K -38. Target loads

[Smokepole60]

I am looking for an accurate wadcutter load for my 6" K38 , all of my reloading experience is with 45LC an 44 mag.

 

[Dragon88]

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/160918-k38-favorite-load.html

The common load you will see for any target .38 Special is a 148 HBWC over 2.7gr Bullseye. There are many variations, but that is the gold standard, if you will. 158 SWCs at moderate velocities should also shoot well.

 

[Rawhyde]

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/160918-k38-favorite-load.html

The common load you will see for any target .38 Special is a 148 HBWC over 2.7gr Bullseye. There are many variations, but that is the gold standard, if you will. 158 SWCs at moderate velocities should also shoot well.

I use a 148g DEWC over the same 2.7g of Bullseye. I have tried HBWC bullets and got a lot of leading with them and they didn't seem to be as accurate for me. Other folks love them, but I've not had success with them.

 

[Smokepole60]

Many thanks... Looking forward to seeing what it's capable of.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

One of my favorite loads is a 148gr DEWC over 3.2gr W231/HP-38. Some revolver like a slightly different charge up to 3.4gr W231.

 

[carlosmojoli]

Take a load from a reloading book, considering your bullet weight and type of powder and primer. Start a batch of five with half a grain less of powder, five more with two decimals more and continue with increments of 2/10 of a grain. Make five batches and test them to see which is the best combination for your gun and never change the combination. If you may have access to a Ramson or Caldwell rest, will be better. When you determinate and acceptable batch, try with 1/10 of a grain reduction and same increment to find out is there is any improvement. Accuracy in my experience depends on all the factors involved: Case brand, type and length, primers brand and type, powder type, ideal weight for the bullet weight, bullet type and same weight, length of the cartridge, amount of crimp, and your gun's barrel de leaded. A 2 mm thick wax disk over the powder will help accuracy. These cartridges should not be exposed to the sun and should be used just for target shooting. The most accurate .38 Special ammo I could find out of the box is Winchester 158 grains round nose lead bullet at 25 meters. If you can duplicate (I could not yet) this accuracy I will believe you are a good re loader.

 

[Smokepole60]

I agree . I stick to the same case on my load testing in my big bores. Going to try the 231 and bullseye first. No need for the ransom rest, been a bullseye shooter for years . My blackpowder target pistols all are capable of one handed inch groups at 25 yds. I am curious to see what a K38 is truly capable of. Thanks

 

[Steve in Vermont]

One of my favorite loads is a 148gr DEWC over 3.2gr W231/HP-38. Some revolver like a slightly different charge up to 3.4gr W231.

That is also my favorite. Accurate with minimal leading. And the small Lee Powder Dipper with a full scoop happens to dispense exactly this amount.

 

[Pigirondan]

My favorite 148 grain DEWC target load is 3.5 grains of Bullseye.

 

[Smokepole60]

I use a lee dipper on my 45-60s, was worried on a 3 gr or so charge ... Losing 10 percent in charge weight... ( not sure if that would be the case) may affect accuracy.. My thrower wants nothing to do with 5744 so a dipper is how I load those. Hopefully bullseye will cycle thru my powder thrower.

 

[olskool]

4.2 gr. unique with my 358156 lyman swchp mold that drops about 155 gr. is super accurate in my model 15

 

[Alk8944]

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/160918-k38-favorite-load.html

The common load you will see for any target .38 Special is a 148 HBWC over 2.7gr Bullseye. There are many variations, but that is the gold standard, if you will. 158 SWCs at moderate velocities should also shoot well.

If your revolver won't shoot with this load it is probably beyond help. This has been, for all practical purposes, the "standard" .38 Special wad-cutter load for bulls-eye competition for probably 70 years.

 

[Smokepole60]

And it sounds like a hollow base wadcutter is in all recipes .. With powder variance at a tenth of a grain plus or minus.. I take it the flatbase wadcutters lack a little when compared to the hollow base.

 

[H Richard]

HBWC with 3.2 gr. 231. I loaded 2.7 Bullseye for the Mod 52, but the K38 and Colt Officers Model Target both like 3.2 of 231.

 

[Smokepole60]

That's cool.. I keep 231 around for 45 colt loads .

 

[Cyrano]

I use 3.1 grs of 231 with the 148-150 gr WC. Both my K 38 and 52 like this load; the 52 with the bullets seated flush, the K 38 with them seated to crimp in the top groove.

 

[Nick B]

One of my favorite loads is a 148gr DEWC over 3.2gr W231/HP-38. Some revolver like a slightly different charge up to 3.4gr W231.

I'm gonna have to try this one out of my 6" 686 .