Reduced recoil 38spcl ammo

[notsofast]

I don’t reload and don’t really know ammunition particulars all that well. I’ve seen some commercial 38spcl ammo referred to as low recoil, what all has the manufacturer done differently to make this low recoil as a opposed to a standard round?

 

[Walkingwolf]

Probably less powder of a speed that meets the needs to produce a lower velocity round with less muzzle flash.

 

[oneounceload]

If you want low recoil AND accuracy, buy some ammo loaded with 148gr wadcutters.

 

[gwpercle]

A combination of reduced bullet weight and reduced powder charge.
The weight of the powder does make a difference in recoil .
There is no magic involved.
Gary

 

[bigggbbruce]

The weight of the powder does make a difference in recoil .
There is no magic involved.
Gary

So does burn rate... may not be magic, but it is a science.

 

[rwsmith]

It may also be the type of powder.....

Faster powders are often used for target loads, but I've found that a light charge of slower powder like Acc #7 with a heavy bullet gives a very smooth recoil.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Lighter weight bullets.....
and slower fps.....
produce less recoil over heavier weight bullets and hi-vel loads.

There are "Low recoil" ammo out there but it might cost more
being a specialty type ammo.
You might look into the "Cowboy" ammo but it can also be expensive.

Standard 110 jacket has just a little more recoil than a target 148 wc bullet
but it can be less expensive and might work for you.

If you don't mind shooting lead bullets there might be some
125 gr lead bullets or even smaller weight lead loads to try out.

 

[max503]

I just don't understand how anyone can get through life without the where-with-all to reload their own ammunition.

 

[stansdds]

The lowest recoiling 38 Special ammo would definitely be the 148 grain target wadcutter load. This ammo is loaded with a small charge of a very fast burning powder. The classic load for us reloaders has always been 2.7 grains of Bullseye.

 

[rwsmith]

110 gr bullets......

....and a 60% reduced load of 4895 in my 30-06 feels like a .22. I cpuld go dpwn below 1500 fps with imr 4759 powder.

 

[mikerjf]

The classic load of 148g wadcutter and 2.5-2.7g Bullseye is uncomfortable for me after 50 rounds thru an Airweight. There was an article in the 1981 NRA Handloading manual suggesting that you could go much lighter, subject to making *sure* the bullets were always exiting the barrel.

As I recall, they found that .55g Bullseye would reliably expel bullets from a 2" barrel, but they used .75g for a margin of safety. For a 6" barrel they were suggesting 1.25g Bullseye. I've used that 1.25g load in a 2" and it's like shooting a .22, except that the bullet tends to tumble.

Nothing magic about handloading, I would suggest the OP look into it. Follow published loads from reputable sources. While the Lee Loader type tools are fun, you will get tired of pounding on things so pony up for a basic single-stage press.

You could also look into primer-powered wax bullets.

 

[chief38]

I don’t reload and don’t really know ammunition particulars all that well. I’ve seen some commercial 38spcl ammo referred to as low recoil, what all has the manufacturer done differently to make this low recoil as a opposed to a standard round?

My suggestion (not knowing your age and depth you intend in indulge this hobby) might be to find a friend or shooting buddy who does reload. Ask him if you can come over, work a few loads up with his assistance, then crank out a few hundred rounds with his assistance. See if you like it and if so, get a Reloading outfit. If you intend on shooting often, it's sort of the only way to fly!

That said, if you have zero interest in reloading and don't even want to try, then 148 grain Factory Wadcutters are the lowest recoiling Factory .38 Specials I know of. The only problem with them is you are not going to find them on most of the LGS shelves and if and when you do - they are pricy!

While some calibers (like the 9mm) don't make much sense to load strictly from a monetary stand point, ,38 Spl, .45 acp, .45 Colt, 44's etc are a HUGE price savings and tailoring lighter loads for Target Shooting and vintage firearms you don't want to beat up makes a lot of sense. Try it - see if it's for you.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Recoil in my M49 snub nose 38 Special with reloads is as follows;

148gr HBwc with 2.7gr of Bullseye at 631fps Recoil ft/lbs at 2.62.
110gr JHP Winchester at 866fps ................. R 3.19
125gr JHP fac dup. at 836fps ....................... 3.63
158gr LswHP FBI dup. at 822fps .................... 5.33

125gr Lead reload at 600fps........................ R 1.90 ft/lbs.

A set of good rubber grips that cover the metal back strap of your
weapon, will help reduce the recoil vs the stock wood factory grips.

 

[Univibe]

I just don't understand how anyone can get through life without the where-with-all to reload their own ammunition.

Indeed. Only thing I've ever used factory ammo for is to carry. My 686, 629, and my full-size 1911s have never eaten factory ammo.

 

[reddog81]

Less recoil is pretty easy - just use less powder. Like others have mentioned the standard commercial light loads are wadcutter loads using a 148 grain swagged lead bullet.

If reloading your own ammo, you can get just about any lead bullet from 105 grains to 172 grains to have pretty close to the same recoil as that 148 grain commercial wadcutter load.

 

[gwpercle]

I just don't understand how anyone can get through life without the where-with-all to reload their own ammunition.

I bought my first handgun (Ruger Blackhawk 38/357) in 1969 and two weeks later I quickly realized I was going to have to cast my own bullets and reload the empties to support this habit.
Smartest move I ever made . Fun hobby too .
Gary

 

[crstrode]

If you want low recoil AND accuracy, buy some ammo loaded with 148gr wadcutters.

Like these?

Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy .38 Special Pistol & Handgun Ammunition

 

[cowboy4evr]

Georgia-Arms has 38special ammo in bulk that is real easy on the shooter and very very reasonable in cost . If I remember correctly it's listed at about 750 fps using a 158 gr cast bullet that is coated black . Or , like others have said , the famous 148 gr " wadcutter " is the easiest load but you really need a friend , a reloader to help you with those . Regards, Paul

 

[S&W Rover]

Like these?

Standard Pressure Short Barrel Low Flash Heavy .38 Special Pistol & Handgun Ammunition

Buffalo Bore is generally very good ammo but this particular version of the 148 grain wadcutter goes faster -- at 850 fps -- than you would want in a low power round for target shooting. I suspect that BB is loading this round at this speed because some people like the 148 gr wadcutter loaded at a more typical .38 Special speed as a self-defense round. It cuts a sharp hole and will spread into a mushroom shape -- good qualities in a SD round. But this is not a good example of a mild 148 grain wadcutter.

I'd recommend something like Georgia Arms' 148 grain wadcutter -- 750 fps -- or Winchester's -- 710 fps -- or Fiocchi's -- 730 fps -- or Remington's -- 710 fps. Prices can be reasonable if you find these from one of the internet ammo dealers. These keep the velocity down in the middle-to-low 700's fps, and recoil will accordingly be less. (I load 2.3 gr of Trail Boss under a 148 gr Speer HBWC, which is exceptionally mild).

(As a side note, if you are not familiar with lead bullet types, the desirable .38 Special low power rounds are the typical 148 grain wadcutters, generally made of very soft lead -- not semi-wadcutters. That is a different critter, usually 158 grains, and is loaded in various hardnesses and velocities).

 

[orangehole]

What about the Pink tip Hornady Lite 38 load. It is soft recoiling and I use this in my airlite 38 sometimes