Loads for prewar .38 Special

[JP@AK]

I'm getting ready to work up some loads to be used in my prewar M&P revolvers. I know this is a hand loading question, but I remember some discussion of WC loads using Unique on this forum. Also, I'm not sure how many of you peruse the reloading section here on the Forum, so I hope it is okay to ask this question here.
I see several different load ranges listed in various manuals. For example, my 45th Edition Lyman book (1970) shows only 150 gr cast loads, but gives a starting charge of 3.5 and a max of 5.5 (940 fps). But the 1973 Hornady book shows a starting load of 3.2 and a max of 4.1 (900 fps). Then the Hornady Fourth Edition (1991) says starting load is 3.3 with a max of 3.8 (900 fps). I realize there are different test standards and I'm aware also that powders have changed a bit over time. But the disparity here seems like too much.
I'm wondering if there is any consensus among us on an accepted mid-range load for the 148 WC using Unique powder and fired in prewar guns (some of mine are before heat treatment started and some are after). What 148 grain WC loads have you guys been happy with?
I should add that I'm very happy to work up my loads. I've been doing that for a long time. But I'd like a little exposure to your experiences to help me puzzle out where to start. I've been loading 158 grain SWC loads for many years. But I have not done much with the 148 grain WC (except for factory match loads) and I want to start rolling my own with this bullet weight. I could use other powders, but I have a good supply of Unique so I thought I would start with it.
Thanks for any tips you can provide.
Jack

 

[Biggfoot44]

Well since you stated you are looking for mid range loads , I would take it that you have no need to reach an arbitrary velocity.

So start with the lowest starting load ( 3.1gr ) . Work up on if needed for better accuraccy , and if so only as much as neaded for acceptable accuraccy.

 

[Biggfoot44]

Well since you stated you are looking for mid range loads , I would take it that you have no need to reach an arbitrary velocity.

So start with the lowest starting load ( 3.1gr ) . Work up on if needed for better accuraccy , and if so only as much as neaded for acceptable accuraccy.

 

[DWalt]

Experience has shown that Unique is not an ideal propellant for full wadcutter loads. It is a little too slow and accuracy is usually inferior vs. faster propellants such as Bullseye, Red Dot, or AA #2. For many decades, the gold standard for accuracy has been Bullseye, using 2.8 -3.0 grains behind a 148 grain wadcutter bullet. Red Dot, Clays, and AA #2 will work about as well.

4.0 grains of Bullseye is also excellent for use with the 158 grain lead semiwadcutter bullet, producing near-factory velocities. Jumping the load to 4.5 grains of Bullseye produces an approximate +P load.

As you have noted, there is little consistency among the various sources of load data. That's just a fact of life. But none are unsafe. I tend to prefer data from the propellant companies. Velocity data given for different loads cannot be relied upon. This is because differences among revolvers produce wide variations in muzzle velocity. I have felt that this is mainly because of variations in the chamber-barrel gap. I have a Colt and a S&W, both with 6" barrels, and consistently see about 75 ft/second differences in average MV using the same load. The only reliable velocity information is what you measure yourself.

 

[alwslate]

First of all you need to get a current loading manual. Second, Unique is
too slow for mild loads and a poor choice for standard 38 spl loads
period (my opinion). I have several md 10s and older M&Ps and I load
all of them with my standard 158 gr cast RN plinking loads. The RN
loads basically duplicate the old factory loads and give better accuracy
than SWCs in my guns. I prefer to keep pressures low for the old guns
and load to about 750 fps in a 4" barrel which is below most factory
loads. The best powders for these are the fast burners like Bullseye
and Titegroup along with many others. There is plenty of data for
this type of load in current loading manuals.

 

[JP@AK]

First of all you need to get a current loading manual.

Thanks. But I have lots of different manuals, including several new ones. I gave the examples I did to show the disparity.
I've been handloading for lots of different guns for 50 years. I'm not a neophyte.
Jack

 

[JP@AK]

Experience has shown that Unique is not an ideal propellant for full wadcutter loads. It is a little too slow and accuracy is usually inferior vs. faster propellants such as Bullseye, Red Dot, or AA #2.

For many decades, the gold standard for accuracy has been Bullseye, using 2.8 -3.0 grains behind a 148 grain wadcutter bullet. Red Dot, Clays, and AA #2 will work about as well.

Thanks, DWalt. Very helpful. I've been using Red Dot for the 158 grain cast SWC for several decades. It has always performed well for me.

I think I'll develop some 148 grain WC loads using both Red Dot and Bullseye and see how it goes.

Jack