.38 Special Loads

[johngalt]

OK, I have 3X .38 Special loads I have used for many years.

They are:
158gr LSWC over 4.0gr W231
148gr HBWC over 3.2gr W231
148gr DEWC over 3.4gr W231

For the 158gr LSWC doesn't anyone have a W231/HP-38 load which is different than the one I'm using? How accurate is that load?

I have a handful of .38 Special revolvers I shoot and I'm just wondering if there is something "better" using W231 out there. (I can't find my old data using different charges)

PLEASE DO NOT SUGGEST ANOTHER POWDER, only W231/HP-38 loads.

Thank you in advance...

Is your 158 gr LSWC cast or swaged? I’ve found 4.0 gr W231 to be excellent with swaged bullets, but maybe a little light for cast.

 

[Drm50]

I’ve got 2 pages of 38sp recipes. Most accurate is HBWCs. The bullet choices and powders for 38sp are endless. I’ve got at least a dozen 38 Cal
molds.

 

[alwslate]

Swaged bullets produce noticeably lower velocities with the same powder as with cast bullets.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

They are cast bullets.

 

[rosewood]

Call me ignorant, I swage all my cast boolits by running thru sizing die. What is the sifference you guys are talking about.

Tks,

Rosewood

 

[rockquarry]

Call me ignorant, I swage all my cast boolits by running thru sizing die. What is the sifference you guys are talking about.

Tks,

Rosewood

Technically, I guess we all "swage" our cast bullets if we run them through a sizing die that reduces the diameter, at least slightly.

However, most will agree that when we discuss the swaging process, we're talking about using swaging wire made of an alloy that's considerably softer than the common wheelweight alloy many bullet casters use. I've swaged many bullets and probably measured the BHN, though I don't recall what it was at the moment, but probably around 7or 8 BHN.

 

[Model19man]

Generally depending on alloy the cast bullets will be harder with more zinc. Swaged bullets are more likely to be soft pure lead.

I use Berry's plated swaged DE 148 grain wadcutters in 38 Special.