Recommendations on powder.
- Thread starter GA_Sheepdog
- Start date
GA, I've been reloading for 45 years and I also started with the .38 Special. Back in those days Bullseye and Unique were the standard choices for .38 Spl.
I still like Bullseye for 148 grain wadcutters, but I've also used WW-231 and it works very well.
A few months ago, like you, I discovered CFE Pistol. Right now it's my favorite for medium power .38s as well as a number of other cartridges. It meters well and burns clean. But go ahead and try other powders, we all do it and it's part of the fun of reloading. Just stay safe and stick to those loads published in reputable reloading manuals.
Duh, so HP-38 and W231 are the same? I've used both, but didn't realize that! Oh well, you're never too old to learn something, especially if you listen to a great group of folks like those on this forum. Thanks guys!
I still like Bullseye for 148 grain wadcutters, but I've also used WW-231 and it works very well.
A few months ago, like you, I discovered CFE Pistol. Right now it's my favorite for medium power .38s as well as a number of other cartridges. It meters well and burns clean. But go ahead and try other powders, we all do it and it's part of the fun of reloading. Just stay safe and stick to those loads published in reputable reloading manuals.
Duh, so HP-38 and W231 are the same? I've used both, but didn't realize that! Oh well, you're never too old to learn something, especially if you listen to a great group of folks like those on this forum. Thanks guys!
daniel lawecki
Member
There are several powders for the .38 we could talk all day. For cast and jacketed I've I tried a lot of the powders above yes the gun bullet weight shape cast or jacketed. Hunting target your gun will tell you what it likes best. There is no clear answer so buy a few and work up a load and stick with it.
Very true.
For that matter, Red, Green, & Blue Dot will do the same.
I grew very fond of Red Dot in .38 mid range loads. I still like Bullseye better for that purpose, though.
Moe Mentum
Member
w231 is a good choice, but not the only one. Over the years you will experiment with many, and find the one you and your gun like. Lots of good powders listed in this thread.
