My 1st 38spl rounds

[Ursoboostd]

Here was my load
158gr RNFP (MO bullets) 3.6gr of w231, OAL 1.45"

These loads felt very weak next to some Blazer Brass factory ammo. I was thinkin about whippin up a hotter batch. Got on Hodgson's and found this.

158 GR. CAST LSWC Winchester 231 .358" 1.475" 3.1 782 11,900 CUP 3.7 834 14,600 CUP

According to it, I'm at the high end? Is it that much different because this data is for a Wad cutter? Thanks for any help. -Wade-

 

[Hook686]

Did you chronograph your load ?

 

[Ursoboostd]

No. Wish I could say I did, but the range I go to is a mom and pops type place. No Cronograph. The rounds just felt real light compared to some blazer brass factory ammo. -Wade-

 

[OKFC05]

That IS a pussycat load.
I use 4.3gr 231 for measured 800fps from 4" model 66 with 158gr lead.
WIN 14th manual shows max 4.5gr.
use data at your own risk

 

[Steve C]

The data Hodgdon lists for W231 using lead bullets is Cowboy level loads that are very light to shoot Cowboy matches. Standard velocity .38 spl with 158gr lead bullets needs 4.0 to 4.5grs of W231 to get to factory equivalent 745 to 830 fps. 4.7grs is +P.

You can use this PDF of the previous Winchester data http://members.cox.net/scollins15/transfers_public/Winchester2002.pdf or get another loading manuals for better load data than what Hodgdon's offers with lead bullets.

 

[VonFatman]

Congrats on your 1st loads!!

Here's my "stand-by" range load using 158gr swagged bullets (Zero Bullets).

158gr SWC (Zero Swaged)
4gr W-231
WSP
Mixed Brass
OAL: 1.480
Measured velocity: 740 fps avg. (out of a 5" M&P)
Very accurate out of all my .38s

Bob

 

[Ursoboostd]

Congrats on your 1st loads!!

Here's my "stand-by" range load using 158gr swagged bullets (Zero Bullets).

158gr SWC (Zero Swaged)
4gr W-231
WSP
Mixed Brass
OAL: 1.480
Measured velocity: 740 fps avg. (out of a 5" M&P)
Very accurate out of all my .38s

Bob

Thanks!

I just loaded 200 rounds on my LCP.

158gr RNFP Cowboy #15 MO.
4.3gr of W231
OAL 1.45"

 

[TNDave]

Your load of 3.6 is very light. In my Speer manual 4.0 is the bottom for 158 grain lead bullets and 231. The top is 4.4.

Wadcutter loads are really creampuffs since they assume a swaged instead of cast bullet, but you are still OK with swaged bullets and 4.0.

The top with a jacketed 158 grainer and 231 is 5.7 grains.

Most people never shoot enough to get good with a gun. Handloading is the key to having enough ammo to shoot enough to get good. Have fun.

 

[Ursoboostd]

Most people never shoot enough to get good with a gun. Handloading is the key to having enough ammo to shoot enough to get good. Have fun.

That is exactly my intent. I have a 442 I will be pocket carrying soon and I want to be decent with it.

If my math is correct these lead 158gr cost me about $6 per box of 50. I'm diggin that price! -Wade-

 

[lafayne]

You did a lot better than my first .38 loads. I loaded some hollow base wadcutters with Unique and shot a cylinder full. When I checked my target, I had 12 holes - 6 for the front of the bullet and 6 larger ones made by the skirt I separated by too much powder. Oh well, I did get a lot better. That was about 1958 or so and I'm still loading.

 

[sjmjax]

I concur with several other posters. My generic 231 load for both 158 grain LSWC & LRN is 4.2 grains.

Pleasant and accurate standard pressure load. Shoots to point of aim in a wide range of S&W and Colt .38 revolvers.

 

[Skip Sackett]

Great!

Here was my load
158gr RNFP (MO bullets) 3.6gr of w231, OAL 1.45"

These loads felt very weak next to some Blazer Brass factory ammo. I was thinkin about whippin up a hotter batch. Got on Hodgson's and found this.

158 GR. CAST LSWC Winchester 231 .358" 1.475" 3.1 782 11,900 CUP 3.7 834 14,600 CUP

According to it, I'm at the high end? Is it that much different because this data is for a Wad cutter? Thanks for any help. -Wade-

Wade,
Congrats on your first loads! Glad to hear that you shot some of your own loads and didn't blow anything up! (Just kidding!)

From the Lyman #48 manual, you can go to 4.0grand if you have a round nose bullet like they used, you can even go to 5.3gr for a +P load.

It depends on what you want to achieve.

Be safe and have fun!

 

[Ursoboostd]

I have to admit it was pretty cool to shoot my own ammo.

I also shot my 1st 9mm loads that day. They were so light they wouldn't even cycle my glock. lol

I just loaded 200 rounds of 38spl on my LCP.

158gr RNFP Cowboy #15 MO.
4.3gr of W231
OAL 1.45"

 

[imakmst]

I concur with several other posters. My generic 231 load for both 158 grain LSWC & LRN is 4.2 grains.

Pleasant and accurate standard pressure load. Shoots to point of aim in a wide range of S&W and Colt .38 revolvers.

Would that be the comparable load in HP-38? I've read alot where everyone says W231 and HP38 "are the same".