Reloading 38 spl/.357 Mag

NJM15

NJM15

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I'm anxiously waiting for my model 27 on layaway and have gotten the dies (Lee) and was given 100 38spl casings question is can the 38 spl's be loaded +p if they aren't stamped that caliber. I am using Power pistol and have Tite group and HS 6
available
 
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Back when Elmer Kieth and Friends were turning the 38/44 into the 357 Magnum they were using 38 special cases for their experiments. So, IMO you will have no issues at all loading a quality brand of 38 special case to +P energy levels.

Since I believe that you are more interested in real world performance over spiking the pressure I would suggest that you put the Titegroup way way in the back, it's just too fast to get any real performance out of the 38 special. Good news is that Power Pistol and HS6 should both provide for some good high quality loads.
 
I don't believe the cases for +P are any different than ones for standard loads. My 38 brass is a mix of +p stamped snd non +P. I load middle of the road so I don't care what the case says.
 
i would not load +p in non +p stamped brass - the brass can handle it but just to make sure it doesnt find its way into a non +p rated revolver in the future.
 
Based on my experience, you will be happier when you load HS6 if you use mag primers.
 
.38 Special +P brass is the same as regular .38 Special brass.
From Starline (makers of excellent brass):
"38 SPL+P has no difference from the standard 38 SPL, other than headstamp designation for load segregation. This is due to the fact that our standard case design will handle +P pressures with no problems."

https://www.starlinebrass.com/order-online/all-cases.cfm
 
Congratulations on your new mod. 27, they are sweet guns.

The old Speer #8 manual gives some loads using a lot of different powders that are in the +P catigory even if not listed as such. If you can get a copy of that manual (I'm hoarding my copy) look up HS6, you will find the load you are looking for. I think the new Speer #14 manual has a +P section for the .38 Special. The .38 Special is far from washed up & some mid 148gr wadcutter loads are really effective small game loads. As always start low & work up!
If you can get some .357 brass you can get there without straining & going over the top in .38 Special loads.

Let us know how you are coming.
 
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If a case will fit in that lovely M27.................

shoot it !!

Best of the best............have NO FEAR.

Load, shoot................repeat.
 
I load the old "Skeeter Skelton" load all the time in .38 Special cases. 158 gr. LSWC over 13.5 gr. 2400, crimped in the top lube groove. Shoots great, Chronos at 1200 fps in a 4" 66, 1037 fps from a 2" KLCR. Accurate. No signs of excessive pressure. Never had a problem.
 
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I use the 38 special brass for my leadcast target loads. Shorter case length equals less powder. We get higher velocities using the shorter 38 special case then with the same exact load in the longer 357 Magnum case using the same leadcast load. I use the 357 Magnum cases for my jacketed Magnum reloads.
 
Like already stated many times above, there is no difference at all between the standard .38 Special brass and the +P brass but for the headstamp.

I use nothing other than HS-6 for loading .38 Special ammo to +P pressures. I always use a magnum primer with HS-6. Using a magnum primer shrinks the SD numbers to single digits over a standard primer.

You bought a great revolver...
 
Titegroup just ain't...

Tightgroup is great for targets but if loading it hot, a little too much will cause a big spike in pressure and not give you that much more velocity if you want +P performance without pushing the pressure curve.
 
Your Power Pistol is probably your best bet for +P loads in 38 spl brass.
But you can use the Titegroup just as well as any other powder for +P
loads. Just stick to the load data provided by Hodgdon and others for
+P loads. Same practice applies to your HS6 or any other powder you
might acquire. My Speer # 13 manual lists +P 38 spl loads with all
three of your powders.
 
alwslate said:
Your Power Pistol is probably your best bet for +P loads in 38 spl brass.
But you can use the Titegroup just as well as any other powder for +P
loads. Just stick to the load data provided by Hodgdon and others for
+P loads. Same practice applies to your HS6 or any other powder you
might acquire. My Speer # 13 manual lists +P 38 spl loads with all
three of your powders.
Click to expand...
Ill put the Tite group a side to use in my Colt 45 ammo
it works good in them. one more payment and the 27 will be on the way
I know it will not disappoint me. I love my 25.
 
rwsmith said:
SD numbers? :confused:
Click to expand...

I'll take the liberty to answer this question and hope that ArchAngelCD doesn't object.

In this case, Standard Deviation (SD) is a statistical measure that is used to measure the amount of variation in the velocities of a string of shots that use a particular load. A low standard deviation indicates that the recorded velocities tend to be very close to the average velocity for all the shots in the string, while a high standard deviation indicates that the velocities vary farther from the average.

Briefly, it is a measure of how uniform a particular load is. A low SD load is statistically more uniform than a higher SD load. Ideally you look for a particular load that has a low SD and that is also accurate in your particular firearm.
 
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I ignore the headstamp, too. I rely on labeling my boxes accurately, and reading the label before loading. If I'm seeking a load with higher uniformity, I can usually fool myself by loading 50 cases with matching headstamps. Beyond that, I don't even sort .38 Spl brass anymore, except for appearance of imminent failure. AFAIC, I get excellent uniformity with mixed cases in this caliber.

Larry
 
Anybody remember the (really) old "Kentucky Fried Movie"? Where that heavy chef dude is running around making fun of that margarine yelling; "There is no deef-uh-rence!"?

Well, it's like that; there's no difference. (Between 'regular' and '+P' brass).

So load away!
 
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