Right now my defensive 38 load is 5.1 grains Win231 with a 125 grain HP. That is .1 grain shy of a +P load. The gun is a Ruger LCR.(Sorry, I got it before S&W came out with their latest j-frame) But I have 686's and a 625 to make up for it.
The question is, does a faster powder work better in a short barrel 38 special than a slower burning powder?
I have loaded some 158 gr SWC with Trail Boss. (4.2 g is max) I was loading Cowboy rounds and made a box of these to see how they would shoot in the LCR. The answer is great.From 7 to 12 yards got 3 inch groups shooting fast. (Well fast for me) Trouble is they are too high. The 125 gr bullets are closer to POA. Similar results in accuracy. I have shot more 125 gr bullets and have a lot of not so 3 in groups.
What is a good 38 spec defensive load in a short barreled revolver (3" or less)? The ones mentioned above sound ok to me.
No. a slower powder is better in a short barrel revolver (snubby)
ArchAngels load with HS 6 is pretty much the "load"
Others mentioned are good also.
Go to the top of the reloading section under Notable threads. There is a bunch of info there.
