1st 38 Special Loads

[31 Pump]

I got my first 38's loaded and went to the range today. From a bench rest I was shooting 2 inch groups at 10 yards with an occasional flyer. 5 shots in the black and one about 5 inches away. Don't know if it was me or the loads.

I used 3.2 grains of Tite Group with a 158 Gr lead round nose bullet.

Glenn

 

[31 Pump]

I got my first 38's loaded and went to the range today. From a bench rest I was shooting 2 inch groups at 10 yards with an occasional flyer. 5 shots in the black and one about 5 inches away. Don't know if it was me or the loads.

I used 3.2 grains of Tite Group with a 158 Gr lead round nose bullet.

Glenn

 

[OFT]

Try using using just one chamber, the same one, and put a few groups on target. That should tell you if it's the load or not. The other variables are you and the gun.

 

[OKFC05]

That is a very light load, and is light enough to get significant velocity differences depending on whether gun is tilted up to put powder at back.
However, vel variation will not throw a bullet 5" at 10 yd. Unless there is something seriously wrong with the revolver, it's a flinch.

With my cast bullets and HP38 or Titegroup, I expect 1 to 2 inch groups at 25yd.

 

[31 Pump]

There is nothing wrong with the revolver, I'm sure it was my shooting. I started out with the lightest loads in the manual for titegroup and today I am going to load some more and move up to 3.5 grains with the 158 bullet.

Thanks

Glenn

 

[bogman]

What gun are you using ? also what bbl. length ?

 

[31 Pump]

I am using a Model 67 with a 4" barrel.

Glenn

 

[Skip Sackett]

Tite Group is touted as being position insensitive.

If the reason that the group is so big is you, swallow that manly pride and let another shooter shoot it once. It may prove out that some other factor is playing a part in the larger than normal groups.

I have had mixed results with LRN bullets in 38spl. I don't cast that type myself but the "store bought" ones never worked that great for me. I much more prefer the LSWC version.

Here is the important part. You shot your first reloads today. They all went bang and no one got hurt. I say you continue on and make adjustments to get the best load you can for your firearm. That is what reloading is really all about. Custom ammo just for you. Each one made with tender loving care!

Enjoy and be safe.

 

[Dale53]

I had an older friend who frequented our local gun club. He had some nice handguns and had been a casual shooter for many years.

One day, he complained to me about his Ruger Mk I .22 Rimfire handgun. He said it wouldn't shoot. He stated that he benched it and it just would not shoot regardless of the brand of ammo (.22's are notoriously ammo sensitive). Then he proceeded to sit down at the bench and show me how badly his Ruger shot. He was going to send it back to the factory.

I asked him if I might shoot it. He was happy that I was interested, even if it wouldn't shoot. I sat down at the bench and fired a ten shot group at 25 yards slightly over an inch. He had me do it again as he did not believe it. The next group was even better.

So, I had my friend sit down, gave him a bit of coaching and a LOT of encouragement. His groups went from 5-6" down to 2" or less. He was ecstatic.

Point of the story is NOT to demonstrate my "superior" ability but to demonstrate that you will NOT exceed your expectations. He actually was a pretty dern good shot. However, for some reason, he had convinced himself that the gun would not shoot. As a result, it didn't.

He reminded me from time to time, with affection, of the time I took him to school. He was a grand old gentleman and I miss him (he passed away a year or so ago).

Moral of the story:
Have someone else that is a known shooter give you a hand. Your reloads may be better than you think. What is MORE important, YOU may be better than you think.

Good luck!
Dale53

 

[Skip Sackett]

He reminded me from time to time, with affcection, of the time I took him to school.

I wish I could go to that school! When does class start?

 

[31 Pump]

Dale and Smith Crazy,

Thanks for the encouragement and the advice. I have no doubt that I am the weak link in this equation. I should probably be posting on the "How to Shoot Straight" forum but I am learning so much and enjoying reloading so much that I think I will stay here a while. I have reloaded shotgun shells for 20 years but that is more of a production process to save money and not that enjoyable. I have a 14 year old son and he can shoot a lot of shells. Learning to load for our revolvers is new and exciting to us. I am weighing every powder charge, taking my time, double and triple checking everything I do and I love it. I really appreciate you and all the guys here that are so generous with there time and knowledge.

Thanks again

Glenn

 

[Paul5388]

Glenn,

Good advice so far!

It's quite possible your gun just doesn't like that load. So, since you're weighing everything, why not try a load that has been proven by many shooters? Something more along the lines of 3.0 - 3.5 gr of Bullseye.

If you were using a powder measure of some sort, Bullseye might not work as good as the ball powder. However, it's fine with the method you're using now.

Then, get some more range time.

 

[Dale53]

Skip;
I suspect that you could take ME to school.

Where do you live in Indiana? I am just over the border here in God's country (SW Ohio just north of Cincinnati). We have a great local range and I guarantee that we would have fun in a friendly get-together.

Dale53

 

[Spotteddog]

What Dale said 31.
You'd have to look really hard to find a better launching platform for the products from your new hobby! It's sometimes difficult to believe just how accurate a good quality revolver like a 67 can be. But, believe it!

 

[Skip Sackett]

We have a great local range and I guarantee that we would have fun in a friendly get-together.

35 miles south east of South Bend. In the great white north!

I do have a Florida permit and I have been itching for a reason to come to the Gestapo state of OH-10 carrying my firearm just for spite!

I'll be over just after I get my iron britches. If I'm going to take a spanking on a range, I'm gonna be protected!

I have friends in that area. Hamilton to be exact. Surrounding areas too. After we get done with this ICE BOX season, I may just take you up on it!