favorite 38 sp load

[alwslate]

For plinking loads in the 38 spl I prefer cast 158 gr RN bullets over
SWCs, better accuracy in my guns. A favorite load would have to be
3.3-3.5 grs W 452AA. Wish it was still made. 3.4 grs Titegroup is good.
4.0 W 231 for a bit more velocity.

 

[olskool]

i like 5 to 5.5 gr. unique with 155 gr. lyman hp. very accurate load.

 

[Rickkster]

A few weeks ago I picked up a 64-2 snub and have been using Berry plated 158 grain FP's over 4.8 grains of Unique. It is a very nice load.

Thanks,

Rick

 

[Lenny_D]

Mine is 4.5 grains Unique behind a 158 gr. Missouri Bullet SWC. Easy on the gun and really fun to shoot.

 

[Fkimble]

3.3 to 3.5 Bullseye for paper pinching. 5.0-5.2 Unique for full power use.

 

[REP]

When I started shooting and handloading in the early 70's I used Lee's Lee loaders that came in a little red box and you used a mallet and dippers to load with and I use to use 4.6 grs. of Unquie under a 158 gr. LSWC or LRN swaged or cast bullet. It is still the only 38spl load I use but only now on more sopisticated equipment for loading. Seems to shoot very well in any gun I put it in.

 

[elpac3]

Used 2.8 gr. Bullseye on a 158 LSWC out of a 6" S&W 14. Shoots tight, minimal recoil - used the load for ISPC shooting and PPC.

 

[Kinman]

My general plinking cartridge for 38 special is a 148g HBWC with 3.2g of Unique, its a real accurate load for my K-38 as well as my Outdoorsman.
I like to shoot a take on old Elmers classic 158g SWC and 12g of 2400, I only shoot that in the Outdoorsman and its a great round. Not as accurate as the HBWC "plinkers" but an excellent round to shoot with the guys busting bowling pins and knocking stuff over. I've been told its a bit stout for the K-frame revolvers, probably should stick to around 7.5g of 2400 in a lighter frame.

 

[Rockets]

Since you are already set on using either Bullseye or Unique I guess my loads using W231 are useless to you.

+1 on this load. I like a very light crimp.

 

[lebomm]

Me, too - 358446 0r 358311 over 5.0 Unique.

Larry

 

[august1410]

3.3 of Bullseye work really well with the 158 gr. LSWC. One of my favorite loads.

This works for me as well.

 

[S.B.]

Used 2.8 gr. Bullseye on a 158 LSWC out of a 6" S&W 14. Shoots tight, minimal recoil - used the load for ISPC shooting and PPC.

Does this load even make miner power factor in IPSC? I doubt it.
Steve

 

[Pigirondan]

Lately, I've been using a Rim Rock 148 grain hardcast SWC over 5.1 grains on Unique. Previously I was using 4.0 grains of Bullseye. Both are very accurate in my 80's vintage Model 15.

 

[bill skebeck]

38 load

I load 158grn 358d 3g bullseye in 6 different s.w. pistols shoots great.

 

[couleeflyfisher]

Started with 3-3.5 gr. Bullseye for my .38's & .357's in the 60's, it's the all around load. However, I also use Unique but prefer 231 because it's cleaner and now I load for .38, .357, .40 S&W, .45 acp plus a few others. They all go boom! When I grab a box of .38's or .357's it's probably rounds I loaded years ago and mostly Bullseye, for the .40 it's most likely 231. You can't go wrong with any of them.

 

[tejano]

Got this from another member awhile back: 3.5 gr. of Bullseye with the 158 gr. SWC cast bullet seated even with the last band and no crimp. It works well.

 

[David LaPell]

12.5 grains of 2400 behind a 152 grain 358156 HP, of course this load should only be used in the .38-44 guns or a .357 Magnum, but its still .38 Special!

 

[Texasflyboy]

Hensley & Gibbs Plain Base #50 Wadcutter. Straight wheelweights, air cooled. 6 Cavity mould. Tumble lubed, Lee Liquid Alox.

WW Wadcutter Brass
Winchester Small Pistol Primer
3.5 Grains Bullseye
Lee Factory crimp on last station of Dillon 550. No rollover crimp, just straighten the mouth from flared.

75,000+ rounds in a Smith & Wesson Model 27-2 5".

Accurate all day long.

 

[Warren Sear]

125 gr. Winchester JHP with 7.6 gr. HS-6. I also load 158 gr. Berrys plated with HP-38, forget the charge right now. Found these 125 gr Win JHP's at a garage sale - 12,000 bullets for $40, couldn't resist.

Some widow's husband is spinning in his grave!

 

[S.B.]

Hensley & Gibbs Plain Base #50 Wadcutter. Straight wheelweights, air cooled. 6 Cavity mould. Tumble lubed, Lee Liquid Alox.

I think the wad cutters I used, Star, were pure lead with a black powder lube(maybe graphite?).
Steve

 

[gwalchmai]

Some widow's husband is spinning in his grave!

One of the funniest comments I ever read on a gun forum was "My greatest fear is that after I die my wife is going to sell my guns for what I told her I paid for them."