Right Powders - 38 Special Jacketed Training Loads

[quickdraw03]

I want to learn to shoot my 342 PD. Unfortunately, it says no cast bullets on the guns. What powders should I consider for 125-130gr jacketed loads? Especially, good loads for training.

It looks like W231 would be very good.

Thanks,
QD

 

[riverrat38]

I use WW231 with 125 gr plated bullets. Near the starting load for jacketed bullets. Quite a bit of positional sensitivity, though.

Best,
Rick

 

[Nick B]

I use Universal with Zero 130 FMJ.

 

[38SPL HV]

Unique, BE86, Power Pistol or AA5...and do not use reduced loads and stick with +P loadings per published load data from bullet (and mold) manufacturers (Speer, Lyman, Hornady, etc) and powder manufacturers.

 

[stansdds]

For reduced velocity practice loads, I'd say fast burning powders such as Bullseye, HP-38/W-231, or Accurate Arms #2.

For full power and even +P ammo, medium burning rate powders like Unique, Accurate Arms #5, or BE-86.

 

[reddog81]

Typically any powder acceptable for lead will also work for jacketed. There might be slight variations in the load data, but the powders used are similar if not the same.

I had never heard of that warning before so I researched it a bit and it seems like no one exactly why that recommendation was in place and that cast bullets work just as well as anything else. As long as you crimp the bullet correctly and use good reloading practices that prevent leading you aren't going to hurt the gun. S&W also warns not to use reloads...

 

[bmcgilvray]

"... it says no cast bullets on the guns."

Really? Right on the gun!?

What's the deal with that? Why the proviso about lead bullets?

I don't keep up with Smith & Wesson's current revolver catalog.

Never saw a Smith & Wesson brand .38 Special revolver that didn't take to cast bullets like a duck takes to water.

 

[Pisgah]

The "no lead bullets" notice is not so much a warning as it is a notice that lead bullets loaded at +P level tend to jump forward in the case upon firing much more readily than jacketed bullets. The light gun/heavy recoil combo makes a very efficient inertial bullet puller. Not a good thing in an emergency, and a real hassle on the range.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

The "no lead bullets" notice is not so much a warning as it is a notice that lead bullets loaded at +P level tend to jump forward in the case upon firing much more readily than jacketed bullets. The light gun/heavy recoil combo makes a very efficient inertial bullet puller. Not a good thing in an emergency, and a real hassle on the range.

There is your answer right there. Airweight revolver chambered for a cartridge that provides significant recoil, you might expect bullets to back out of the cases under recoil. Elementary physics in action.

Of course, jacketed or plated bullets may behave in the same manner so proper crimping needs to be a part of the routine. How much more easily a slick .357" jacketed bullet might pull out compared to cast or swaged .358" bullet in the same case, and exposed to the same recoil impulse, might provide a basis for testing and evaluation with interesting results. I suspect that heavier bullets would be more subject to such forces than lighter bullets, but only a serious testing cycle could provide the needed insight on that aspect.

Interesting post. Good food for thought on these issues.

 

[Nevada Ed]

As for even lighter recoil.............

I would load the 110gr jacket bullets or even lighter, for just practice.

You might sneak a "Standard" 38 special lead bullet in there and I
am pretty sure the revolver will not blow up....................

Have fun.

 

[scooter123]

My preferred powder for 38 special using 125 grain plated bullets is Vihtavouri 3N37. While a bit higher priced than some of the old standby's such as Unique it meters wonderfully and is not at all Position Sensitive.

 

[Troystat]

Bulleye and W231 are great powders for 38 special, Unique works well too. I have used 6 grains of Unique and a 110 grain jacketed bullet.

 

[jjfitch]

Some good suggestions above.....

What hasn't been discussed is the barrel length and attention to faster powders for burning efficiency.

At self defense distances recoil reaction shouldn't be much of a problem but deviating from factory velocities can affect POA vs. POI beyond 15 yards. Heavier, slower bullets may impact higher than faster, lighter bullets due to barrel time during recoil.

Pay attention to powder choice and bullet selection and you won't be disappointed.

Smiles,