Need Lite .38 special load for Steel Challenge

[fuzzymcnab]

I am going to start shooting revolver at monthly steel challenge matches. Previously, all my .38 special loads duplicated factory velocities, which is my preference for IDPA, so my personal load data has nothing light. My first choice in powders is Unique and Bullseye, but I am open to others. I will be loading 125 grain xtremes to start with as I have a bunch of them. I would like velocities around 700 fps or less. Any suggestions?
thanks, fuzzy

 

[Nevada Ed]

The slowest that I got a 125 JHP down to is 898 fps with Bullseye in a 6" barrel.

Now if you are shooting lead 125 gr bullets.................
I did get down to 840 fps with Green Dot.

Do you really want 700 fps ?

Maybe if you shoot a 2" snub nose?

 

[rwsmith]

Try............

Try 2.8 grains of Bullseye and adjust from there.

Lyman Says.

 

[TAROMAN]

For speed steel, I went with cut down 38 Special brass.
Trimmed to .900", roughly same as 38 Super.
Best load:
160gr Bayou Coated LRN 3.0gr VVN310 LO:710 HI:746 AVG:721 ES:36 SD:9.28 PF:115.36 FED SP MAG PRIMERS

Shot in a M&P 8 shot revolver with moon clips.

Later went to a 986 9mm.

 

[cowboy4evr]

Sounds like you are using plated bullets ( Xtreme) . Just be careful and don't go too slow. YOu could end up with a bullet stuck in the barrel . Me personally , I would save those and switch to cast . For powders you might consider buying Hodgdon's " Clay " , not Universal Clay or International Clay , just " Clay " . Faster burn than Bullseye , so I feel it would work well in such a reduced load . Good Luck , Regards Paul

 

[Moo Moo]

My Service Match (like PPC) load is 2.8 of Bullseye with a 115 semi wadcutter projectile.

 

[OKFC05]

" I would like velocities around 700 fps or less. Any suggestions?"

Yes, go faster, for a couple of reasons:
1. Plated bullets get erratic with bunny fart loads, and may stick
2. Top competitors like lighter bullets but more "crisp" speeds. If I recall, last winner was closer to 900fps with about 90gr.

And don't use Unique in light loads.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Is this match any thing like "Cowboy" matches or a totally new "Game" ?

Lots of matches out there, now a days..........
I just can't keep up with all of them.

 

[OKFC05]

Is this match any thing like "Cowboy" matches or a totally new "Game" ?

Lots of matches out there, now a days..........
I just can't keep up with all of them.

Set up 5 steel targets in a prescribed stage. Shoot all 5 and record time. Now do it 4 more times. Throw out the slowest time and add the other 4.
Go to the next stage and do it all again.
No movement, no strategy, just pure speed. Very easy to get into competition, great way to start kids. Don't be surprised if you get beat by a 12-year-old girl with a .22!

 

[fuzzymcnab]

Wow, great response. Thanks guys.
Nevada Ed, You would be surprised. I have run plated bullets in my .45 acp revolver down to 600 fps with good results. That was just for testing purposes.
RWSmith, that's what I was thinking. I used to run 2.8 grains when I was shooting PPC 40 years ago with 148 grain wadcutters.
Taroman, that's sounds neat. I like bayous, I will try that.
Cowboy, I know guys who have run Clays, I will get some.
OKFC05, have yet to have a bullet stick in my 625 down below 600 fps, but I will take your caution. No Unique in light loads? I have not heard that, please give more details, you have got my interest.
God's blessing to y'all,
fuzzy

 

[OKFC05]

"OKFC05, have yet to have a bullet stick in my 625 down below 600 fps, but I will take your caution. No Unique in light loads? I have not heard that, please give more details, you have got my interest."

I'm surprised you haven't heard the "flaming dirt" moniker for very light loads with Unique, that are better served with Bullseye.
Working chrono for matches has been a real education, especially when shooters try to work right to the limits and things go wrong due to temp changes or getting into a new batch of powder.
With the 105 PF in IDPA/SSR, shooters using heavy bullets have shied away from plated in favor of coated lead bullets for safety and consistency with the low MV.
I use only HP38 for my .38 loads, but several will work well.
I tried some 105gr .38 lead bullets but my Model66 does not like the short bullets for accuracy. I am loading a fresh batch of 148gr HBWC over 3 gr of HP38, which is my standard steel (and practice) load; steel challenge is not my favorite sport because raw shooting speed is not my forte'. YMMV.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Whoa baby...........

only a power factor of 105 is needed in this "Game" !!

That sure beats a PF of 125 or a Major of 165

I can see where you guys can pick up speed with those kind of loads.
Have fun.

 

[fuzzymcnab]

OKFC05,
Thanks for the recommendation on the HP38, I have a bunch of it and will try your load for the hollow base wadcutter. I think I have plenty of those also, but they are 30 years old, so no coating on them. If you are using a coated version please share the make so I can order some.
I am with you on steel challenge. I prefer IDPA and shoot two matches a month. However, I have a group of buddies that I love to shoot with and they love steel challenge. I shoot it once or twice a month. That way I have a match every weekend.
Thanks again!
fuzzy