38 special loading help

[vandeusenps]

Hey guys,

I just picked up a nice model 14 no-dash, and was wondering what the best bullets and powder would be. I've mostly loaded magnum revolvers, so I really have no idea what I'm doing with this little guy.

From what I here, the standard target load everyone is using is 2.7 gr. of bullseye, but the problem is, I have 3 lbs of unique to use up, is it worth trying to work up loads with unique, or should I just bite the bullet, and buy some bullseye?

Also, as part of hornady's buy a die set, get bullets deal, I got a box of 110 gr. xtp's. Any good loading info for these in 38 special would also be appreciated.

Thanks,
vandeusenps

 

[CookE]

If you want a really accurate load here it is. 2.5 grs. of Bullseye and a 100 grain Double Ended Fullwadcutter. This baby will pound tacks. I shot it many years in competition in my S&W Model 14. It's like shooting a pellet gun. No recoil and your sights never leave the X-ring.
CookE...........

 

[nicky4968]

For the 148 grain bbwc, I recommend 3.2 to 3.3 grains of Unique.

The standard load of 4.3 grains of Unique under a 158 grain RNL/SWC is pleasant to shoot and always has been quite accurate for me.

 

[bill skebeck]

158 Grain R.N. 3Grains bullseye.

 

[dave b]

4.6--6.5gr Unique will work fine. I shoot 5gr and it brings joy.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I prefer W231 for loading all my .38 Special ammo but I understand you want to use up what you have. For loading those 110gr XTP bullets you can use 5.5gr Unique. (the Max is 5.8gr) It would be a shame to waste a quality bullet on punching paper. If you decide to use those bullets on small game you might want to load them slightly heavier than 5.5gr Unique.

 

[Smith357]

I don't have my loading log in front of me, but I have been using 3 grains of Bullseye and a 158 grain SWC for years in my model 14 with pretty good results.


One of my manuals state 4.7 grains of Unique as a starting load for a 110 grain jacketed bullet, 6.7 is max giving 925 fps. Double check that with your manuals before you take my word for it.

 

[nightshade2x]

I'm running a hard cast 148 Gr. DEWC over 4.9 Gr. Unique with a CCI 500 primer...accurate as all get out with .22 like recoil. Cheap buggers too...

Have fun and be safe.
Nightshade2x

 

[Trooper224]

An 158 grain SWC over 5.0 grains of Unique does everything I need my 14-3 to do.

 

[michael thornton]

my 14-1 loves hbwc and bullseye!

 

[vandeusenps]

Thanks guys for all the great info. I'm on midwayusa as I wright this stocking up on 158 gr. swc and 148 gr. full wc's.

-vandeusenps

 

[Snobal]

I've been shooting Speer and Hornady 148 Gr. HBWC bullets with Bullseye powder in my S&W Model 14 since I got it new in about 1970. The gun shoots very well with the "standard" target loads.

However....

Once I started casting my own BBWC bullets (and playing around with sizing, alloy, and lubes) I've been able to get better accuracy and less leading with my cast BBWC bullets than the "store-bought" HBWC bullets.

I would prefer to buy the HBWC bullets than spend all the time it takes to cast, weight, inspect, lube, etc. the home-made bullets, but I'm addicted to "inside" the X-Ring accuracy rather than "touching" the X-Ring accuracy.

JMHO - YRMV

 

[David LaPell]

The 158 grain SWC and 4.2 or 4.3 grains of Unique is a great everyday load that will help you use that Unique up in no time. Although my .38 prefers Win 231 to burn up that Unique I can't think of a better load.

 

[PDL]

When I first started all I had was Unique - which worked fine. But I moved on to Bullseye which worked a bit better. These day's I'm using W231 for the .38s.
You might want to take a look at Penn Bullet's .38 offerings. Good prices and great quality.

.38 Caliber Bullets Available From Penn Bullets

 

[GypsmJim]

Many years ago I read that Unique and .38 Spl was only accurate if the BBl was over 4". I found that to be true as well.
I use Unique on my 6 and 8 3/8 inchers, but stick to Beye with the 4" and 2".

 

[Skip Sackett]

Unique is a great powder for 38spl loads. Although, I doubt you are going to find that it will work well with those lighter bullets. As with many other powders, Unique likes it at the top of it's pressure range.

I shot plates against a guy that used a M627 and 4.5gr of Unique behind a 158gr LRNFP Cowboy bullet. I asked him: "Isn't Unique kind of dirty for that kind of load?" He replied: "Anything less than 4.5gr with this bullet is." I took it that he had shot it enough to know.

I am not a big fan of light for caliber bullets. I like them fat. Unique will work better with the heavier bullets.

FWIW

 

[Snobal]

I really like Unique....

...but I've always had the best groups with Unique when at the max. load.

Bullseye groups better for me when I'm looking for reduced velocities.

JMHO - YRMV

 

[jsmith357]

158 Grain R.N. 3Grains bullseye.

Same - love this load

 

[Cruizer Bill]

Thanks guys for all the great info. I'm on midwayusa as I wright this stocking up on 158 gr. swc and 148 gr. full wc's.

-vandeusenps

Try Zero Brand bullets with 700-X or W231 powder. I swear by them!!!

 

[mtgianni]

My accuracy load for years in a 38 spl was a LY 358477 swc over5.4 gr Unique. The manuals have downrated this to 5 gr of Unique but it is still a shooter.