Load data for 38 special

[smithwess999]

I started reloading for my S&W 38 special to put holes in paper. I have plated 147 grain round nose bullets and am using 231 with Winchester primers. It is hard to find data for plated bullets, I have 3 books plus online sites. I started at 3.5 grains of 231 but saw powder flakes in the spent casing and gun cylinder. Went to 3.7 and now 3.9 but still see flakes. Crimping to .379 with an OAL of 1.504. Any thoughts on the way to eliminate the flaking? Not a big deal but am curious. Thanks

 

[pete950]

Use the same loading data that is used for lead!!

 

[blujax01]

Berry's says to use lead data or mid-range jacketed data.

Hodgdon's web site doesn't show a 147 grain jacketed or lead.
The lead data for 148 grain shows a 4.0 maximum when using HP38 (same powder as W231).

However it has data for 146 grain JHP and W231 that shows the starting point for w231/146 grain JHP at 4.0. Lacking specifics I tend to use similar weight data when working up loads. If it were me, I'd take it up to about 4.2 and see what that does. Obviously the OAL will be different for your round nose than the JHP.

146 GR. SPR JHP Winchester 231
4.0gr. 773fps 12,700 CUP
4.5gr. 876fps 15,500 CUP

 

[terrier]

I use 4.2 of 231 and Berry's plated bullets. nice smooth load.

 

[OKFC05]

Any thoughts on the way to eliminate the flaking?

Sure. Don't use light loads of flake powder.
Seriously, it is normal and cleans right out.
Want to see some real residue? Use lead bullets with wax lube. Again normal.

I have a question about your 147gr RN plated bullets: what is the diameter? For .38/.357, the bullets should be either .357 or .358. Youo're not using .355 147gr intended for 9mm are you? My model 14 shoots patterns instead of groups with undersized bullets.

 

[mikld]

I've been using mid-range loads designated for jacketed bullets, to load my Berry's bullets (just like Berry's suggests). FWIW; I always suggest, especially to a beginner, to find load data prior to purchasing components. Much fewer headaches/searching for data for odd bullets/powders...

 

[smithwess999]

Thanks for the input. I used the lead/mid-range idea to start loading my plated 45's about a year ago. But, data for a RN lead is hard to find as most state for lead SWC or FN and jacketed centers around hollow point. Yes these 38 special plated are .357 like a 9mm. It would be better to find the load data first but I find myself buying what is available at the time to get my 2000 bullet order. Hopefully supply is catching up to demand but am hearing about a primer shortage. Thanks again.

 

[chipking]

Try Hodgdon Clays. Lately I have been using it for my Geezer loads in both 38 Special (Remington or Speer 158gr Swaged swc over 2.9 - 3.0 grains sparked by Winchester or CCI Small pistol) (~815 fps) and 45 ACP ( Berrys 185 grain round nose hollow base plated over 4.3 - 4.4 grains sparked with Winchester Large Pistol) (~770fps) Very accurate and quite pleasant to shoot and the 45 will cycle a 1911 with a normal spring.

--- Chip King ---

 

[blujax01]

.... It would be better to find the load data first but I find myself buying what is available at the time to get my 2000 bullet order. Hopefully supply is catching up to demand but am hearing about a primer shortage. Thanks again.

I sometimes buy bullets because they're on sale, or they're unusual, or because they look cool. Then I figure out what to do with them. Scour gun shows for old manuals or magazines and in my reading a load comes up that I have components for.

Sometimes works out, sometimes not so much. It's all good...