Loading up some 38 Special….

[WR Moore]

All the powder manufacturers seem to use specially made test barrels (tight bore/groove/chamber) in a universal receiver. This tends to show higher velocities per given charge along with higher pressures. I've got an older Winchester data book, the max charge generally produces a velocity more like that of the minimum charge.

Power Pistol does better for velocity than Unique, if you don't mind the flash.

 

[.38SuperMan]

I think their data is with a 7.7" barrel. I mean, who totes that?

Rosewood

I've noticed several of the manufacturers derive their data from long barrels and still publish data for bullets like Ranier that have been out of business for twenty or thirty years. Why not use a standard 4" 686 or Python to generate chrono data and use polymer coated and popular bullets rather than discontinued profiles.

Another gripe with Hogdons, they'll take several types of bullets and develop loads for several WW and Hodgdon powders then select a totally different selection for Accurate powders. One will be cast lead and the other plated and jacketed. If they're going to test a bullet give data for Hodgdon and Accurate not one or the other.

 

[Cdog]

I'm a fan of Accurate #5. I've used it in a variety applications with excellent results.

Regardless of tube length I like slower powders and higher load density.

I've also had really good results using CFE Pistol.

 

[nksmfamjp]

Hogdon shows 3.1 gr for a starting load for 158gr lead SWC at 782fps - barrel length not given.

3.7gr max load at 834fps - barrel length not given.

Hodgdon data is usually a 7.7" barrel.

I'm seeing I don't need over 800fps for a 158 +p load.

Powder choices are Longshot, AA#5, Titegroup, or 231. I'm using Nosler's data which says AA#5 may be most accurate.

 

[alwslate]

5.5 grs of Longshot with a 158 gr cast SWC chronos at 955 fps out of my 4" model 10-5 and should be right at the upper limit for std pressure at 17,000 psi. According to articles in Handloader magazine by Brian Pearce 6.0 grs with a 158 gr cast SWC will chrono at over 1,000 fps from a 4" barrel without exceeding the 20,000 psi limit for +P loads. Longshot and Power Pistol are ideal for +P loads in the .38 spl and have very similar ballistics.

 

[jimbo728]

231 works great for me in.38 spl.
I save my A5 for .357.
Jim

 

[ArchAngelCD]

One of my 3 favorite .38 Special loads is a 158gr LSWC bullet over 4.0gr W231 with a CCI-500 primer.

I mentioned a few powders above for the .38 Special +P and forgot to mention W572. I really like that fairly new powder and I might even use it to replace W540/HS-6 in the near future. ( I still have 3 or so pounds of HS-6 to burn up)

 

[Cdog]

One of my 3 favorite .38 Special loads is a 158gr LSWC bullet over 4.0gr W231 with a CCI-500 primer.

I mentioned a few powders above for the .38 Special +P and forgot to mention W572. I really like that fairly new powder and I might even use it to replace W540/HS-6 in the near future. ( I still have 3 or so pounds of HS-6 to burn up)

I like W572 too. It meters great, clean, and versatile. It has yet to be effective, but I've been lobbying Hodgdon for expanded load data.

Early in the plandemic I stumbled into a 4lb bottle for $60 and change. After taking a quick look at where it fell on the burn rate chart I snapped it up.

 

[Nevada Ed]

You said you were testing in a K frame.

When you work up a load for the little 148 gr bullet out of a J frame 2".
you will find that a maximum load of Bullseye or w231 at around 800fps
is not very pleasant to shoot and has a lot of recoil and "Bark" .

I find that 745fps is plenty for a full target load, if you need high velocity
and that 630fps is even easier on the wallet.

 

[rockquarry]

You said you were testing in a K frame.

When you work up a load for the little 148 gr bullet out of a J frame 2".
you will find that a maximum load of Bullseye or w231 at around 800fps
is not very pleasant to shoot and has a lot of recoil and "Bark" .

I find that 745fps is plenty for a full target load, if you need high velocity
and that 630fps is even easier on the wallet.

I'm in agreement. I also use Bullseye and 231 in J-frame snub nose .38s, but I load a 160 grain H&G #51 SWC. At around 750 fps with either powder, it's accurate and about as much as I care to shoot on a regular basis.

I only load a 148 gr. wadcutter (H&G #50) with 2.7 Bullseye. I don't recall if I've ever chronographed these in a 2" gun, but your 630 fps figure is probably about right for my loads also. Pleasant to shoot.