38 S&W Trail Boss load data needed

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

I started using Trail Boss in my 38 Specials including my Victory Models.
I want to try it in my 38/200 S&W Victory's. Does anyone have any load data for it?

I tried the IMR website, they have 38 Special but not 38 S&W.
They do list a load for a 38 Colt Short.

 

[Strapnug]

Strapnug

I'll bet that cowboy load for the Colt Short in the IMR manual would be a safe choice with TrailBoss, especially in a HE. The S&W case is about .020" longer and .3 grain/water greater volume than the Colt. 135 gr bullet, 1.5 gr TrailBoss= 490 fps starting load---They probably don't quote loads for 38S&W because of all the old BP Topbreak revolvers out there--Regards--

 

[TwoPoundPull]

Try this link

http://hodgdon.com/PDF/Trail-Boss-data.pdf

 

[TSQUARED]

Trail Boss has become my favorite powder for lead bullet loads. I did not realize itwas also useful for jacketed bullet loads. I'm looking forward to working uo some reduced velocity 30-06 and 375 H&H loads in the coming months.

 

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

I like the suggestions, both using the similar cartridge and the link to Hodgen,
From the link it sounds like unless you compress or over crimp you really can't over stoke it.
I have to get out this weekend and cast some more bullets from wheelweights. One of my molds throws bullets at .360-.361 perfect for 38 S&W
I also want to work up a load for my 303 Jungle Carbine, a real shoulder breaker

 

[TwoPoundPull]

Yes......You do not want compress the charge and start breaking up those little cheerios......

 

[ArchAngelCD]

All you need to do is either call or write Hodgdon and they will supply you with the load data you are looking for...

 

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

I got on the Hodgen site and they suggest working up a load for the 38 S&W,
Figure out where the bottom of the bullet is, fill with powder to that point, that is the max load and as long as it is not compressed it is safe to shoot, subtract 30% that is the starting load and work from there.
They said it is hard to over stoke it.

 

[Titegroups]

The manufacture suggested loads are too hot for most cowboy shooting. Minimum recoil is a must to be competitive. I have used 3.2 grains of it in a .38spl case with a 122g bullet for cowboy matches. 1.5g is pretty light but may be workable. I like to use a bit of a safety margin for stuck bullets, I have also used 4.0g of it in .44 mag. cases with 180g. bullets for cowboy with great results. I think both of these chrono about 600-700fps. Cheerios!

 

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

I enjoy Cowboy shooting but since my stroke will probably never be compeditive, I just enjoy the doing, especially since I am lucky to be alive.
for my .38's I have been using 4.0 grs of Unique behind a 158 gr cast bullet, may be too much to be compeditive but I am having fun and that to me is what counts.

I just got a chrono and will see what speeds I am getting, especially when I start trying to work up a load for Trail Boss on the 38 S&W.
Now I picked up a 44/40 over the weekend for a good price so I have to start loading for that as well.

 

[Titegroups]

The Trailboss is popular with the rifle reloaders for subsonic loads. It's so bulky that they sell it in standard 1 pound powder containers, but it will only hold 9oz. of TrailBoss. About $17 a container here.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I enjoy Cowboy shooting but since my stroke will probably never be compeditive, I just enjoy the doing, especially since I am lucky to be alive.
for my .38's I have been using 4.0 grs of Unique behind a 158 gr cast bullet, may be too much to be compeditive but I am having fun and that to me is what counts.

I just got a chrono and will see what speeds I am getting, especially when I start trying to work up a load for Trail Boss on the 38 S&W.
Now I picked up a 44/40 over the weekend for a good price so I have to start loading for that as well.

When shooting stops being fun there's no reason to do it. I see nothing wrong with shooting SASS for the fun if it instead of having to win. Just look around you and you will see 90+ year old shooting there only to shoot and laugh about how slow they went.

BTW, Trail Boss will work VERY WELL in that new 44/40 you just picked up... Have fun and shoot clean...

 

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

Fun is why I do it, yes I like to try to shoot clean but to me the dressing up and the fun is what it is all about.

I want to try the Trail Boss in the 44/40 and in my 38 S&W's