.38 S&W Loads

[mi2600]

Anyone loading the .38 S&W?

I'm getting into loading this particular cartridge and I have a basic recipe for a 146gr LRN with 2.2gr of Bullseye.

I've been intrigued by the British load with a 200gr bullet. As yet, I haven't found any 200gr bullets let alone a recipe for that weight bullet. Anyone know of a source?

If anyone has other loads and/or sources, please post.

 

[sjmjax]

Never tried 146 grain bullets.

Had somewhat disappointing results with gas checked, .360 diameter, 200 grain bullets. Basically poor accuracy in Colt, S&W and Webley revolvers.

However, I have found quite satisfactory performance with generic 158 grain, .358 diameter LSWC bullets with 3.0 grain Unique. Gets about 750 fps depending on barrel length.

Can't complain about accuracy. Can do this all day long at 7 yards with the 33-1. Colt PP is even better.

 

[tops]

158 gr. SWC, 3 grs. Unique, 5 1/2 in. barrel, 783 FPS. Larry

 

[tjpopkin]

Anyone loading the .38 S&W?

I'm getting into loading this particular cartridge and I have a basic recipe for a 146gr LRN with 2.2gr of Bullseye.

I've been intrigued by the British load with a 200gr bullet. As yet, I haven't found any 200gr bullets let alone a recipe for that weight bullet. Anyone know of a source?

If anyone has other loads and/or sources, please post.

Montana Bullet Works makes unbelievably beautiful bullets and if you look under the .357 heading they have a series of bullets for the .38S&W, including a nice Lyman bullet that casts at 195gr. Best Cast Bullets I have ever used.
Terry

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I've been intrigued by the British load with a 200gr bullet. As yet, I haven't found any 200gr bullets let alone a recipe for that weight bullet. Anyone know of a source?

I load a 38/200 round using a lead bullet and 2.4gr W231. That load shoots very well from an Enfield No.2 revolver. You should start with a charge of 2.2gr and work up to the 2.4gr charge weight. as always make sure you don't get a squib load and fire another round before you clear the obstruction.

There is some good data here:
Reloading Pages of M.D. Smith

 

[webley green]

Thanks for the loads and info on MBW bullets for the 38 SW.

 

[BearBio]

I recently got some 146 grainers specifically for the 38 S & W but haven't tried them yet in my Victory or my lemonsqueezer.

 

[Miltfarrow]

What's a safe .38 S&W load for an excellent, tight, top break S&W or H&R?
Both are very clean, very tight guns.

 

[Chasing Crow]

I ran some 146 grain Gold Dots with 3.8 grains of Bullseye. Not a bad load but I still like 158 grain bullets in my smith's.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

What's a safe .38 S&W load for an excellent, tight, top break S&W or H&R?
Both are very clean, very tight guns.

The S&W revolver is capable of shooting heavier loads than the H&R but on very heavy loads. As you probably know top break revolvers are inherently weak because of their design.

If it were me I would stick with published loads from a reliable source for the .38 S&W because they are safe in the weakest revolvers.

 

[PattonTime]

38 S&W

I have been buying 146 grain bullets from Missouri Bullets.
I have had good luck with both Bullseye and best luck with Trail boss.
Could not find any specific for 38 S7W but found same cartridge listed under
Cowboy loads as Colt version.
Shoots well and I like how Trail Boss seems to cause less lube smoke , as I am indoors I like that !

 

[oldtimer]

38 loads

I use WN231 3.5 158 lead swc