JohnK
US Veteran
I found some old sheets listing some chronograph testing I did with .38 Special loads with 4756. Testing done about 1997.
I still had a couple of boxes of loads, completed in the late 60's, with a powder lot OF THAT TIME.
8.0 grs. 4756 (old powder lot, late 60's))
125 Rem. H.P.
Winchester cases.
Shot through a 2.5" Model 66 aver. velocity 1396 fps
8.0 grs. 4756 (new powder lot, 1990's)
125 Rem H.P.
Winchester cases
Shot through the same Smith 2.5" Model 66 aver. velocity 1034 fps
I pulled bullets from the respective loads, the powder charges were correct, bullets were identical,and the powder appeared identical.
I present this, with no desire to start controversy, but it does relate somewhat, to "The Load" controversy of the past.
My starting loads, (reduced 2.0 grs. from the top load listed) with 4756 (late 60's lot)), in a .357 Mag, were so hot, that I popped of a letter to Speer, questioning their data. This was the Speer # 8 manual. I have never done that before, or since.
I never heard from them.
I wish I had the chronograph way back then.
I am NOT recommending ANY load, just presenting some data.
I still had a couple of boxes of loads, completed in the late 60's, with a powder lot OF THAT TIME.
8.0 grs. 4756 (old powder lot, late 60's))
125 Rem. H.P.
Winchester cases.
Shot through a 2.5" Model 66 aver. velocity 1396 fps
8.0 grs. 4756 (new powder lot, 1990's)
125 Rem H.P.
Winchester cases
Shot through the same Smith 2.5" Model 66 aver. velocity 1034 fps
I pulled bullets from the respective loads, the powder charges were correct, bullets were identical,and the powder appeared identical.
I present this, with no desire to start controversy, but it does relate somewhat, to "The Load" controversy of the past.
My starting loads, (reduced 2.0 grs. from the top load listed) with 4756 (late 60's lot)), in a .357 Mag, were so hot, that I popped of a letter to Speer, questioning their data. This was the Speer # 8 manual. I have never done that before, or since.
I never heard from them.
I wish I had the chronograph way back then.
I am NOT recommending ANY load, just presenting some data.