38 hbwc loads

[szeles369]

I'm lost........cant for the life of me figure out why my im using a fraction of the powder of what my load books are reccomending and my reloads are still really hot! I checked my dillon scale with a couple of check weights and it seems ok but im not convinced its not off. the OAL and crimp seem just fine so I can only assume my scale is off. I'm at 2.5 grns of win 231 with a 148 grn hbwc and win primers and its still a little hot, feels like a plus p round. the loadbooks say to start around 3.1 grns? any idea's before i buy another scale?

 

[Carnage_7]

What kind of scale are you using? If electronic, do you have check weights? I always counsel new reloaders to buy a "manual" scale to check the electronic scale they are buying. Never know when an electronic scale is going to go bad especially a cheap one!

 

[szeles369]

im using a manual beam scale... a dillon eliminator I believe its called.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

I would buy some Bullseye and load at 2.3 and see what you get. Plus take a load to the gun shop and have them to weight it.

 

[carexpert]

3.1 of 231 should be fine, check your scale. Have you tried bullseye power? Its a bit dirtier but not bad, 2.7/2.8 with a 148g HBWC is tried and true, been using it for some time with no issues... Dont go heavy on those bullets or you can blow the center out.

 

[Carnage_7]

That's a good scale. Do you have it set up right? Do you have any check weights to test it's accuracy? If not, just use regular US coins: is your scale accurate? Do you have check weights? - THR

 

[chingachkook]

What make and model of revolver are you shooting your reloads in and have you also fired any factory 148 grain HBWC in that firearm as a comparison to the recoil of you reloads?

I ask because if you are shooting an ultra lightweight J frame Titanium or Aluminum framed model recoil is going to feel stiff as apposed to an all steel model.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I can't see a charge of only 2.5gr W231 being hot. I usually charge between 3.2gr and 3.4gr under a 148gr WC bullet and that's a fairly light load. If your scale is off changing powder will do no good so I really don't know why some here are recommending you change over to Bullseye? Besides, there's nothing wrong with W231...

 

[szeles369]

i really cant see that changing to a different powder would help. i have tried some factory loads in comparison to mine and theres a huge difference. mine are much too hot. I can only assume my scales off. and im shooting it out of a K frame model 14

 

[chingachkook]

i really cant see that changing to a different powder would help. i have tried some factory loads in comparison to mine and theres a huge difference. mine are much too hot. I can only assume my scales off. and im shooting it out of a K frame model 14

I've shot 2.7 - 3.5 grains of Bullseye in a Model 14 with just about ever bullet style or weight up to and including the Lyman 358430 200 grain bullet for the past 50 years and never experienced +P type recoil with any of them. I'm not suggesting you change powders because I surely don't want any Archangels scolding me , but I would suggest you get a scale check kit

RCBS Standard Scale Check Weights 60.5 Grains - MidwayUSA

This is the one I bought several years ago, but they sure have gone up in price since then.

 

[szeles369]

thank you. I have a couple weights that ive used to check my scale but much to my frustration it seems on. i asked a buddy of mine to come over with his scale to verify my readings. guess we'll see

 

[kingranch]

This is not an exact sience but if you happen to have a Lee Dipper in .3size full of W231 should check at 3.2gr on your scale.

 

[kshock]

Weigh one of your bullets. It should weigh in the vicinity of 148 gr. It won't be exact but if it is way off from that, something is wrong with the scale. I shoot volumes of 148 HBWC's w/3.0 gr. of HP38 (same as 231) and I have never experienced what you are describing.

 

[gregintenn]

Are you certain your powder isn't mismarked?

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
what you may be running into is the dreaded " Detonation "
in which the bullet is leaving the case early and stopping in the forcing
cone, then the powder gets a good light and you have a plug to overcome.. Seen at PPC matchs and now cowboy, with low charges.
How deep are you seating the bullet , how much crimp?????

 

[ISOM]

.38 with HBWC

For what it's worth...
Using Winchester 231
Shot in a S&W 686

3.0 grains with HBWC--Any more powder and they will tumble and/or keyhole

4.0 grains with a BBWC--900fps and no problem

 

[szeles369]

im seating the bullet flush with the case somewhere in the neighborhood of a OAL of 1.171 and the crimp is a slight roll crimp.

 

[szeles369]

and I ordered a check weight set that should be here soon so i'll be able to check my scale. I did check it against a buddies scale identical to mine and they both read the same. so unless there both off im now really confused......

 

[nicky4968]

Do the rounds behave this way in other revolvers? I can't imagine what would cause it in one gun and not another, but you have to eliminate the variables.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Are you certain your powder isn't mismarked?

This is looking more likely as the thread goes on. Did you check or are you sure the powder is really W231??