Best powders for 38/357?

[crazyponie]

I wasn't upset with the results. I didnt expect them to compete w/ full house magnum loads. As stated in my first post on the subject I was going to just be punching paper and clay targets with them. Actually I'm pretty happy that they worked out as well as they did. These are the first revolver rounds I have ever made so it was fun. I have been loading 45acp for a while now and thought I would get into revolvers as well. I may up the charge a little 5.2 to 5.4 but, other than that I'm good with them. They can help me chew up all of this w231 I got. I will probably pick up some 2400 just to say I did and give it whirl as well.

 

[brucev]

I have a few different powders so I used them to build my first batch of 38/357 hand loads but just wondered what other people like. I used TiteGroup and liked it actually as I didn't need much and it was accurate. I also have W231 and HS6 to try as well. What do you prefer?

I like Unique. I've been using it for 30 years in the .38 Special w/ 158-160 gr. lead or jacketed bullets. In my experience it has been excellent. I haven't loaded for the .357 Magnum in a coons age, so I will not off a suggestion for that caliber. One other plus for Unique is that it gives outstanding results in my WWII Remington made 1903 Springfield using 165 gr. flat nosed cast lead bullets.

 

[Snapping Twig]

I love the old description of Unique... flammable dirt.

I use it, but mostly in 45 colt and occasionally in work-up loads for other large bore calibers like .44Spl. Good for the 45-70 too, but so is 2400 and IMR 4227.

In the .38/.357 I like two mainly - W231/HP38 for light to +P and W296/H110 for magnum.

I have found 2400 to be really good in .357 for hot loads, I really do like it, but I'm one of those guys that limits the powder options so that I don't have too many different powders laying about.

 

[gwpercle]

38 spcl target loads .... Bullseye and Red Dot

38 spcl. mid range to +P loads.... Unique

357 Magnum, ........ 2400

Thats my 2 cents ....gary

 

[steamloco76]

Twenty plus years of reloading and I haven't found a better all around powder for .38 Special and .357 Magnum loads than Alliant's Unique.

Two years ago, I bought into the TiteGroup hype and swithced all my light and medium loads over. It was a tiny bit cheaper and does work well with plated and jacketed bullets, however cast lead was another story. The bullets I buy rarely have any leading issues. All of a sudden, with TiteGroup I had severe leading. I tried going to minimum loads, I tried going to maximum loads. Nothing helped. I did some net research and found TiteGroup burns extremely hot, that is why it is so 'clean'. Apparently the high burn temp can cause slight bullet base melting which causes leading. I'll gladly take some soot from Unique than have the leading from TiteGroup!

Bullseye is my go to for 148 grain wadcutter loads, as I find light charges of it meter better than Unique. For Full power .357 loads I've had good luck with W296, especially when going for the highest velocity with 125 grain jacketed bullets.

 

[ray45]

I think you would like 4 gr. ( 3.5-4.3 ) 231 in 38 special with your 158 gr. SWC .

I also like 4.4 ( 4-4.5 ) Unique in 38 special with 158 gr. SWC

I like to start at 4 gr. with both and tweek.

 

[blujax01]

I think you would like 4 gr. ( 3.5-4.3 ) 231 in 38 special with your 158 gr. SWC .

I also like 4.4 ( 4-4.5 ) Unique in 38 special with 158 gr. SWC

I like to start at 4 gr. with both and tweek.

I can't decide which I like better so I don't! I lean to Unique for more and more calibers but W231 (or HP38) runs so well in .38 spl. I can't set it down.

Hey - WELCOME TO THE FORUM!