Guess I'm going to get serious about 38 S&W load development

[walnutred]

Yesterday I cast and lubed several hundred of my SWC projectiles. This this morning I received notice I had won an auction for TWO Iver Johnson Model 55s. These are the little fixed frame, 5 shot revolvers they made in the 60's and 70's. While not as well finished as an I frame strength wise they are similar, IMHO. So this evening I plan on loading up 20 rds each using Bullseye in 2.0, 2.2, 2.4 and 2.6 gns. Then I will borrow a friends Chrony and as soon as th e new revolvers arrive I'll try them out both in the IJ snubbies and my 5" H+R.

While I'm at it I have some FN 380 2Z ammo that is supposed to duplicate the WW2 British military stuff. I've been wanting to chrony some of that and this should be a good opportunity.

 

[matsu]

check Handloader magazine aug 2009 issue nice article on 38s&w

 

[walnutred]

I bought that magazine and felt it was one of the worst researched articles I ever read. Other than verifying that you can use 38 Super dies to reload 38 S&W, which has been industry standard for a couple decades, there was not much there. IMHO.

 

[walnutred]

Matsu I apologize for sounding so harsh. After rereading the article perhaps I was just overly disappointed in not finding much new information. Though in fairness he was loading for an Enfield and those would be the best choice if your limiting your scope to that revolver. The article was limited to two bullet weights, nether of which are the most common. In the picture showing three factory 38 S&W ctgs the British one is misidentified. So there is a 30% error right there. The writer seemed not that familiar with the history of the British revolver or he would not assume it was sighted for the 38/200, many had the front sights corrected for the 178gn bullet.

Sorry, I did not mean to sound so harsh and critical.

 

[sjmjax]

I've had good results with 2.7 & 3.0 grains Unique under a generic cast 158 LSWC. Shot quite a lot of this load in 33-1, Police Positive and Webley. Ran 725 - 750 fps across my chronograph in most guns.

In both the Colts and Smiths, I can often shoot a 5-6 shot group @ 7 yards you can cover with a dime. Providing I go easy on the coffee that morning. In the Webley... well not so good.

Don't know if this load is appropriate for your older revolver. Seems pretty mild in mine with the slower burning Unique.

 

[walnutred]

How is point of impact with those loads? I have not got around to Unique yet as I'm still playing with BE. Unique, International Clays and 231are next on the list as I have them on hand and they all work well in both 32 Long and 38 Special. Right now I'm using my Makarov dies to reload as they seem to work better for me than 38 Super.

 

[sjmjax]

In both my various 33's and Colt PP's, the point of impact is dead on at 7 yards. Same for the Webley only it doesn't group as well.

This is typical for my Colt & SW revolvers in this caliber.... if I do my part.

 

[H Richard]

How do you seat the bullets? I tried some generic 158 gr cast SWC's, and seated to the crimp grove, in front of 3.1 gr. 231 which was a load recommended somewhere, (which doesn't leave much room inside the case), and got some really sticky extraction in my .38 Regulation Police.

I'd like to load more, but have not found a source for a correct 38 S&W bullet.

Any suggestions?

 

[walnutred]

OK now THAT'S impressive results. maybe you should have written the article for HANDLOADER.

 

[My Eye!]

Heck, you guys with your hip new solid frame revolvers and high power loads are making me feel "left out of the game" since all I've got is top-breaks.

Jim

 

[NKJ nut]

In guns like my 1938 vintage M&P I like 2.7 grains of 7625 with a 158 gr. SWC, sized to .360. I have just started experimenting with a 145 gr. SWC of the same diameter, loaded with the same charge.

From a standing position at 12 yds it didn't do too shabby.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Wow, those are good groups for sure. Then again that is a great revolver you are shooting. Funny how a good revolver loaded with good ammo will shoot so well... LOL

 

[walnutred]

Wow, those are good groups for sure. Then again that is a great revolver you are shooting. Funny how a good revolver loaded with good ammo will shoot so well... LOL

Yes, I bet most people would give into the urge to shoot their aiming spot and not have the self discipline to shoot all around it like NKJnut does. Yeah, I'm a little jealous, I now just how hard pre-war half moon sights can be to see properly with aging eyes.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I feel your pain, I have old eyes too...