It’s Official

[ArchAngelCD]

IMO those are almost perfect. The bullet seems to be seated correctly but I think you could use a little less crimp. It's not that it's bad but your brass will last longer if not overworked.

I'm betting those will be much more consistent since the bullet is sealed where it should be.

Well done Sir, keep up the good work...

 

[SVT28]

I got out to the range today to test a couple cylinders of the 2nd batch and was very pleased with the performance of these. No bullet pull, great accuracy, all went bang in the model 64-2, and best of all… no leading so easy cleanup!

I'm going to do another batch next weekend with a little less bell/flare so that I don't have any crimp issues and if all goes well, I'm going to just load up the rest of the box of bullets and buy another box of something plated. Seems like Bayou Bullets and some other brands are out there, lots of different options and bullet profiles. Might go with a 158 grain SWC? Who knows! Or I might give 45 acp a whirl since I just cleaned a couple hundred pieces of brass.

Does anyone have some load data for eXtreme 185 grain plated SWC with W231/HP38 or Ram Zip?

Cheers
SVT28

 

[glenwolde]

I'll agree that's looking like almost a maximum crimp, maybe back off a tad. Not that it's bad, but you don't want to work your brass (flare/crimp) any more than you need too. The more you work it, the sooner it fails (cracks).

Plated bullets use lead bullet data. I use 4.0 gr of W231 with a 158gr LSWC. That's a tad over current listed data, but it wasn't when I started loading it 40 years ago.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

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Does anyone have some load data for eXtreme 185 grain plated SWC with W231/HP38 or Ram Zip?

Cheers
SVT28

Usually, plated bullets can be used with data that is between cast and jacketed bullets.

I'm not telling you to do that, only that it's the popular opinion on the NET. Unfortunately most, if not all published sources don't supply data for plated bullets.

 

[Model19man]

When I first looked at your picture, the first thing that came to mind was the lack of crimp on the bullets, but that has been discussed and it looks like you have that one figured out. My suggestion would be to look into a Lee FCD, or Factory Crimp Die. Sure it's an extra step, but I think it's a worthwhile one.

Indeed the Lee FCD changes everything - it's a revolution in handloading. If anyone here has not used one, you need to.

 

[johngalt]

I used to use the FCD, discovered that it squeezes down the bullets and accuracy suffered. I went with option #2:

I got a 2nd seating die. The first one seats only, the 2nd crimps only.

 

[Inland7-45]

You are off to a good start. That 38/44 HD deserves to get out to the range. I started out reloading in 1972 during my senior year of high school. My father bought some used reloading equipment which included a Herters O press, balance beam scale , and powder measure. I bought a new set of RCBS .38 Special dies.

I learned to shoot on a Colt Officers Match .38 an S&W model 36. I started off with a few hundred commercial reloads and this provided enough brass to start working with.

After laying off for awhile I got back in to it on 2007. I have added a lot more calibers since then. Reloading and casting my own bullets has allowed me economically source hard to find ammunition such as 32-40, .32 Spl, .351 self loader, .38S&W and more.

I am now using an RCBS Junior press that I bought in the late 70,s. I have also upgrade my scale and case prep equipment. My goal is to have a supply of high quality ammunition that is as clean, sure fire and safe as factory ammunition. I see reloading as a hobby within a hobby and has been a lot of fun.

I also have a 38/44 HD. Mine is a second year production gun. I will be using a home cast 170 gr SWC from a Lyman mold with data from Lyman's cast bullet manual.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

Uh, an "eXtreme 185gr plated SWC" does not, as far as I can tell, exist...

Lesson #2: Always look out for typos, transpos or other inadvertent errors, especially as regards to "published" load data. Mistakes are made.

Cheers!

P.S. Hodgdons has 38 Special load data for four 158gr bullets with WIN231/HP38 & Zip. Two are for a LSWC. Then there's +P...

 

[Nevada Ed]

AH, about buying Plated 38 bullets................

They have a poor "Can" on them, if any
and without a good "Can" on a 38 bullet.....

this means that those bullets are only good for target use
since if full loaded, the bullets will pull from their case!!

Revolver bullets need a "Can" if loading over light target loads
but that is just my thoughts.

 

[SVT28]

Uh, an "eXtreme 185gr plated SWC" does not, as far as I can tell, exist...

Lesson #2: Always look out for typos, transpos or other inadvertent errors, especially as regards to "published" load data. Mistakes are made.

Cheers!

P.S. Hodgdons has 38 Special load data for four 158gr bullets with WIN231/HP38 & Zip. Two are for a LSWC. Then there's +P...

You're right, they are actually 200 grain! Glad I haven't reloaded any although I would have double checked/realized when I weighed some for tolerances


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[STORMINORMAN]

You're right, they are actually 200 grain! Glad I haven't reloaded any although I would have double checked/realized when I weighed some for tolerances


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Well, now...

They aren't "eXtreme", they aren't 185gr & they aren't for 38 caliber...?

But, if you want load info for a 200gr (plated?) 45acp SWC using ZIP or WIN231 you should probably try the Hodgdons website as there's data for both powders and a BERRYS plated SWC specifically for ZIP...

Cheers!

P.S. Xtreme also has a 45 caliber 200gr hard cast lead SWC and a 200gr Cowboy bullet that's a RNFP as well... Just in case the bullets aren't really SWCs, or plated?

 

[jag22]

Two points. Like many beginners, they tend to over think things, but you'll figure out what really matters as you go along. Second, from personal experience, lighter bullets in 38 special tend to go a little high. I found many others had the same experience so I was glad it wasn't me. 158 grains seem to be more accurate, point of aim and point of impact were more dependable, give them a try some time. You're off to a great start.

 

[SVT28]

You're right, they are actually 200 grain! Glad I haven't reloaded any although I would have double checked/realized when I weighed some for tolerances


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Well, now...

They aren't "eXtreme", they aren't 185gr & they aren't for 38 caliber...?

But, if you want load info for a 200gr (plated?) 45acp SWC using ZIP or WIN231 you should probably try the Hodgdons website as there's data for both powders and a BERRYS plated SWC specifically for ZIP...

Cheers!

P.S. Xtreme also has a 45 caliber 200gr hard cast lead SWC and a 200gr Cowboy bullet that's a RNFP as well... Just in case the bullets aren't really SWCs, or plated?

Yes the 200 grain plated SWC is what I meant in my previous posts about "giving 45 acp a whirl now that I've cleaned and sorted some cases". Sorry if I confused you or anyone else! My research shows 5.5-6.5 grains of Ram Zip is what I'm looking for so I'll probably start with 5.7 or 5.8 out of my 625 5" and go from there.

45- 200 SWC

That is the projectile and a few manuals suggest the prior mentioned load data to start. I assume OAL isn't too much of a big deal with these being loaded in moon clips for a 625? And from what I've read, about a finger nail of the shoulder above the case rim should be fine. I've seen various tape crimp suggestions but I think I'll shoot for .469-.470 to start.

SVT28

 

[Ron IL]

One bullet you might look at to load is a DEWC. (Double ended wad cutter) They are some of the best shooting. I use 148 grain TEK coated bullets. Also similar is the BNWC. (Button nose wad cutter) I started like you with a single press. As I loaded more I picked up three more cheaper presses and mounted them on a 2x10 board and clamped it to my work bench when I loaded. Then graduated to a Lee Classic Turret 4 hole press and still using it now. One thing I got pretty early was a tumbler to clean the brass. 38 is probably the easiest brass to load. Many powders work good and they are very accurate. Only one powder so far I quit using is Titegroup. It makes the barrel too hot after just a few rounds.

 

[SVT28]

Took a stab at some 45 acp, and I can't wait to see how they shoot!

eXtreme 200 grain plated SWC
5.7 grains of Ram Zip
S&B Brass
Fed 300 LPP
1.255 length
Light Crimp - Measures .469

It's nice loading a projectile that's not lead

SVT28

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[ArchAngelCD]

Took a stab at some 45 acp, and I can't wait to see how they shoot!

eXtreme 200 grain plated SWC
5.7 grains of Ram Zip
S&B Brass
Fed 300 LPP
1.255 length
Light Crimp - Measures .469

It's nice loading a projectile that's not lead

SVT28
...............

That is at the low end of the charge range. They should make really soft shooting target rounds.

 

[Ron IL]

If I was loading for my 1911 I would have to seat them shorter so there is no shoulder showing on the bullet. It would hit the rifling. But would maybe be fine in a revolver. I never tried that when I had a revolver since I was already loading for my 1911.