38 Special plated HBWC vs. LHBWC load data?

[Imaposer]

Hello,

This is probably a stupid question but I'd rather ask a dumb question than make a dumb assumption...

Been out of loading for a while and recently started getting back into it...

Years ago I loaded quite a few 38 Special using 148gr LHBWC over 2.3gr of Clays according to my notebook. Looking through my load manuals I didn't see this load listed so I'm not sure where I got it way back when. So, today I checked Hodgdon's online data and found that, sure enough, they list a starting load of 2.3gr and a max load of 2.5gr. Never had an issue with this load but recently while shooting at an indoor range with granite counter tops, I did discover quite a bit of unburned granules on the counter after shooting some of these. I don't get the soot I used to get with Bullseye, but I am getting some unburned powder. Maybe this load is too light? Once I've used up all my Clays I'm planning to switch to HP-38 and see how it does. Any input on how to get a cleaner load with less unburned powder would be appreciated.

Anyway, back to my real question... Recently while going through my component stash I ran across 500 copper plated HBWCs that I didn't know I had.

I'm getting low on my plain lead HBWCs and plan to order some coated ones from Bayou Bullets next go round. I know that the coated ones should be loaded like conventional LHBWCs. But, I'd like to use these plated ones up first and I'm not sure about how to load them...

Can anyone offer any advice on loading these plated HBWCs?

 

[Yorkie Man]

I have found WST to be very clean and very accurate with the LHBWC and HP38/231 is also a clean load I use 3.2 grains. I remember reading that if you are using plated wadcutters you have to increase the charge to increase the velocity to prevent a possible bullet stuck in the barrel I don't know if the plated are under the same warning or not I would contact Bayou Bullets and see what they recommend.

 

[Qc Pistolero]

3.2 of HP38/w231 is a very good load;soft,accurate and clean burning.And you could try 700X,Trail Boss,Promo,Red Dot...they are all clean burning powders in the range you intend to use them.Just check into a good reloading book since there are some differences in the burning rates but again,they are all accurate clean burning powders.
Qc

 

[Ben_hutcherson]

I do the standard 2.7gr Bullseye under lead(Hornady is all I ever shoot), but have found that the particular plated wadcutters I use(Cam-Pro) seem to settle down a little better at around 2.9gr Bullseye.

The plating on the ones I use is quite thin-much more so than other plated bullets-so you definitely don't want to push them too hard. I suspect, though, that they don't obturate as easily as a plain lead swaged bullet(which is one of the purposes of the hollow base) which is why they respond to a bit stronger of a charge.

BTW, I've noticed this shooting them both out of revolvers(mostly my model 14, although at some point or another through every 38/357 revolver I've owned) as well as through my semi-auto model 52.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Sometimes Clays will do that but usually it's very clean.

I think changing to HP-38/W231 is a good idea. I think that is a great powder, I use it too.

With a 148gr HBWC I charge 3.2gr ans with a 148gr DEWC I charge 3.4gr. Both are very accurate for me in any accurate I shoot.

Other choices include Bullseye, AA#2 and Zip but I like W231/HP-38 best.