38spl 125gr TMJ?

[amheck]

I have a 100ct bag of 38SPL bullets. they say 125gr "TMJ" I think. A quick google search tells me this might be Total Metal Jacket. If this is the case, can I use the same data for FMJ?

Was planning on using HP38/w231. The Hodgen site has load data for 125gr Hornady XTP, listing the min at 4.3gr. Does that sound like a good starting point for this bullet? I prefer to stay a bit lighter with my loads.

They also list a COL for the XTP, too, and I just wanted to make sure I could stick with that measurement also.

 

[jimbo728]

The data will be ok to use FMJ data and the 231 data is ok. The COL info should be close to XTP COL. I would go .005 or .010" over due to the longer length of the bullet but use your best judgement as many of us old reloaders try to do.
Jim

 

[amheck]

Thanks Jim, being new(ish) I don't have as much judgement available, so hence why I check with you guys, too.

 

[Qc Pistolero]

The answers to both your questions is ''yes''.Have fun and play it safe.

 

[Calliope]

Your OAL is right when the cannalure is centered on the case mouth and that may or may not agree with XTP data.

Sounds like your bullet is the Speer 125 TMJ, one of my favorites for 357. Speer lists an OAL of 1.435"

I don't see HP38 (another favorite) or 231 listed in Speer's TMJ data, so XTP starting data should be fine.

 

[Nevada Ed]

The "TMJ" term is a trademark used with Speer's bullets, that are
100% covered with a jacket material.

I have Speer data with w231 data with their revolver loadings and
they are very close to all the other data listed by Hodgdon and
close to Winchester's data, that will work, if found.

I have had good results with the TMJ in 38/357 and also a 147gr 9mm.