38 Spl +P 158 gr SWC load

[38SPL HV]

I like Power Pistol using 158 gr cast SWC in 38 Spl +P for use in heavier frame revolvers. Chronographed 10 shots this morning through my friends Chrony:

Firearm: Ruger Blackhawk 4 5/8 inch
Cases: Starline 38 Spl +P (brass)
Powder: Alliant Power Pistol
Powder grs: 6.0 grs
Primer: CCI-500 small pistol
Bullet: 158 gr cast SWC (15 BNH)
Avg velocity: 1,018 FPS
Approx. temp: 75F
Elevation: 4,350 ft

Comments: Very impressed with the velocity from the 4 5/8 inch Blackhawk, higher than I expected. Makes a good working load without too much recoil. A little rough in the Airweights, but for that application I use 5.6 grs of Power Pistol which approximates Rem/Win/Fed 38 Spl +P “FBI loads” 158 gr LHP velocities - albeit with a loud bark from the shorter barrel but about the same “noise” as Remington’s 38 Spl +P 158 gr LHP. The 5.6 gr load with same bullet in 4 5/8 inch Blackhawk had averaged 949 FPS last Fall when tested.

 

[Nevada Ed]

One thing that is nice, is that it uses less powder than Blue Dot for around the same fps and you don't have the "BD worry" that goes with that powder.

Hope it works out in the accuracy department for you.

My 6" like the 125 JHP with 231 and CFE but that's a different ball game.

 

[38SPL HV]

Nevada Ed, accuracy was excellent (for me)...all my Power Pistol loads shoot accurately if you push them a bit. For instance, in 357 Magnum cases, 7.2 grs of Power Pistol and 158 gr cast SWC shoots noticeably better groups than a 6.7 grs (start) loading...I get 1,100 FPS +/- with the 7.2 grs load in 357 Mag cases.

 

[mikerjf]

I shot this load last week as my first non-Bullseye load, out of a 60-7. Nice boom and flash, and matched the feel of the Remington FBI +P’s. Wish I had a way to chrono it.

 

[38SPL HV]

I shot this load last week as my first non-Bullseye load, out of a 60-7. Nice boom and flash, and matched the feel of the Remington FBI +P’s. Wish I had a way to chrono it.

...try 5.6 grs Power Pistol with the 158 gr SWC, it will for all practical purposes duplicate the velocity of Remington’s “FBI load” at least in my 1 7/8 inch S&W j frames.

Incidentally, 3.5 grs Bullseye with same 158 gr bullet is an excellent and time honored standard velocity 38 Spl loading. You can practice with the 3.5 grs Bullseye 158 gr load and then finish off shooting a few cylinders full with your +P loading!

 

[Nevada Ed]

I save my 2400 powder for my JHP bullets but I did get the Speer 158 JHP bullet up to 1124fps with Blue dot in my 686 6" S&W.

However Red Dot at 890fps in a 38 case gets me groups at .69" at POA
for a nice target load , that I can live with.

Got to love the 38/357 revolver for all the great loads that can make for some great shooting with almost ANY powder or bullet, from plinkers to "Watch this" !!

 

[Erich]

I've been running that 158/6.0 grain (max) Power Pistol load for years as a generic .38 practice load and like it a lot - it's probably the way I burn most of my Power Pistol. One downside is that it's flashy, but I consider it to be the equivalent of the old FBI Load, and it's a way to approach it that is still acceptable in the most recent loading manuals (something one hasn't been able to do with Unique since I think the Eighties ).

 

[38SPL HV]

...some additional information:

5.6 grs Power Pistol and the 158 gr SWC avg. 825 FPS in 1 7/8 J frame Airweight last Fall. I got similar velocities with Remington’s FBI load. I shoot three or four cylinders full of the 5.6 grs Power Pistol/158 gr SWC +P load each time I take my J frame to the range...it is also one of my most accurate 38 Spl loadings in my Ruger Blackhawk with tight ESs and SDs.

6.0 grs Power Pistol/158 gr SWC load is reserved for my 357 Mags...little too potent for my mitts in the Airweight.

 

[Nevada Ed]

I try to make balanced loads for all my weapons.

For my 21 oz. 38 special snub nose I load the;
148 HB from 630-775 fps
158 WC from 613-860
110 JHP from 866-996
125 JHP from 836-880

and with my 45 oz. .357 6" I load the;
110 to........... 1290fps
125 ............. 1448
158 XTP ........ 1340 for a hunting load.

These are soft target loads to a heavy recoil load if needed.
I don't like a sore finger after shooting at the range, if it can be prevented.
I don't use a shooting glove with my pistols or rifles but I do use TWO when I shoot trap.........
those 12 Ga. shells are a filthy animal after 4-5 boxes, let alone ten.

 

[Qc Pistolero]

6.0 gr is my load.And my Model 13 4'' likes it too.