Load help

[Ricks2524]

I'm new at reloading. I want to reload 38 spl. I'm using 158 gr LRN bullets with Alliant Red dot powder. The Lee's 38 spl kit included a .5cc dipper, and says this is the correct load for 38s but I'm seeing different weights. Can someone advise me on this.

 

[bfalcon00]

.5 gr is way to little powder. I use Red Dot for most of my loads and asked almost the same question awhile back. Here is the thread.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/412863-trying-decide-38-special-powder.html

I use plated bullets for my loads so I can't be much help with the lead stuff. Although I subscribed to a place called loaddata.com and there are an almost endless supply of recipes there.

 

[Ricks2524]

Maybe that is .5cc.

 

[ChiefStealth]

The Lee dipper is not a .5 gr (weight in grains) dipper. It's a .5cc (volume) dipper. Every different type of powder has a slightly different weight to volume ratio. One powder will weigh a certain amount for a certain volume (in cc) Another powder will have a different weight for the same volume. Most load data lists powder charges in grains (weight). But the Lee dippers are graduated in cc (volume). So, you need to convert volume (of the dipper) to grains (weight of a particular powder). Or, you can trust that Lee has done the conversion for you and has determined that using .5cc of Red Dot will produce a suitable charge weight for your .38 special loads. But first... go read some reloading books!!

 

[bfalcon00]

Ah that makes more sense I can't say I've ever used the dippers from Lee. I use their dies and powder measure but that's about it.

 

[arjay]

It's probably a .5cc dipper.There should be a Lee chart that shows how much red dot that is.Have you checked their web sight?
http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi-data/instruct/Dippers.pdf

 

[Ricks2524]

arjay, If i'm reading this right 0,5cc of red dot is equal to 3.5 grains Is that correct

 

[MyDads38]

FWIW, I have Lee loaders for several calibers. The .5cc dipper does indeed throw approximately 3.5 grs. Red Dot. My 9mm kit comes with the same dipper (.5cc) and when I use it with RD, I get exactly 3.5 grs.
The dipper has been more consistent than my auto-disk powder measure, at times.

You really need a scale to check the thrown weights to be sure. How you use (scoop) the powder will determine how accurate your throws will be.

 

[arjay]

arjay, If i'm reading this right 0,5cc of red dot is equal to 3.5 grains Is that correct

.Those dippers throw a bit less than Lee claims.Do you have access to a scale?

 

[Ricks2524]

No but I'll get one. You all havel been a great help. I was so confused I was getting headache. LOL

 

[Nevada Ed]

If you want a close to factory Dup. load just shove 3.5grs of Red Dot in a 38 case and put a medium crimp on a 158gr LRN bullet.

My 686 6" loves this load....................... ( top left )