How many grains of HS-6 were listed as being used in the older data +P?
38+P LSWCHP- any former LEOs remember it?
- Thread starter Biff_Biffington
- Start date
How many grains of HS-6 were listed as being used in the older data +P?
Uraldriver
Member
Current Hodgdon load data shows 6.6 grains of HS6 as max for +p 158 grain 38 special. Some older manuals had 7.4 grains as max. I’ve loaded 7.4 and get just shy of 1000 fps in a 4” model 15.
As usual work up to that load and use caution.
As usual work up to that load and use caution.
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SquarePizza
Member
I have a recent batch of federal 158 LSWCHP (non +P) that I clocked at 756fps out of a 2 1/4 inch 649. Slower than I was hoping for, but recoil was pleasant.
I’m also a fan of Archangel’s old work. To be clear, the “older” HS-6 data is from the early 2000’s. The “FBI replication” load was listed as 7 grains. Here’s what I’ve gotten with coated SWC’s:
158gr Summit SWC +P
7gr HS-6, 1.46” COAL, CCI SPM
4” 19-3: 935fps
2.5” 66-1: 855fps
As always, be careful.
Doug M.
Member
In addition to the evolution of ammo, a huge factor is the improved understanding of anatomy and physiology. Better selection of the target areas on the human body makes a huge difference.
Model 15-4ever
Member
Speer Number 8 - the Atomic Manual - lists a very healthy charge of HS-6 as max for .38 Special. I tried it with no ill effects, but my standard load is 5% less with excellent results. Speer Number 10 (1979) lists 22,400 CUP as max +P pressure and I stay within that.
It's my favorite load for .38 Special, still have 1K round case tucked away in one of the safes.
Back after the pandemic had started for a while and immediately after Floyd dying but before things went nuts I saw where I could pick up the Federal version you show and still relatively cheap. I just mentioned to The Boss here that it may be a smart move to get a case of 1,000 and her reply was go ahead and get two cases of 1,000 count. That is when you know you are with the right gal.
Between .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers both we have more firearms that shoot the .38 Special than any other single caliber/dual caliber so a good decision.
I bought this box (probably from Wal-mart) back in the mid 90's to use in my 2 1/2" Model 19. Probably wasn't the best choice for that length barrel, but you don't know what you don't know.
I carry it in my 2” J frame. It penetrates and expands just fine in the milk jug test…… if I run into a bad guy made of plastic and water I’m good to go.
The Remington 158 +P LSWCHP was the load I carried in the 80's until we gained authorization to carry magnum loads. I have some on hand for my 4" model 15.
fccderek
Member
When I carry a 3" 357 most of the time its loaded with 7 shots of Underwood 158LSWCHP's at 1100fps. It's a potent load and being soft lead I have no doubt it would have tremendous terminal effects on whomever was on the receiving end. I don't feel undergunned carrying that setup. In my 2" wheelguns I carry wadcutters.
Kodachrome gives us those nice bright colors
I remember standing on the hill, where the base firing range was located, overlooking the AFB and watching the brown L.A. smog roll in daily about noon time as the B-52s & fuel laden KC-135s roared down the two mile runway, belching tons of their own black smoke into the sky, as they clawed to get airborne with the snow covered mountain peaks in the background.
Yes, fond memories.
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I remember standing on the hill, where the base firing range was located, overlooking the AFB and watching the brown L.A. smog roll in daily about noon time as the B-52s & fuel laden KC-135s roared down the two mile runway, belching tons of their own black smoke into the sky, as they clawed to get airborne with the snow covered mountain peaks in the background.
Yes, fond memories.
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