I'm glad that it is not a problem for you. However, I have noticed it in all of my 357's that I shoot 38spl's out of. It is not much of a problem. It just takes a little more time to scrub the charge holes while cleaning the gun. Time that I would rather spend doing almost anything else.
Confused by load data (contradictions)
- Thread starter Ceapea
- Start date
I'm glad that it is not a problem for you. However, I have noticed it in all of my 357's that I shoot 38spl's out of. It is not much of a problem. It just takes a little more time to scrub the charge holes while cleaning the gun. Time that I would rather spend doing almost anything else.
Thank you for that idea. I will call the powder manufacturer and ask. I did read the manuals and all of the suggestions here just kinda verify my thoughts to go to the 4.5g range for my situation.
Skip Sackett
US Veteran
Shot a bunch the other day. Logged Low, High, Average, ES , SD and approximate accuracy (hand held, not bench rested) for all of my loads (approx 18 different combos in 38 and 45). Logged same numbers for some factory loads as a standard too. Should have some numbers posted soon.
A wise "old timer"(SmithCrazy) thought me a simple solution to the 38 ring around the chamber problem.
Take a 357 brass and slightly flare it as if you were going to seat a bullet. You may have to flare it just a bit more. It should fit tightly in the revolvers cylinder. Tap it in each hole and you may have to tap the extractor a bit to get it out. This acts like a round scraper and takes the carbon right out. Follow up with a regular solvent and brush and you're done!.
From the original question about contradictions...I had a similar problem in 45 ACP and Universal powder with the 185 and 200 gr JHP and decided to write Speer about their data vs the powder manufacturer's data. This was their response...
"Since our bullets are of Uni-Cor, TMJ or Gold Dot design when using Speer bullets, use Speer tested data. Begin with the start charge and work toward the MAX in your load development."
"Since our bullets are of Uni-Cor, TMJ or Gold Dot design when using Speer bullets, use Speer tested data. Begin with the start charge and work toward the MAX in your load development."
Driftwood Johnson
Member
Howdy
The original question, regarding variations in data is a very valid question for the beginner. It is true, that depending on the manual, the min and max powder charges can vary a lot.
When I am starting to load a new caliber that I have never loaded before, I take a survey of all my manuals, plus whatever data I can find on the powder manufacturer's web sites.
Generally, I ignore Lee. His data is more conservative than any other manual. Some of his max loads are below the starting loads of other manuals. I take a good look at my Speer and Lyman manuals, for the specific bullets I am using, couple that with load data from the powder manufacturers, and make a good guess at a reasonable starting load. I also ALWAYS stay away from max loads, preferring to not go much above the midrange. That way, if there is an error of .2 grains in my powder measure, which is not all that uncommon, I am still down in the safe range. I shoot a lot of OLD guns, and I don't want to stress any of them, so I keep all my loads mild.
As far as cast bullets are concerned, while the seating depth of the bullet is of course very important, and the length of the 'combustion chamber' is also very important, it has been my experience that with really common bullets, for instance a .358 158 grain semi-wadcutter, or a .452 250 grain RNFP, the bullets I have bought from different manufacturers have clearly been made from the same mold. The crimp grooves are in the same place on all of them.
I do like Unique. Yes, it does tend to burn dirty, I have some 4.4 grain and 4.0 grain loads that I use with a 158 grain semi-wadcutter, and it does leave some unburnt flakes behind. But the real reason I like Unique is because it requires a larger volume than most other powders. You get less airspace with Unique than with most powders, and it also becomes very obvious if there is either 1, no powder, or 2, a double charge with Unique. Not always so easy to spot if your standard load is 3 flakes of Whiz Bang.
The original question, regarding variations in data is a very valid question for the beginner. It is true, that depending on the manual, the min and max powder charges can vary a lot.
When I am starting to load a new caliber that I have never loaded before, I take a survey of all my manuals, plus whatever data I can find on the powder manufacturer's web sites.
Generally, I ignore Lee. His data is more conservative than any other manual. Some of his max loads are below the starting loads of other manuals. I take a good look at my Speer and Lyman manuals, for the specific bullets I am using, couple that with load data from the powder manufacturers, and make a good guess at a reasonable starting load. I also ALWAYS stay away from max loads, preferring to not go much above the midrange. That way, if there is an error of .2 grains in my powder measure, which is not all that uncommon, I am still down in the safe range. I shoot a lot of OLD guns, and I don't want to stress any of them, so I keep all my loads mild.
As far as cast bullets are concerned, while the seating depth of the bullet is of course very important, and the length of the 'combustion chamber' is also very important, it has been my experience that with really common bullets, for instance a .358 158 grain semi-wadcutter, or a .452 250 grain RNFP, the bullets I have bought from different manufacturers have clearly been made from the same mold. The crimp grooves are in the same place on all of them.
I do like Unique. Yes, it does tend to burn dirty, I have some 4.4 grain and 4.0 grain loads that I use with a 158 grain semi-wadcutter, and it does leave some unburnt flakes behind. But the real reason I like Unique is because it requires a larger volume than most other powders. You get less airspace with Unique than with most powders, and it also becomes very obvious if there is either 1, no powder, or 2, a double charge with Unique. Not always so easy to spot if your standard load is 3 flakes of Whiz Bang.
