38 target loads

[arjay]

Finally bought a K-38 and thought I would dig out my old tools and see what it can do.I'm ordering some 148 gr wadcutters and I have a question.Do you load the bullet flush with the case or do you crimp it at the cannelure? Do any of you have a favorite load? Thanks,rj

 

[McShooty]

Not sure what kind of wadcutters you will get. Hollow based WCs are often set low so as to be crimped over the top edge. Double-ended WCs, on the other hand, I crimp in the top groove, which leaves a little bit showing above the mouth of the case. I prefer the DEWC in my K-38. Bullseye charges in the 2.7 - 3.5 grain range work fine, the lower end for hollow bases. But many others, e.g. HP38, TiteGroup, etc. work fine also. You are in for a treat when you try your first K-38 at the range.

 

[mkk41]

Depends on the bullet. I'm using a hardcast 148gr DEWC or double end wadcutter. It has a crimp groove about 1/16th from each end.

The swaged Remington , Hornady and Speer HBWC or Hollow Base Wadcutter is meant to have a slight roll crimp over the edge.

 

[AllAces]

K-38 target loads

The K-38 Target Masterpiece is excellent for target shooting and used my many for NRA Distinguished Revolver matches.

I recommend the 158 gr LSWC bullet over the 148 gr, and especially the 158 gr LSWC match grade bullets from Penn Bullets.

The load I use for DR matches:

Starline or Winchester Brass
CCI Primers
3.0 gr Bullseye Powder
Tight, rolled crimp at the cannelure
Approx 786 fps

Excellent groupings, light recoil.

 

[arjay]

It sounds like I need to check out penn bullets.Thanks all.

 

[Moonman]

Robert at Penn Bullets is a good guy.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Finally bought a K-38 and thought I would dig out my old tools and see what it can do.I'm ordering some 148 gr wadcutters and I have a question.Do you load the bullet flush with the case or do you crimp it at the cannelure? Do any of you have a favorite load? Thanks,rj

If the bullets are DEWC and have a crimp groove I put a very light crimp into the groove. My powder is W231 and the charge with a 148gr DEWC is between 3.2gr and 3.4gr depending on what the revolver likes...