need loads for 38 s&w not a special
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JBONES
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Your not talking break top are you?
Calaveras Slim
US Veteran
I like Win 231 behind the Magtech 158gr RN from Midway. It has a hollow base so it expands quite well to fill the barrel. If you can't find a load for W231, get with me and I will give you one. I just don't like to post loads on the forum
I'd be surprised if your loads are too hot. Both the Speer and Lyman manuals list loads well above 2.0 grains of Bullseye for the .38 S&W.
You don't mention your overall length (OAL); this is really critical in a small, short case like the .38 S&W. Are you using 148 grain WC's or SWC's? 148 grains is the usual WC weight. Wadcutters should NOT be seated flush with the case mouth in this cartridge, unlike the .38 Special.
I load a lot of 148 grain hollow base WC's in .38 S&W over 2.5 grains of Bullseye, but the bullet is only seated about half way into the case (OAL = 1.11 inches). I've never had a problem with this load in several solid frame S&W's and one Colt.
Sticky extraction in older revolvers is frequently caused by lead or carbon deposits in the chambers; sometimes this can be hard to see. I've solved this problem in some of my older guns with the Lewis lead remover. Sticky extraction is not a great indicator of excessive pressure in low pressure cartridges like .38 S&W because it usually takes greater than magnum pressure to cause it.
You don't mention your overall length (OAL); this is really critical in a small, short case like the .38 S&W. Are you using 148 grain WC's or SWC's? 148 grains is the usual WC weight. Wadcutters should NOT be seated flush with the case mouth in this cartridge, unlike the .38 Special.
I load a lot of 148 grain hollow base WC's in .38 S&W over 2.5 grains of Bullseye, but the bullet is only seated about half way into the case (OAL = 1.11 inches). I've never had a problem with this load in several solid frame S&W's and one Colt.
Sticky extraction in older revolvers is frequently caused by lead or carbon deposits in the chambers; sometimes this can be hard to see. I've solved this problem in some of my older guns with the Lewis lead remover. Sticky extraction is not a great indicator of excessive pressure in low pressure cartridges like .38 S&W because it usually takes greater than magnum pressure to cause it.
What a hoot....look at the load I use and compare to HKSmith's 148gr load!
148gr HBWC (Zero swaged)
2.5 gr. Bullseye
WSP
Mixed Brass
OAL: 1.090
680 fps S&W Model Regulation Police w/4 in. Barrel
648 fps S&W Model 32-1 w/2 in. barrel
148gr HBWC (Zero swaged)
2.5 gr. Bullseye
WSP
Mixed Brass
OAL: 1.11
610 fps S&W 32-1 w/2 inch barrel
655 fps S&W Model Regulation Police w/4 inch barrel
Does "my" second load look familiar?
BTW, I ended up staying with the first load which seated the bullet a bit deeper...for no particular reason.
Bob
148gr HBWC (Zero swaged)
2.5 gr. Bullseye
WSP
Mixed Brass
OAL: 1.090
680 fps S&W Model Regulation Police w/4 in. Barrel
648 fps S&W Model 32-1 w/2 in. barrel
148gr HBWC (Zero swaged)
2.5 gr. Bullseye
WSP
Mixed Brass
OAL: 1.11
610 fps S&W 32-1 w/2 inch barrel
655 fps S&W Model Regulation Police w/4 inch barrel
Does "my" second load look familiar?
BTW, I ended up staying with the first load which seated the bullet a bit deeper...for no particular reason.
Bob
duckloads
Member
That's a cool little round. Larry's in Huntsville had beautiful S&W revolver (can't remember model) with a 4" barrel in blue chamberedin the 38 S&W.
I guess great minds think alike, VonFatman!
HKSmith,
I guess so! I love shooting my Regulation Police and Terrier with this load.
Accurate and inexpensive...also easy to reload.
I did have to install a SMALL powder bar on my drop to get that small charge to drop consistently. (Dillon 650)
Bob
I guess so! I love shooting my Regulation Police and Terrier with this load.
Accurate and inexpensive...also easy to reload.
I did have to install a SMALL powder bar on my drop to get that small charge to drop consistently. (Dillon 650)
Bob
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