Bullet Weight Consideration (Reloading)

[Steve in Vermont]

In another section the question of bullet weight came up. I've noticed the most popular weights for reloading are in the 148 to 158 gr. range but often folks speak of greater and lesser weights. I've loaded as low as 125 gr. SJHP and am considering trying the same bullet in 110 gr. Does anyone have any experience with this load? And how low/high have you gone with bullet weight?

 

[Titegroups]

What caliber? And for what purpose?

 

[Maximumbob54]

I assume you mean with a .38 Special. I cast 105 grain SWC’s for plinking in .38’s and find them to be as accurate as I am capable of holding the gun straight. I have read where other guys use them for small game hunting to not damage meat. I follow the Lyman Cast Bullet book on loading with them. As long as you use reputable loading data from a manual you should be fine. I have yet to load any of the heavy for caliber bullet weights like 180 or 200 grain, but again I say if you stick to a manual you should be fine.

 

[m657]

I've shot enough cast 110 gr 38 to realize I don't care for them in what I do.

My main use of 38 is ICORE and speed steel. I need a little heavier pellet to hear it good enough.

I favor 128 gr cast FRN going about 850 fps for those matches.

I've loaded as heavy as 180s and have not had any benefit for the type of shooting I do.

Surprisingly I am coming to really like the old 148 DEWC for most range games. It is accurate out of anything I shoot, has mild recoil and is easy and economical to load.

But that's what home reloading is all about....finding what works best for each of us.

 

[Steve in Vermont]

Yes, .38 Special - that's all I'm reloading since all my handguns are of that (and .357) caliber. Just returned to reloading several months ago and was reminded how easy and versatile these cartridges are. I've found 125 gr SJHP&SN with 4.5 gr Bullseye or 4.8 of W231 to be extremely accurate and my favorites, next to the 148 gr DE, HBWC and SWC.