.38 special loads for 3" J Frame?

[powwowell]

I need information for paper punching, so they don't need to be heavy hitters. The revolver is a S&W model 60-15, with a 3 inch barrel. I have Titegroup and HP-38 powders. How much powder?

Bullets are 148 gr, DEWCs, some Berry's 158 gr. SWC/HC's and some 158 gr. Hornady LRN's. Also suggestions for OAL?

 

[OKFC05]

148gr HBWC, seated flush, about 2.9gr HP38.
158gr lead, about 4gr HP38, crimped in cannelure.
same or slightly more for Berry, about same length as lead 158gr, easy on the crimp--don't break the plating.
OAL on lead SWC or RN with cannelure is always crimp in the cannelure.

 

[hawgleg]

I shoot a lot of the lead Hornady bullets, try a 1.45 col with 3.8 or 4.0 gr load with the HP38. I'd try about the same with Berry's. The wadcutter anywhere from 2.2 to 3.3 gr of HP38 Just depends on if you want light plink or closer to normal 38 velocity. Can't help with Tilegroup.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

3.2gr HP-38 under a 148gr HBWC seated flush with the case.

3.2gr to 3.4gr HP-38 under a 148gr DEWC crimped in crimp groove.

4.0gr HP-38 under a 158gr LRN crimped in the crimp groove.

 

[hawgleg]

Very nice gun, one of my all time favorites. One more thing is, the Berrys hardcast will also make a great bullet for the 357. I believe they are a 18 or 20 BHN and should handle 357 velocites just fine. If you shoot the load to slow in the 38 's you may see some leading if so just work the charge up. Good luck and enjoy.

 

[kentguy]

Powwowell,
This is the only target load information I have that would be close to what you are looking for. Now this was tested out of my S&W model 10-6 with a 4” heavy barrel, so take that into consideration, also that HP-38 is virtually the same powder as Win. 231.

Bullet – 158g LSWC
Powder - Winchester 231 @ 4.2g
Powder ranges - 4.0g up to 4.5g (Lee reloading manual)
Primer – Winchester WSP
OAL – 1.445”

I hope this helps good luck in your testing.

 

[powwowell]

Thanks for the replies.

The Lee bullet seating die I have, will only seat the 148 grain DEWC to 1.252 OAL. But, that works out great to crimp it in the groove. The press is a Lee Classic Turrett.