Reload does not cycle slide... seeking advice

[STORMINORMAN]

How does one determine powder lot burning rates: is it a spec that can be accessed or is it something that must be measured/developed for each lot of the same powder through testing various lots?

Is it typically a varience with statistical significance or is it an outlier? Does it ever move a powder one level (spot?) on the burn chart?

 

[Nevada Ed]

That bullet is a wadcutter: I was not aware that there was a fps limit on the Model 52. Thought that HST might be a pretty good SD or HD choice for it...?

Are the medium to MAX loads for the18 powders listed in Hodgdons all too hot for a Model 52?

Cheers!

P.S. 3.0 grains of Bullseye might be a "top load" for a148gr lead wadcutter but it is not for the HP-38 (WIN231?) load the O/P initially inquired about.

I have loaded more than 3.0 grs of Bullseye with a 148 BBwc in my J frame snub nose and a lot more than 3.5 grs of w231, when testing out the BBwc vs the HBwc bullets in my little J frame 2" revolver.
You will know in the little J frame when you get close to 800 fps.............by the recoil.

750 fps is a nice full .38 special load for 50 rounds in this light weapon.

 

[4barrel]

That bullet is a wadcutter: I was not aware that there was a fps limit on the Model 52. Thought that HST might be a pretty good SD or HD choice for it...?

Are the medium to MAX loads for the18 powders listed in Hodgdons all too hot for a Model 52?

Cheers!

P.S. 3.0 grains of Bullseye might be a "top load" for a148gr lead wadcutter but it is not for the HP-38 (WIN231?) load the O/P initially inquired about.

From what I read HP 38 and 231 are the same powder. Here is an old wad cutter chart for target shooting I have shown before and at the top is W231 and the bottom is HP38. The Colt NM and the 52 shoot the same bullet. I run my long slides a little hotter than this but the slide is heavier. When working a load I use barely enough powder to lock the slide back and then add 1 tenth of a grain to it. You can shoot the Federal 130 wc in a 52 but it is designed to shoot lead.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

Thanks!

From what I read HP 38 and 231 are the same powder. Here is an old wad cutter chart for target shooting I have shown before and at the top is W231 and the bottom is HP38. The Colt NM and the 52 shoot the same bullet. I run my long slides a little hotter than this but the slide is heavier. When working a load I use barely enough powder to lock the slide back and then add 1 tenth of a grain to it. You can shoot the Federal 130 wc in a 52 but it is designed to shoot lead.

Thanks! As I said, I thought that HST bullet might present a good SD/HD option for what is primarilly thought of as a target pistol. Nowdays one can use every option possible.

Now that Colt Gold Cup National Match .38 Special Mid-Range Mk III is a much more expen$ive way to go target shooting... If you can ever find one?

Cheers!

 

[4barrel]

I do. Tuned by Fred Kart in 1962. Colt didn't stamp Gold Cup on it though. Just National Match.

 

[PPCSHOOTER]

3.2 OR 3.3 GR OFHP38/WW231 HAS BEEN A STANDARD LOAD FOR THE THE .38 CAL 148GR HBWC FOR DECADES. EITHER IN THE MODEL 52 OR PPC REVOLVERS. YOUR 3.0GR IS TOO LIGHT. JP