Reloading .38 special SWC target ammo.

[BJ343]

Lotta blokes down here, load 100gn SWC, over 2.7-2.9 of a local powder AP50 that is similar to Win 231...we set the projectile really deep in the case so the tip of the bullet just protrudes from the case mouth... really accurate..and the lighter projectiles are cheaper

 

[AtomHeartMother]

Lotta blokes down here, load 100gn SWC, over 2.7-2.9 of a local powder AP50 that is similar to Win 231...we set the projectile really deep in the case so the tip of the bullet just protrudes from the case mouth... really accurate..and the lighter projectiles are cheaper

I cast Lee's 105grain swc.... what a great little pill. Over 3.5 grains of titegroup the thing is a tack driver. About 66 boolits/pound ...agreed, very economical as well.

 

[Forrest r]

Forrest r: what alloy are you using with the 358477? You reference the 358477 but the picture is a different bullet with 2 crimps? What one is that and aren't the 2 crimps for use in both 357Mag and 38sp depth? Thanks

I use 8bhn to 10bhn alloy, nothing more than free range scrap/lead since 1990.

The op asked about a swc bullet, that's why I referenced the 358477. My 358477 hp mold.



There's a bunch of excellent bullets out there for the 38spl,These are the bullets I mainly use/cast/swage/shoot in my 38spl's.



The double crimp groove isn't used to set the bullet out further to turn a 38spl into a 357. It's there so the bullet can be used in shorter cylinders in revolvers like the s&w 27/28. Note the lyman 358156 hp bullet (top row far right) also has 2 different crimp grooves and they are father apart the the 640 hp (top row 2nd from left).

I use them to aid in accuracy & actually do that with every bullet I load for revolvers. Typical wc loads for my 38spl's/357's. The bullet is seated/crimped in the middle lube groove. I've shot those h&g #50's that way for decades.



The other thing I try to do, doesn't matter if the reload is for a revolver/pistol/rifle. I try to seat the bullet enough so that the minimum amount of seating depth is equal to the bullet's diameter. Meaning if I load a 9mm bullet I try to have a minimum of .355" of the bullet in the 9mm case. 45acp ='s .452" minimum of bullet in the case, 44mag ='s .429" munimum of the bullet in the case. More is good, less is bad.