8in BBL 38 spec loads

[jhde69]

I just purchased a 14-2 8 3/8 bbl smith. Any one out there have a favorite load for this revolver?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

A good .38 Special load is a good .38 Special load no matter how long the barrel is. The barrel length should have no bearing on how you load the ammo, IMO of course.

I have a few favorite loads for the .38 Special, they are:
148gr HBWC over 3.2gr W231
148gr DEWC over 3.5gr W231
158gr LSWC over 4.0gr W231

I usually use a CCI-500 primer and Winchester brass but those loads will work just aw well with most standard small pistol primers and name brand brass. The S&W M14 is a great revolver, good luck with it...

 

[brucev]

I just purchased a 14-2 8 3/8 bbl smith. Any one out there have a favorite load for this revolver?

Since you asked about a favorite load, I'll simply say that for about 30 years I've been using a load I saw recommended by Skeeter Skelton ... a 158-160 gr. cast lead semi-wadcutter loaded in any standard .38 Special casing using a standard small pistol primer and 5.0 gr. of Unique. This is a very useful full-power service load that has in my experience given very good results in every revolver that I've ever owned and fired.

If I remember correctly this is not a maximum load. But you will want to confirm this information by referring to a couple of reputable reloading manuals, etc. HTH. Sincerely. brucev.

 

[Nevada Ed]

+1;

Those 158gr lead swc bullets are a lot of fun in those really long barrels....................with the extra sighting length ,100 yard shots are a lot of fun and I even play around with 200 yard shots at the local range,just for giggles. Something I don't even try with my snub nose.

Enjoy.

 

[photobiker]

I like 3.3 HP38/231 under a 269 gr LSWC, soft shooter.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I like 3.3 HP38/231 under a 269 gr LSWC, soft shooter.

That has to be a typo, a 269gr bullet in a .38 Special, I think not... lol

 

[photobiker]

You would be correct. 158 gr