Model 10 - First Handloads

[gwpercle]

Yes all of this can be very confusing . This is how I resolve the issue when I'm looking at a starting point . Experience has taught me that the min. and max. loads are not great places to start...so I start in the middle . Average the min and max. like this :
#1) 3.8 grs. + 4.3 grs. = 8.1 / 2 = 4.05 grs.
#2) 3.6 grs. + 4.1 grs. = 7.9 / 2 = 3.85 grs.

4.05 grs. + 3.85 grs. = 7.90 / 2 = 3.95 grs.

Ergo ...I would start at either 3.9 grains. or 4.0 grains ! You are within the parameters of both load data ranges . Years of experience has taught me that usually very good loads are found in the middle . Minimum and maximum loads are seldom a great place to start .

A bit of advice...many many variables are involved with the determining of load data ... min. / max. for one lab may not be the exact same results as another testing lab... the results will vary...
hence all the discrepancies ... don't obsess over or overthink it...take all the data you have on hand , look at it and start in the middle .

Data will be different for lead/plated/coated bullets and jacketed so use appropriate data for the bullet being used...there is a difference.

Hope this helps but Mamma never said reloading was going to be easy
Gary

 

[Peak53]

The HP-38/Win-231 loads for .38 special are known to be all over the place in the manuals. Your approach of consulting multiple manuals and asking questions here will treat you well. Your chosen starting loads will be perfectly safe. The only question will be how they shoot in YOUR M-10. If you are not satisfied with accuracy, recoil, degree of leading, etc. then adjust from there. Just be aware that going too slow could produce a stuck bullet and too high could produce leading.

 

[film495]

well, toward the end of a range session, did fire 18 of these handloads to finish the day. all fired correctly and very pleased with that. can't really say about accuracy - was more just shooting to see if the rounds fired in the general direction of already used paper targets, so - not very technical, but was just wanting to see if I could actually reload rounds that would go bang correctly and fire a bullet down range, trying to keep it a little simple.

haven't cleaned or inspected brass yet, so - not sure what I'll find there, but probably good to go. rounds were certainly milder than the factory ammo I shot just before this, but I expected that and it is what I was looking for.

I actually don't like the service grips, I had after market pachmire ones, but the service grips batter my middle finder a little, and the aftermarket ones lower the grip hold and I did not like the extra muzzle flip - so, still up in the air on a good grip and hold. Maybe I'll just get used to the service grips and do some adjusting of my hold.

all in all pleased I hand loaded some rounds and they worked.

 

[roo_ster]

Great revolver (SW10), great cartridge (.38spl), and great bullet weight (158gr in .38spl) to start reloading.

I too started with those Speer swaged 158gr LSWC. A light load in those can be VERY accurate. Until barrel leading gets ugly. Got to keep them mild. If you want more moderate loads and less leading might want to switch to a cast LSWC 158gr and bump the pressure a smidge.

I suggest you start getting serious about recording your reloads' performance, though. Get your bench technique down, record your range & group size (and POI relative to POA, since you have fixed sights). Put that in a spreadsheet or log book.

I have not been able to reload for a few years but just loved it.