Loading Mistake on 38-Special 158XTP instead of 125XTP w/HS6

[ddixie884]

I'd shoot em in any .357mag, and not worry.

 

[dr. mordo]

I don't have any HS-6, but this thread makes me really want to load 7.2gr of HS-6 under a 158gr jacketed bullet and fire it out of my 686.

I may pick up some HS-6 just to do this.

 

[Forrest r]

Years ago we'd shoot the then "MAX" load of hs-6/158gr jacketed hp's in snubnosed 38spl's.

Per hodgdon's 25th edition reloading manual

7.6gr hs-6 any 158gr/160gr bullet ='d 19,200cup

 

[growr]

Perhaps you know someone with a Model 28 .....shoot them and start over.

Randy

 

[bmcgilvray]

I'd have no trepidation to shoot 'em up in a .357 Magnum revolver. It would be a non-event. One would benefit from the shooting practice much more than he would dealing with breaking the loads down.

 

[dr. mordo]

Dang it, my LGS is out of HS-6.

But I did pick up an abused M30 snubbie for a decent price. Cleaning it up will be my weekend project.

 

[Old_Cop]

I am with growr, a model 28 bullet puller is just the tool you need.

 

[cowboy4evr]

Not to get a old thread renewed , But , I will tell you that I have personally shot " the load " , 8.0 grs of HS-6 with a 158 gr bullet loaded in a 38 spl case . I fired these in a 357 ( 686) and they didn't seem really all that stout , compared to max 357 magnum loads . As a 38spl load , they were all you would ever want to shoot .
To shoot or not to shoot , it's up to you . But personally I would just shoot them , in a 357 . Regards, Paul

 

[Nevada Ed]

I thought "the Load" was with SR4756 powder ??

 

[Imissedagain]

Multicolored gunpowder
Multicolored bullet boxes
Next thing will be writing “ read the manual before using” on guns. Ugly!!!

Stout bullet pulling revolvers in 357, 44 and 45/460 are a must..... and the Mrs bought new drapes, furniture and a diamond ........

Stay safe
Have fun

 

[cowboy4evr]

Nevada Ed , you are correct . It was with IMR SR 4756 . My error . Thanks for that . But I do stand by my original post , that I would just shoot them , in a 357 magnum pistol . Regards, Paul

 

[mtgianni]

If you want to break them down a piece of rr tie is great for the job. I would shoot them in a contender bbl chambered for 357 Mag or Max.

 

[Imissedagain]

We all make mistakes..... late ‘60s .....Piper Cherokee 140 ...running up the engine to check the mag and it flutters and .... OMG!!!
First time I was cocky and did the preflight without reading my checklist..... fuel mixture setting ???
Read that list aloud before every flight after that.

Didn’t notice the “max speed in a dive sticker” until I exceeded it....

Reloading..... a 2nd Amendment responsibility!!!

 

[colt_saa]

Please do not confuse my use of a .357 gun to shoot .38 Special cartridges. It is STILL a .38 Special cartridge, even when shot out of a .357 gun, and those 38 Special cartridge limitations are from 5.6gr to a max of 6.2gr, and at 7.2gr in a 38 Special cartridge it is WAY OVER the max limit. In other words it would produce way too much pressure during combustion, and quite possibly blow the cylinder, if not the barrel as well.

Modern 38 Special brass is much stronger than is necessary for the loads it is called upon to contain. The reason 357 Magnum brass is 1/8" longer is not to create a case that can handle Magnum loads better, 357 Magnum brass is 1/8" longer to create a case that can not be unintentionally chambered in 38 Special revolvers

There is just no way that load would blow up a 686 cylinder. Your cylinder is simply not a possible point of catastrophic failure in this scenario

The pressure generated by your load is way below 357 Magnum proof levels let alone below 357 Magnum loading levels.

In a worst case scenario if you used 38 Special brass that has been reloaded many, many times might experience a case split, but that could also happen with 357 Magnum brass that has been reloaded many, many times

 

[colt_saa]

BTW, I was wondering about getting screwed up switching 38Sp to 357Mag back and forth. Paranoid to say the least, but it has paid off.

I just bought myself a second set of Lee dies and a extra tool head because I hate going through all that re-adjustment every time from 38->357->38->357->38->357 etc.

 

[joeintexas]

Mike, years ago when I had a 686 I shot some really hot loads through it, both 38s and 357s. Can't say it did any harm to the 686. That's a pretty stout pistol you have there. Good luck.

 

[HorizontalMike]

I just bought myself a second set of Lee dies and a extra tool head because I hate going through all that re-adjustment every time from 38->357->38->357->38->357 etc.

I understand, though that is the reason for my reloading 500 rounds of 357 at a time. BTW, I have enough N105 (8lb) to reload my 357s for 5,000 rounds. Only have 4lb of HS6, but truly want to have 38 loads for my little carry 642. I only am using my 357 for working up proper loads for the 38. NOT interested in maximum loads at this point in my life, just steady and consistent fun...

And besides, this post has led to my ordering higher quality collet pullers for not only my 38/357 but ALSO for my Rem 222. And like you, bought another Lee 4-hole turret to mount them in for convenience. Much to be said about convenience

 

[Forrest r]

Sounds like a win/win situation to me.

You get to spend 8 hours pulling bullets and reflecting on what went wrong. And you get to learn about a new reloading tool.

 

[AlHunt]

Credit to you for admitting the mistake, so I'm not trying to beat up on you at all. One cardinal rule I've always followed is only the components you're using at the moment on the bench. I, too, think they'd be fine in your 686 but the right thing is to pull them and start over, as you're obviously doing. None of us are perfect.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

HorizontalMike, like the others have said, those rounds are perfectly safe to shoot in your M686. The pressure generated by 7.2gr will not even approach the starting load for a .357 Magnum. I realize the cases are slightly shorter but pressure is pressure. You will do no harm at all to a .357 Magnum revolver capable of handling 35,000 psi or more. Don't let the case head stamp confuse you.

Thank you for your service and for joining the NRA.