.38 loads in a 357 cartridge for 5" 686

[Kaumheimer]

I was wondering if anyone has worked out an accurate .38 special load for 5" 686. I find that using wadcutters in a standard .38 case is not consistent whereas they are tackdrivers for my 6" M19. (I use 3.1 gr 231 for a 158 wadcutter). Was thinking of trying out a wadcutter or a 158 swc in a 357 cartridge. Any load suggestions for either are welcomed. mahalo

 

[Black_Talon]

3.2/3.3gr of WW231 in a 357 Mag case with a 148gr HBWC has been quite accurate in almost every 357 Smith I've tried it in.

 

[handgunner356]

I used 2.5grs Red Dot with 148HBWC in .38 cases but found I needed to go up to 3.0grs in .357 cases to get the same velocity. When all was said and done the .38s' shot just as good and used less powder, just buy a good cylinder brush.

 

[MMA10mm]

3.2/3.3gr of WW231 in a 357 Mag case with a 148gr HBWC has been quite accurate in almost every 357 Smith I've tried it in.

Exactly my experience.

I also use my 38 Spl. SWC load in 357 cases and get almost as good accuracy. That's 4.4grs of 231.

Don't know how fine of accuracy you're looking for, but I've had as good or better luck with properly cast and sized SWCs as commercial swaged WCs. Shot two back to back perfect scores with that SWC load back when I was young and had better eyesight.

 

[tc scout]

I use 3.2 grs of Unique with a 148 gr plated HBWC in my 2 1/2" 686
loaded in 38 brass. Good accuracy and easy shootin.

 

[Kaumheimer]

Mahalo nui loa for the direction guys. Will give your formulas a shot.

 

[alwslate]

I get better accuracy with light loads in 38 special brass with cast round nose bullets than I do with swc's. 4.0 231, 3.4 Tightgroup, 3.2
WST, 3.4 Bullseye have grouped well for me.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I've found if you use the MAX charge from .38 Special data in a .357 Magnum case it makes a very good light .357 Magnum load.

When I load a 158gr LSWC bullet in a .357 Magnum case I charge 4.0gr W231.

 

[Willyboy]

357 loads

I agree with the previous post: 4.0 gr HP38/W231 with a 158GR Hornady SWC. I loaded these in 357 brass with a Rem SP primer and it shot great in my S&W model 27.

 

[VAdoublegunner]

Most of the above look pretty good. 231 and Tightgroup are decent powders, as is WST or even WSF for light power swaged bullet loads. I have never obtained any respectable accuracy using Unique for 38 Special target loads with either cast or swaged lead bullets, too much leading.

Another option to try is old data for 38/44 loads on the low end, forerunner of the 357 Magnum but made up in 38 Special cases, sort of a +P+ load. With hard cast bullets, I have found some of these can deliver remarkable accuracy in 357 magnum guns, particularly S&W L-frames.

 

[Wee Hooker]

My rule of thumb has been to start with a known good 38 special load then increase the charge by 10% to start if loading in 357 mag cases. This has worked well for me in the past although I admittedly don't bother with the 357 brass any more. .

 

[shovelwrench]

2.7 Clays, 148 DEWC, .357 case.

Same velocity as 2.2 Clays in a .38 case. Very accurate from my shootin buddies 686. Cut the groups in half when we worked up from the .38 load in the .357 case.

 

[Kaumheimer]

Once again, mahalo to everyone who offered advice. I think I'm in good shape now to start loading some 38 in a 357 rounds. I'm also starting to load .44 specials for the first time so I may start a thread about that too.