Need to fine tune 38 load with HP-38

[Rule3]

Depends on what you are trying to accomplish. I do not own a taper die for revolver calibers but some folks do use them.

Swagged are softer than hard cast. Lead will develop lower pressure than FMJ as there is not as much tension with the case.

I used to shoot some plated bullets but not in revolver calibers. You are not loading them to full house magnums as they are not made for that. The max is around 1200 fps. So you can apply a light roll crimp for target loads.

I buy lead bullets from Missouri Bullets. I can get 12 BHN or 18 BHN hardness . Some for target some for full Magnums. Bullet size also matters (diameter) but that's another subject.

If you do not want lead (smoke) and want full Mags then you need regular FMJ bullets like XTP's but those are expensive.

All manuals test results are under pressure specs for safety reasons.

It's a good thing to get the most FPS with the lowest pressure.

It's good you are researching and figuring things out, but don't make it drive you nuts.

Change anything in the recipe and all the numbers will change.

If you stick with the load data you will be fine. Load some up and get shooting!

Missouri Bullet Company

 

[TheTinMan]

Lead will develop lower pressure than FMJ as there is not as much tension with the case.

Not trying to hijack this thread, but I thought lead bullets created more pressure because they're softer and can obdurate into the rifling more easily and make a better gas seal. IOW I always thought you backed off a FMJ load when substituting an otherwise-identical lead bullet.

 

[venomballistics]

Not trying to hijack this thread, but I thought lead bullets created more pressure because they're softer and can obdurate into the rifling more easily and make a better gas seal. IOW I always thought you backed off a FMJ load when substituting an otherwise-identical lead bullet.

I suppose thats possible with hollow base designs.
Ive seen nothing but pressure drops going to lead.
since lead takes less effort to engrave rifling into than copper the pressure does not spike as high while the bullet is being engraved. this easier job phenomena also shows up at the muzzle as an extra 75 - 150 FPS with lead

 

[Rule3]

Not trying to hijack this thread, but I thought lead bullets created more pressure because they're softer and can obdurate into the rifling more easily and make a better gas seal. IOW I always thought you backed off a FMJ load when substituting an otherwise-identical lead bullet.

I am not saying to do this, but you can take FMJ loads and load lead bullets of the same weight using the higher FMJ powder charge,there will be less pressure.

You back off a FMJ load for lead because it does not take as much to get the lead moving (due to less pressure build up in the case)

 

[OKFC05]

Not trying to hijack this thread, but I thought lead bullets created more pressure because they're softer and can obdurate into the rifling more easily and make a better gas seal. IOW I always thought you backed off a FMJ load when substituting an otherwise-identical lead bullet.

There is no general conversion because it depends on the shape, lube, and especially hardness of the lead.
However, take this seriously: you can blow yourself up guessing about loads with general rules. Use exact data from at least one, preferable two reliable sources.

Added: In general, compared to FMJ, lead bullets move easier AND seal better, which makes TWO good reasons that lead loads usually have LESS powder than an equivalent FMJ load. You don't want to end up with a lead lined barrel from too much speed, or a blown gun from overpressure.

 

[jwr0201]

Use a plated 158gr bullet and 4.3gr HP38---- it is so low in smoke you will think it is an entirely different load---and you will be loading my standard IDPA/SSR ammo. I use plated bullets so I don't make a cloud of smoke in front of me shooting rapid fire.

What is OAL on this load?
Thx - RR

 

[jim8115]

I use 4.0 grains of W231 with that exact bullet