.38 Spl - Unique Load- Too light?

[runningute]

Hello,

I have loaded the following and am concerned that the load may be too light and pose problems with detonation or the bullet becoming lodged in the barrel:
.38 Special
Winchester brass case
4.0 grains Unique
125 grain Hornady XTP/HP
CCI 500 Primers
OAL: 1.470"

Gun will be either S&W 686 4" or 66 2.5" – both stainless.

Will I be okay shooting these or should I charge with a higher load of powder. I became concerned when I compared data on various website that calls for a higher minimal charge.

Thanks for any comments.
Jeff

 

[runningute]

Hello,

I have loaded the following and am concerned that the load may be too light and pose problems with detonation or the bullet becoming lodged in the barrel:
.38 Special
Winchester brass case
4.0 grains Unique
125 grain Hornady XTP/HP
CCI 500 Primers
OAL: 1.470"

Gun will be either S&W 686 4" or 66 2.5" – both stainless.

Will I be okay shooting these or should I charge with a higher load of powder. I became concerned when I compared data on various website that calls for a higher minimal charge.

Thanks for any comments.
Jeff

 

[john traveler]

Your loads are indeed below the minimum recommended for 125 grain jacketed bullets using Unique powder. They are actually at the minimum for cast lead bullets in the 121-125 grain category.

There is no danger of detonation, but there is a greatly increased chance of bullet-in-bore malfunction.

If you have loaded a small quantity (say, a box of 50), I'd say pull the bullets using an inertial puller. If a lot more than that, go ahead and shoot them up in SLOW FIRE ONLY.

Bring a wooden dowel rod and mallet with you to the range in anticipation of a stuck bullet. It's no big deal if you are aware that the bullet did not exit, and you don't follow up with another shot.

 

[Paul5388]

The Lyman 49th Edition says 4.0 gr of Unique will generate 498 fps at 8,000 cup. They shouldn't stick, since they were using a Hornady bullet, but that sure isn't much of a load for an XTP. It may have a chance of expanding at 6.0 gr at 895 fps, but I wouldn't count of that too much either.

2.8 gr of Bullseye will produce 690 fps with a 120 gr lead RN and would be a whole lot cheaper to shoot.

 

[John R]

There not going to be any power houses that's for sure, but I don't think they will lodge in the barrel.
I go ahead and shoot them up, then bump your load up on the next ones you make.

 

[AzShooter]

I use the Blue A Reloading Manual For .38 Special book. It has loading for every bullet weight and each powder manufacturer.

It has no listings of Unique for standard .38 loads but does have +p loads starting at 5.3 grains for 917 fps up to a max charge of 5.9 for 997 fps.

 

[terrier]

My standard load of Unique in .38 cases is 6.0 grs. Have never ever had a problem. I have gone through many pounds of Unique over the years.

 

[bogman]

I also have shot 6grs. of Unique in .38 special. I got the load from a Speer reloading manual. I dont remember which volume. now they only list 5.5grs. for a 158gr. bullet. mine shoot fantastic groups & show no pressure signs.

 

[terrier]

I should note that I shoot my load of 6.0 grs in a Ruger Security Six. I did shoot one cylinder of these in a Taurus 85, it was very stout and for that gun I back off to 5.5. Just my opinion.

 

[moses]

Where do you come up with that load? you need a load book or just look at MFG site on line.

 

[Paul5388]

According to Phil Sharpe, 6.6 gr of Unique with a factory 158 gr lead bullet is within specifications for +P (left side of the page).

 

[AzShooter]

I have 4 new load books and a bunch of older once. Sometimes you have to be careful. Loads from 20 years ago were considered safe but powder, alloys etc have changed.

You need to keep up with the times.

I learned a long time ago to NEVER use loads that were not published unless you really know what you are doing.

I do not.

 

[Paul5388]

It may have a chance of expanding at 6.0 gr at 895 fps, but I wouldn't count on that too much either.

Since that load was out of the NEW 49th Edition Lyman, is that what we call "keep(ing) up with the times"? A 125 gr bullet in a max load producing 895 fps is ridiculous!

 

[terrier]

Moses, Lyman 48th Addition, page 333, 9th line down! Look at the pressure C.U.P. 16,700. Like I stated I shoot that load in a Ruger Security Six and it is rated at over 40,000 easily. Elmer Keith loaded .38 specials more heavily than anyone but only in heavy built Smith's.

 

[terrier]

Forgot to mention that I worked up load from 5.0 grains up, very slowly. Even at 6.0 grs it shows no sign of pressure problems but have never gone above that as it does what I want it to do.

 

[runningute]

Thanks everyone for their replies. I went to the range today and shot these loads. In my 2" .38 special, they were very mild. In my Mod. 66 3"- they were like shooting a .22. I hated to waste good bullets but it was fun with some mild loads. My Power Pistol .357 loads were fun to shoot- very flashy but accurate. Thanks again to all who replied.
Jeff

 

[Bullseye Smith]

I use 3grs of Titegroup with a 148 gr HBWC and it performs great.