38 s&w

[Beaver]

I finally started reloading for my Terrier, Mdl 32. This gun w/ some old factory Peters 146 gr. RN shot a 5" group at 25 yds. Not bad for me and short barreled guns.

From Midway, I bought some 146 RN especially for the 38 S&W. I had 100 once fired Peters' brass primed w/ CCI 500 I believe.

I had some old Bullseye, so my Reloading books search showed 2.1 gr. to be fairly universal and a medium load. The bullet went out the end of the barrel w/o a problem. My only comment is that Bullseye seems to be a dirty powder.

Any other 38 S&W reloaders for comments and experience. I would love to use 158 gr SWC but the diameter is a little smaller. Any problems?

Is there a better/cleaner powder? I have some 700x and Unique. Most of the Dot's also.

I'd love to hear from all the reloaders.

 

[canoeguy]

I use .357 diameter 158 grain LSWC in my .38 S&W Victory Models and a Colt Police Positive revolver. The Victorys give good accuracy and shoot to point of aim with the 158 grainers, loaded with 3.1 grains Unique. I tried 148 grain wadcutters, but found they shot too low for me, like 4" low at 15 yards.

I tried some .360 diameter bullets (expensive!) but found no difference in accuracy with the .357 diameter bullets.

 

[will5a1]

I use 231 and .358 sized SWC bullets without any accuracy or leading problems, and also load the 148 HBWC, again with 231 for this round. I think 231 burns a little cleaner than Bullseye.

 

[Jellybean]

I use .358 LRN bullets, either 150gr or 158 gr. They shoot fine for me. I did switch from 231 to Bullseye because of how dirty the 231 was, I like the Bullseye better.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

I shoot .358 dia. 158 LSWC's out of my model 33 with fair accuracy. It does shoot a bit better with factory ammo that has the proper bullet though.

 

[Kid Sopris]

I use 2.6 grs. of IMR PB, behind a Liberty 125 Gr. RN, sized .360 bullet, fired from a S&W Perfected Model. PB is a very clean powder and very adaptable to a variety of calibers where Magnum velocity is not required.

 

[EOD3]

I've been using Hornady 140 grain (cowboy) bullets and StarLine brass in my break-top. Works pretty well.

 

[H Richard]

I loaded 3.1 gr 231 behind the 158 gr. cast RNL (sized .358) and it seemed very hot, causing very sticky extraction from my .38 Regulation Police. I only shot the one cylinder full, then quit. I'm still sitting on the rest of the 50 rds. loaded, and don't want to try them in my Double Action 38 Top Break. I need to swap my 38 Special cylinder and reinstall the 38 S&W cylinder in my Victory and try there. I thought the seating depth (to get the bullet in far enough to crimp in the crimp grove) was awfully deep, leaving very little space for the powder. I don't think it would be compressed, but a very small burning chamber.

Has anyone else experienced this with 3.1 gr. 231?

 

[sjmjax]

I've posted this a couple of times before. My S&W 33-1's and Colt PP's seem to like 2.8/3.0 grains of Unique with a generic 158 grain LSWC.

Group shot standing, two hand hold at 7 yards. Load has been pretty consistant for me. Will admit this is one of the better groups but not that unusual with these guns. All except a Webley seem quite accurate.

 

[ricks1]

you said bullseye was dirty. it may be the bullet lube. some said unique thats fine but its a flake and small charge weights are hard to get uniform with flake unless you weigh each one