally Posted by Bronco89

I've used Hogdon / IMR Trail Boss with 158gr Lead with good results. Anybody ever use this powder with 148gr HBWC? I'm wanting some easy shooting loads for:

• S&W 64
• S&W 637 Airweight

Will be shooting all rounds on paper targets inside of 10 Yards.

Break out that wallet and after all the moths are scared away, get out that twenty dollar bill and buy a more suitable gun powder, as has been suggested.

[gwpercle]

If 2.7 grains of Bullseye under a 148 gr. HBWC doesn't make you look good ... then nothing will .
That magic load in my model 64 prints 5 shots in one ragged hole that can be covered with a quarter .
I've been loading 38 special since 1967 and have been on the hunt for the ultimate 38 accuracy load . Found 2 powders and one cast bullet that come close , Red Dot and AA#2 - Lyman #358432 , but none better 2.7 grains of Bullseye and the 148 grain HBWC.
It's just a magical combination....

Try It !
Gary

[nbedford]

I have been running 3.1 grains of Bullseye under a 148 grain HBWC for several years. It is the most accurate load in my S&W 4" Model 67 - no dash. Chronographed at 800 fps.

[Nevada Ed]

I posted this picture many years ago but Trail boss will work for target loads with lead bullets.

This was my lowest loading for TB that got minimum recoil and some accuracy out of a snub nose, but there are other powders that will also work..........

even better with a good trigger pull or a shooter without the "Yipes".

[BE Mike]

Originally Posted by Nevada Ed

I posted this picture many years ago but Trail boss will work for target loads with lead bullets.

This was my lowest loading for TB that got minimum recoil and some accuracy out of a snub nose, but there are other powders that will also work..........

even better with a good trigger pull or a shooter without the "Yipes".

At what distance were these groups shot? Anything will group well at very close distances.

[Bronco89]

Thanks for all the good info.