Load info for Berry's 158grn RN

[adagna]

I just bought a box of 250 Berry's .38 Cal 158gr RN DS. Does anyone have any load info for these using AA2?

 

[adagna]

Would I be safe following the load info for rainier 158grn rn? My book lists 5.2 as a start and 5.8 as a max load using AA2

 

[TSQUARED]

I believe that Berry's aand Rainier recommend using lead bullet data for their plated bullets. At one time Rainier published load data for their bullets but no longer do so. The usual rules apply start low and work up using a chrono to see where you are in terms of velocity.
I only use the 158gr. Rainer or Berry's plated bullets in mild 38 Special loads using either Trail Boss or American Select.

 

[Steve C]

Go the the Accurate Website and download their condensed manual in PDF format at this link Reloading Data.

Use data for lead or take the start load data for jacketed as the maximum load for the Berry's bullet.

 

[McPita]

I have shot close to 8,000 Berry's 158 rnds bullets over the last three years in a model 627 / 8 shot. The load I use is 4 gr. of tight group with a medium-to heavy crimp, this load has very mild recoil in my heavy N-frame, but never fails to take down the heavy steel poppers (if I do my part) that our club uses. The best part that the chambers stay crud free, and I can shoot several matches without cleaning the gun. I can highly recommend this load for any Smith that is +P rated.

 

[adagna]

Would I be better off loading these into .38 sp brass or can I just as well load into .357 mag brass?

Accurate's load data lists 3.6-4grn of AA2 for 158grn hdy xtp and the same for 158 lswc. So maybe the 5.2-5.8 that I was referencing for the Rainer is going to be a little high for these bullets.