Loads for S&W Mod 20 Heavy Duty 38 Spl

[38SPL HV]

I have an opportunity to purchase a very nice S&W Mod 20 N frame Heavy Duty revolver 38 Special.

I understand that this revolver was built to handle the old 38 Special high velocity loads (38-44 loads?). I saw vintage 1964 Remington catalog showing the 38 Special "Hi-Speed" load with 158 gr lead at 1,090 fps from factory 6 inch barrel.

There is no current load data published which meets this level of performance.

I want to use a similar high velocity loading in this S&W Mod 20 Heavy Duty if I purchase it. I checked the forum and some loads for 38-44 seem way too hot, trying to duplicate factory test barrel ballastics.

If this revolver can take it, why shouldn't I be able to use Lyman 44 38 Spl data using 158 gr LRN and 11.0 grs 2400? I may even start at 10.0 grs. I've used the 11.0 grs in the past in my 357 Magnum and they work great. Perhaps Alliant's Max 38 Spl +P load using 6.0 grs Power Pistol and 158 gr loading would be close to the old 38 Spl high velocity loads in actual revolver barrels?

Appreciate any advice or appropriate load data for the Heavy Duty.

 

[rockquarry]

Look online for some old Lyman books like #40, #41, etc. These contain data ("for heavy frame guns only" or similar wording) that would include the loads you are looking for. The maximum loads appear to me to be a bit hot, but maybe okay in a heavy revolver like the 20 or 23. I shoot a pre-23 occasionally, but I would still back off these loads some. Doubt they were pressure tested.

Later Lyman books, around #44 or #45 tamed these loads a bit to where they may be more in line with current data.

 

[Iggy]

Google Elmer Keith loading data for 38/44.

Proceed with caution.

 

[2152hq]

I had a nice M20 5" nickel bbl that I bought in the late 60's. Paid $45 for it back then.
I used to reload the Lyman 358429 LSWC w/an Elmer load of 2400.
The gun took it OK.
Didn't prove anything looking back now and I wouldn't load for it like that now,,,if I still had the gun.

Shoot a kindly load through it. Enjoy it.
Make 357 loads for shooting in 357 revolvers that were mfg for them.
Just my opinion of course.

 

[Alk8944]

38 SPL HV,

If you go over your previous threads you will find I have already given you load data that will approximate this velocity. There are a few things you need to remember though.

1) Rarely will factory ammunition deliver the velocity published for the load when fired in "real guns".

2) The velocity I get in a specific gun will not necessarily give you the same velocity, even in another gun of identical make, model and barrel length.

3) Unless you have the ability to chronograph your loads in your gun you will never know the actual performance level of your loads!

4) Even with the same gun and identical ammunition from the same commercial box, or same batch of your own handloads, you will seldom see statistically identical results on a different day, shooting over the same chronograph!

I am about to post a thread titled .38 Special "Back in the Day", where the same ammunition, from the same lot, was chronographed several times from the same and similar revolvers, and significantly different results were obtained! This will emphasize what I have said above.