Longshot Powder - 38 Spl +P Component Changes

[38SPL HV]

Using Handloader Oct ‘16 edition as a basis, I developed a 38 Spl +P using a cast Lyman 358377 bullet.

Firearm: Ruger 4 5/8 NM Blackhawk
Load: 5.5 grs Longshot (RCBS Little Dandy #7)
Bullet: 155 gr SWC 358477 (crimped in groove using 3/4 turn Lee seat/crimp die)
Primer: CCI500
10 shot string:
Hi 974 fps
Lo 962 fps
Avg 968 fps
ES 12
SD 4

Amazing consistency and accurate.

However, I noticed a marked decrease using same charge, primer, cases, OAL (1.460”) but with swaged 158 gr bullets (only 3 grs heavier) from my usually “faster” 5 inch S&W Heavy Duty:

Bullet: Hornady 158 gr LSWC
Hi 898 fps
Lo 861 fps
Avg 880 fps
ES 37
SD 13

Nearly 90 fps slower compared with cast…there’s a reason reloading books state that when you change components start low and work up again. I have also seen this phenomenon using cast vs swaged of the same weight with other powders in the same gun…I’m fortunate to have and use a chronograph!

I know that I’m not imparting much knowledge to other experienced handloaders on this wonderful site, but hopefully I can at least get through some regarding the importance of following your reloading manuals and obtaining a chronograph if you can…

Again, this data are provided for informational purposes only, and for use in my guns only. Always use a current reloading manual with its instructions before reloading any cartridges.

Best to everyone

 

[Nevada Ed]

I bought one pound of Longshot powder to ty out after reading the rags and how it was a good new powder, to use.

In my 12 Ga. trap loads it was too noisy and did not improve my shooting
and in my revolver loads, it gave me very poor accuracy.

It only worked with 12 Ga. Bismuth, for me.

Maybe it will work for you.

 

[38SPL HV]

…I swapped out late yesterday 158 gr SWC 12 BNH Missouri cast with the same components and got 920 fps Avg. Loud powder (particularly in 357 Magnum). I get better accuracy in 357 Mag with N340 and comparable accuracy with BE-86 and Power Pistol in 38 Spl +P. Will I buy Longshot again? Probably not. 5.0 grs BE-86 in 38 Spl +P/158 gr cast SWC gets me a velocity duplicate of Remington’s FBI load in my S&W Heavy Duty 5 inch (approx 950 fps) without the bark and bite of “Loudshot.”

 

[mtgianni]

Those swedged bullets with no lube groove have a lot more bearing surface than the 477 does.