Lighter lead bullets 38 special

[Swed]

I have some lrnfp 130gr bullets I have been trying to load.
I have universal (Hodgdon clays universal), I have worked my way up to 4.6gr and it just started to burn all powder.

Hodgdons load data is not all clear, they have data for a 130gr MEI cast lrnfp bullet, and data for 125 and 135 lrnfp, the data for the MEI bullet starts where the others stop.
What is MEI cast bullets and can I use that data safely?
The bullets I have are cast, but not by me..

Any experiences? Are there powders that are better suited for lighter bullets?

Thanks...

 

[OKFC05]

I used 4.3 gr HP38 to load some 130gr cast bullets without any negative signs other than accuracy was mediocre with that bullet in my gun. Same powder with 148gr WC or 158gr SWC was very good.

I've used lots of different powder in .38, but keep coming back the HP38/W231, which works without any drama or surprises.

 

[HKSmith]

The 3 letter bullet codes in the Hodgdon Manual refer to the manufacturer, in this case Meister Hardcast Bullet Co. The reason the 130 grain bullet has higher max loads is that the COL (cartridge overall length) is longer for this weight bullet, probably because of the placement of the crimp groove on the bullet. This allows more room between the powder and the base of the bullet and thus lower pressures.

Hodgdon Universal and many other medium burn-rate powders are suitable for loading almost any bullet weight in .38 Special - you'll have to determine the best load for your particular revolver.

What is the COL for your 130 grain loads? In a modern revolver (most of which can handle +P loads) any of the listed Hodgdon loads should be safe.

 

[Swed]

Measured a little tonight.
COL is 1.450, if I stretch it I could reach 1460, but then I would crimp in the bottom of the crimping groove, leaving most of it exposed.
Bullet is 0.570, the crimping groove is 0.260 from the bottom of the bullet.

 

[HKSmith]

You should be fine using the data from the Hodgdon Manual for the 130 grain MEI LRNFP bullet.

What kind of revolver are you using? Also, I'm curious as to what gun laws are like in Sweden - are handguns and reloading components readily available? I've occasionally used components from Scandinavian manufacturers (Norma, Lapua, VihtaVuori powder); although expensive compared to American products, I've had very good results, particularly with VV N320 powder in a variety of handgun cartridges.

 

[Swed]

So 125 and 135gr bullets ussually have more of the bullet in the case, thats why they use much less powder for theese?

I use a 38 masterpiece made 1955, and I also have a Colt trooper 357 mk3.

Gun laws in Sweden are restrictive, only purpose to get a license for a handgun, revolver or pistol is for target shooting, and you have to renew your license every 5 years and motivate and show active membership in a shooting club. No guns for defence allowed.
Hunting is only allowed with rifles and there are strict regulations to what calibers for what type of animals to be shot, not a hunter myself so I don't know the rules exactly.
Ammunition and component are not so easy to find but not super hard either and not cheap. Easier to find hunting related products. Only gunshops are allowed to sell ammo and such.
I have not reoladed for so long, universal is the only powder I have tried, my cousin had a can that he did not use, he is a hunter and I think he thought of reloading for shotguns but never did, yet..

 

[HKSmith]

In revolver bullets the seating depth will be determined by where the crimping cannelure (groove) is placed on the bullet. There are so many different types and brands of .38 caliber bullets available (plus all the molds for casting) that some lighter, shorter bullets end up being seated deeper than a longer, heavier bullet. Wadcutter bullets, for example, get seated entirely in the case, while the Keith design cast bullets have much of their length outside the case.

Your .38 Masterpiece is one of S&W's great revolvers - it should be fine with any of the loads you mentioned. Your Colt .357 could also obviously handle these loads.

Thanks for the information on Swedish gun laws.

 

[David LaPell]

I had good luck with 5.0 grains of Unique if you have any and a 130 grain SWC.

 

[Swed]

Thanks.
I guess I will just have to try some more loads. Hodgdons loaddata for the MEI 130 gr bullet is between 4.7 and 5.2, for the 125 and 135gr its between 4.3 and 4,7 and 4,1 and 4.6gr. And since at 4.6gr I just started to burn all powder it will be safe using the 130gr mei data...?

 

[hawgleg]

I think you'll be just fine with that info. I use Bullseye for light plinking loads and Universal for the hotter stuff. I find Universal works well in the mid to upper load range.