shil
Member
I have a quantity of these I'd like to use up. Can anyone help me with a suggested load? I was looking at W231.
.38 Special 130 FMJ
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Hodgdon says 4.1-4.7 for a 130gr LRN. They also say 4.3-4.9 for a 125gr HDY XTP.
I think I'd start with the lead bullet data.
I think I'd start with the lead bullet data.
DWalt
Member
For 231, 4.0-4.5 gr would be good.
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For reference, I've been shooting 4.0gr of W231/HP38 with a 158gr LSWC ever since I gave up on Bullseye in 1983. That load now shows a little over max, but it wasn't when I started. You won't get in any trouble using the 130gr lead bullet data.
Lyman 48th sez....
... 4.7 gr. 231 max for 140 gr. JHP. That should be good for a 130 gr. It also says 5.1 gr max for a 125 gr.
They say not to 'extrapolate' loads, but I think that these boundarie are pretty clear. Personally, I'd pick 4.9 gr for a max. load. Use your judgement.
... 4.7 gr. 231 max for 140 gr. JHP. That should be good for a 130 gr. It also says 5.1 gr max for a 125 gr.
They say not to 'extrapolate' loads, but I think that these boundarie are pretty clear. Personally, I'd pick 4.9 gr for a max. load. Use your judgement.
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Model 15-4ever
Member
"Use up" is the right term for the 130 grain FMJ-RN. I've never found that bullet to be worth a plugged nickel in .38 Special: mediocre to poor accuracy in most guns, unremarkable terminal effect, unregulated point of impact, and harder on your revolver's bore than an unjacketed lead bullet. It makes a bang and if the target is close enough, it's suitable for practice. The bullet is nearly round in cross-section and not particularly aerodynamic.
Origins of this bullet were a requirement of the US Air Force for a very low-pressure load to be fired from it's ill-fated aluminium cylinder Model 12 and Colt Aircrewman revolvers, and had to be FMJ. This anemic load barely made 700 fps out of the guns. The load was later increased in pressure but remained a stinker.
Sadly, the ammo makers seem to be standardizing on this atrocious ammo as the "new normal" in .38 Special factory ammo. I suppose it's cheaper to produce than 158 grain ammo, but of course charge the same price. I've also observed that today's modern "gunsumer" is offended by smokey lead bullets when fired at the indoor range, and likewise they recoil from the idea of cleaning lead residue from their revolver.
I like Titegroup in .38 Special practice loads, and think that 4.0 grains would be a good load to use up those bullets with. I've used W231 as well and 4.5 grains would be a mild load with the 130 grain FMJ.
Origins of this bullet were a requirement of the US Air Force for a very low-pressure load to be fired from it's ill-fated aluminium cylinder Model 12 and Colt Aircrewman revolvers, and had to be FMJ. This anemic load barely made 700 fps out of the guns. The load was later increased in pressure but remained a stinker.
Sadly, the ammo makers seem to be standardizing on this atrocious ammo as the "new normal" in .38 Special factory ammo. I suppose it's cheaper to produce than 158 grain ammo, but of course charge the same price. I've also observed that today's modern "gunsumer" is offended by smokey lead bullets when fired at the indoor range, and likewise they recoil from the idea of cleaning lead residue from their revolver.
I like Titegroup in .38 Special practice loads, and think that 4.0 grains would be a good load to use up those bullets with. I've used W231 as well and 4.5 grains would be a mild load with the 130 grain FMJ.
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gwpercle
Member
Using the loading data for the heavier Hornady 140 gr. XTP
will be safe for the lighter 130 gr. FMJ bullet ...
lighter bullet = less pressure ... velocity should be close .
Hornady Reloading Manual 8th edition
38 Special - 140 gr. XTP
Powder W231
starting load - 4.5 grs @ 750 fps
4.8 grs @ 800 fps
5.1 grs @ 850 fps
Maximum Load - 5.7 grs @ 950 fps
I hope this helps get you started ... 130 grs is somewhat of an oddball weight ...but the 140 gr. data will be a safe place to begin , Good Luck .
Load Safe ,
Gary
will be safe for the lighter 130 gr. FMJ bullet ...
lighter bullet = less pressure ... velocity should be close .
Hornady Reloading Manual 8th edition
38 Special - 140 gr. XTP
Powder W231
starting load - 4.5 grs @ 750 fps
4.8 grs @ 800 fps
5.1 grs @ 850 fps
Maximum Load - 5.7 grs @ 950 fps
I hope this helps get you started ... 130 grs is somewhat of an oddball weight ...but the 140 gr. data will be a safe place to begin , Good Luck .
Load Safe ,
Gary
OutAtTheEdge
Member
Just an observation. I'd stay way clear of a max load with this bullet, simply because, what's the point? It's a plinking bullet. Load it light-to-moderate and shoot 'em up. Not really useful for anything else.
SGT ROCK 11B
Member
With X-Treme Bullets (125 grain) I am using 4.6 grains of W231 and that shows great accuracy in my Model 15 and 686.
