Need W231 loads 38spl 145gr & 130gr LHP bullets

[8shot]

Just rec'd GT Bullet samples and would like to meet a 125,000 power factor in a S&W K frame with Clark 1-10 (6" barrel).

I have no experience loading 38 spl "cast" bullets with crimp grooves, load mostly swaged. My powder is W231.

Bullets (all hollow points for this test):

145gr HP lead .358 (target 862fps)
145gr lead SWCHP .358 (target 862fps)
130gr lead HP .358 (target 961fps)

Need to load for next Summer and right now here in NY the temps are running in the 30's, not sure how this affects fps compared to Summer temps.

Trying to firm up one of the bullets with best 50 yard accuracy. With this bullet backlog need to order the selected bullet ASAP so I have them by next Spring.

Looking for a charge of W231 to meet noted fps for each.

Thanks

 

[Nevada Ed]

I have a 686 6" that I have tested with w231 powder.

the 145 gr lead can reach 887 with w231
and the 130 gr HST Federal JHP can reach 1087 with w231 with a factory OAL.

Both loads are not listed, that I know of, so I can not add powder data
for safety reasons.

Love the GT bullets design......
and the 130 gr lead at 961 fps is a little past target speeds.

Have fun and stay safe.

 

[8shot]

I need powder data....don't have a choice of FPS...there is a power factor in this competition that must be met.

 

[growr]

You DO need to achieve a certain velocity......bullet weight x velocity divided by 1000.

ie. 130 x 1000 fps divided by 1000 = a power factor of 130.

Which type of match are you shooting? USPSA? IDPA? ICORE?Sounds like USPSA to me.

When I shot those games I always wanted a slightly higher factor than the minimum.....if min. is 125 then a factor of 130 would make sure.

with your 146 gr. bullet and WW 231 looks like 4.5 grains is max. and is just barely over 125 PF.

Randy

 

[STORMINORMAN]

I have a couple questions... And an observation.

Obviously his "target " is the fps needed to get to the 125 power factor.

The "38 spl" referred to by,the O/P a caliber/case, correct? As such, we can look at both the WIN 231/ HP38 powders in the +P range as well, right?

Hodgdons has a couple WIN231 38 Special loads for 125 & 135gr LRNFP bullets at 4.7gr at velocities over 1K fps. These both exceed his 130gr 961 fps goal.

There is a HP38 +P load of 4.9gr MAX for a 146gr JHP @ 975 fps. This is significantly over the 862 fps goal for the 145gr bullets. As a side, it is shown at a length of 1.370" which would really seem to be very short to me...?

This would indicate (at least to me) that there is adequate "room" with these powders to safely achieve his desired fps.

If the O/P is looking for specific info as to the number of grains I would suggest it well may differ with each bullet and with his 6" barrel, and that a chronograph is in order and about the only way to tell, for sure: but, 4.6gr might well do it for all of them?

Good Luck!

P.S. My money is on the SWCHP with the two crimp grooves.

 

[8shot]

If the O/P is looking for specific info as to the number of grains I would suggest it well may differ with each bullet and with his 6" barrel, and that a chronograph is in order and about the only way to tell, for sure: but, 4.6gr might well do it for all of them?

Good Luck!

P.S. My money is on the SWCHP with the two crimp grooves.

That's all I am looking for...and yes I have a chronograph. THANKS!

 

[Nevada Ed]

The 125 PF is mainly a safety factor so "All" the weapons work and no one will end up with a "Squib".

It is wise to go over the minimum PF, just in case you have a light throw or the temperature drops, so that you can still meet requirements.

Most loads will have 30fps ES but what if your loads have a 120 ES ?
However some larger spreads can be more accurate, so you need to know
what powder and loads you finally choose to shoot.

Have fun.

 

[8shot]

I understand the power factor number...it is actually 120K...I intentionally targeted 125K as a cushion. I listed the gun, barrel length, twist, bullet manufacturer, bullet weight and target FPS to meet the 125K PF.

All I am (was) looking for was starting point powder drop amounts with W231 (only powder I have) in a 38 spl case with the bullets noted to meet the noted FPS numbers.

To close this thread…I’ll just start with 4.0 gr of W231 and work up/down from there.

Thanks…………….

 

[wantmoresmiths]

Go to Hodgdonreloading.com. Go to the pistol section. Choose 38 special. Choose the 130 grain bullet. Choose Hodgdon powder. Choose HP-38 (it is the same as 231) they show data for a LRNFP. 4.1 grains produces 880 fps. I load 38 short colt using a 135 gr Bayou coated bullet which is usually slower than plain lead. I load 3.8 grains of 231 for a power factor of 127 to 130. I suggest you try 15 rounds at 3.6 grains of powder and 15 at 3.8. Run them across your chronograph. I can't remember if 231 is temperature sensitive, so I don't know how the warmer weather will affect your power factor

 

[8shot]

Go to Hodgdonreloading.com. Go to the pistol section. Choose 38 special. Choose the 130 grain bullet. Choose Hodgdon powder. Choose HP-38 (it is the same as 231) they show data for a LRNFP. 4.1 grains produces 880 fps. I load 38 short colt using a 135 gr Bayou coated bullet which is usually slower than plain lead. I load 3.8 grains of 231 for a power factor of 127 to 130. I suggest you try 15 rounds at 3.6 grains of powder and 15 at 3.8. Run them across your chronograph. I can't remember if 231 is temperature sensitive, so I don't know how the warmer weather will affect your power factor

Thanks..exactly what I was looking for!

 

[H Richard]

I can tell you that W231 is temp sensitive. Some years ago a load of 4.3 gr 231 behind a 158 gr LSWC failed to make the minimum Power Factor when the temp was 36 degrees out. Put the rounds in a pocket for 10 minutes and went back to chrono, and it made it.

 

[8shot]

I can tell you that W231 is temp sensitive. Some years ago a load of 4.3 gr 231 behind a 158 gr LSWC failed to make the minimum Power Factor when the temp was 36 degrees out. Put the rounds in a pocket for 10 minutes and went back to chrono, and it made it.

Thanks...I'll plan to load my pockets up before heading out back.

 

[boatbum101]

For the 130 4.5 - 4.7grs W231 & 145 4.3 - 4.5grs W231 should get what you need with a little safe extra if needed to meet PF . The only unknown would be how faster twist affects pressure & what the bore slugs at . If it's a tight .355 - 356 + faster twist you might be able to meet PF with lighter charges . My 38 wadcutter guns all have faster twists but I'm shooting for group size / score , no PF involved & using 148 HBWC . I'd be interested in your results / data / targets if you'd care to share .