New reloader starting with SWC...

[maxxpower]

I am going to be reloading 38 special as my first rounds through my Dillon 550B. I had ordered some Ranier FMJ bullets through Midway and the original 10 day delay now seems to be 45 days. I have the feeling this is one of those delays that might keep on going. Long story short I've had trouble finding ANY FMJ 38 special. I DID find some 158gr SWC at Grafs. I've always liked shooting SWC so I bought a few hundred to start with.

Is there anything with SWC that might throw a beginner like me off-track... assuming I'm going to read all of the manuals and data?

 

[Steve C]

The only thing is a softer bullet is better for .38 spl pressures and velocities. Speer, Hornady or Remington Swaged bullets are fine in the .38 but will usually lead if pushed to magnum velocities.

Hard cast on the other hand that work fine at .357 mag pressures and velocities with little leading will often lead badly if pushed at the lower .38 spl pressures and velocities. This has to do with the softer bullets base obturating at low pressure and seaing in the bore when hard cast failes to seal and allows the hot gas from the burning powder to bypass the base and melt the sides of the bullet on the barrel. If you get leading in the first part of the barrel its because the bullet isn't sealing properly. If you cast your own bullets you can increase the bullet diameter by selecting a larger size sizer but for those of us who buy commercial bullets, we need to select on basis of hardness and application.

 

[max]

Crimp then in the crimp groove and you should not have any problems.

 

[TSQUARED]

I am going to be reloading 38 special as my first rounds through my Dillon 550B. I had ordered some Ranier FMJ bullets through Midway and the original 10 day delay now seems to be 45 days. I have the feeling this is one of those delays that might keep on going. Long story short I've had trouble finding ANY FMJ 38 special. I DID find some 158gr SWC at Grafs. I've always liked shooting SWC so I bought a few hundred to start with.

Is there anything with SWC that might throw a beginner like me off-track... assuming I'm going to read all of the manuals and data?

Try Two Alpha cast lead bullets. You can order from their website. There were no delays on my last order.

 

[Skip Sackett]

max,
Are they "swaged" or "cast" bullets?