Question on 158 Lead SWC in .357

[ArchAngelCD]

Sorry I can't help with the .38 Special Bullseye load, I don't use Bullseye. I do use a lot of W231/HP-38 and I get very good results and accuracy.

My standard 158gr LSWC .38 special load uses 4.0gr W231. For light target work I either use a 148gr DEWC bullet or drop my W231 charge to 3.4gr under the 158gr LSWC.

4.0gr W231 158gr LSWC favorite .38 Special
3.4gr W231 158gr LSWC light .38 Special
3.2gr W231 148gr HBWC .38 Special target load
3.4gr W231 148gr DEWC .38 Special target load (sometimes 3.5gr W231 with bullet company change)

Those are the 4 .38 Special loads I use most.

 

[Super Dave]

Thanks for all the great responses. I appreciate the great info.

I should really get a scope for accuracy testing. Do you guys have any suggestions. I would test from 25 yards out to 100 yards.

Nevada Ed, what powder charges were you running for your tightest groups above? Thanks,
Dave

 

[Steve C]

Since the Speer swaged 158gr bullet is relatively soft I would use their data for its use in the .357 mag as a guide to follow with Missouri's 12 BNH bullet. For target loads in the .357 mag I use .38 spl with Speers data when using their bullets or Missouri's.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Steve C;

That 6.0 grs of Unique for the 357 case............

is that a compressed load in the smaller .38 case ?

My data for the .38 case stops at 5.3 grs...........just wondering.

 

[Super Dave]

Thank you Steve, I appreciate being able to see a page of the Speer manual. I was planning on ordering a copy.
Dave

 

[Nevada Ed]

Dave;

I only use medium to factory speed for my Jacket bullets and target speeds for the lead bullets.

My slowest fps with the Hodgdon Xtp 158gr was 1082 fps with imr 4227. My highest fps with the powders on hand, today, is with 2400 at 1274 to 1340 fps out of a 6" M686.

Higher speeds can be loaded but they add recoil and wear and tear on the revolvers if not of the HEAVY FRAME type revolvers.

Most shooters are happy with this weight bullet at around 1240 fps for a "Magnum" type load with noise and recoil that makes you smile when you pull the trigger.
This speed usually does well in the accuracy department in must revolvers, also.......

Stay safe.

 

[Super Dave]

Thanks fellas. Did some more testing today.

I wanted to run some more Berry's 158s since the 686 seemed to like them. I loaded up 7 rounds and got 3 nasty fliers. Man, I'm not sure why. I see the COL was different so maybe I screwed up somehow in that batch. By the way I'm using a Dillon 550B.

I then shot two more groups of 5 with a different batch and they did fine.

Next, I tested out 125 grain XTP's with 5.0 Titegroup in both guns. This is my friends favorite light load in his 5" 627. I did OK with it.

The 4.9 Titegroup with Berry's 158 might be a load that will work well in both guns.

I will probably mount a red dot on the guns at some point soon to take my middle age eyes out of the equation.

The group I was most pleased with was for my 9mm with a Kart barrel. I'm getting consistent tight groups with this load. The 9 has been the most challenging to find a load.

 

[Nevada Ed]

This is a picture of the maximum fps that had accuracy in my 686........at point of aim.
I see no need to push this pill any faster.

The target load that is 532 fps slower puts 5 @ 1.11", all day long and is a little easier on the revolver and myself.

picture of the Slow target load............

 

[Super Dave]

Sweet. That's what I'm talking about.

I finally got a great group with the 627 today. Unfortunately, not all the groups are as consistent like this one. The fliers still have me wondering. I'm not sure if it's the Berry's bullet or my loading. But, I'll take it...

I put the original .125 front sight on the 627 for today's testing. I think that helped. I was previously shooting with a .110 wide front sight. For offhand shooting I like the thinner front sight. But, the thicker .125 sight seems to be better for shooting precise groups.

Laters,
Dave