I've been loading .38 with 4.2-4.4grns of Titegroup and 125gr Berry's bullets in FP. I have some of the hollow points stashed away in the 125gr. Do I use the same load with these or are there any differences I have to note when loading hp and fp/fmj?
difference when reloading fmj and hp
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ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
When the bullets are the same weight you can use the same charge. Of course if you are at the top of the charge range back off when starting.
hd-dude
Member
Not an expert but here's my thoughts....
Couple of things at play here...
Plated vs. jacketed bullets? Typically jacketed can be driven faster so the charge weight for plated should be a safe starting point.
Are the bullets the same length? A longer bullet would be seated deeper in the case (if you're using the same OAL) and would thus increase pressure.
It would be best to load some up and chrono them to see if they are performing where expected.
Couple of things at play here...
Plated vs. jacketed bullets? Typically jacketed can be driven faster so the charge weight for plated should be a safe starting point.
Are the bullets the same length? A longer bullet would be seated deeper in the case (if you're using the same OAL) and would thus increase pressure.
It would be best to load some up and chrono them to see if they are performing where expected.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Revolver bullets have a factory supplied crimp groove. That's where you crimp because it's correct for that bullet. Usually the seating depth will be the same even though the OAL is different because of the different nose profile. This is on a revolver, semi-auto ammo is different.
First of all you need to buy some reloading manuals. Your question is
one that is easily answered by looking at 38 spl data in the Lyman 3rd
edition Pistol and Revolver manual. Charges of Titegroup with 125 gr
JHPs start at 4.0 grs and stop at a +P load of 5.0 grs so your loads,
being at the lower end of data are good to go.
one that is easily answered by looking at 38 spl data in the Lyman 3rd
edition Pistol and Revolver manual. Charges of Titegroup with 125 gr
JHPs start at 4.0 grs and stop at a +P load of 5.0 grs so your loads,
being at the lower end of data are good to go.
In a critical load I feel the bullet's bearing surface is the more important factor to compare between the two. You can have two bullets the same length but difference bearing surfaces.
.
If bullets are the same....
If bullets are close to the same weight and of the same construction (lead, plated, jacketed) they can use similar data with backing off of the charge and working up. Data for soft swaged lead bullets is usually much different from hard cast bullets, mostly because the heat and velocity can cause leading of the barrel.
I also consider jacketed to be different from plated or hard to be two different animals because of friction concerns and that jacketed is the hardest to push through a barrel.
If you have enough resources, you can find a close match if not exact.
If bullets are close to the same weight and of the same construction (lead, plated, jacketed) they can use similar data with backing off of the charge and working up. Data for soft swaged lead bullets is usually much different from hard cast bullets, mostly because the heat and velocity can cause leading of the barrel.
I also consider jacketed to be different from plated or hard to be two different animals because of friction concerns and that jacketed is the hardest to push through a barrel.
If you have enough resources, you can find a close match if not exact.
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