I am getting ready to reload .38 S&W for my Victory model, and I have an issue with powder.
Previously I have used ADI powder, but it is not available in Kiwiland right now, and may not be again in the future.
My next choice was HP-38, as I can use it in both .38 S&W and .32 S&W Long, but none is available.
WIN 231 was my third choice, as it is almost identical to HP-38 and uses identical charges, but again I can't find anyone to sell me some.
I have a good supply of Tightgroup which I use in 9mm, .38 Special, .45ACP and 44.40. I have Tightgroup loading data from Hodgson for .32 S&W Long. I have load date in .38 SPecial that shows almost identical charges of HP-38, Win 231 and Tightgroup in .38 SPecial (Tightgroup loading being .1 gn heavier than both HP-38 and Win231 for both min and max loads).
What I do not have is any load data for Tightgroup in .38 S&W!
In .32 S&W Long with 98 gn LHBWC I have a min for HP-38 of 1.9 gn and a max of 2.3 gn.
In the same calibre for Tightgroup Min is 1.8 gn and max load 2 gn. A starting load .1 gn below both HP-38 and Win 231.
In .38 Special with 158 gn cast lead there are loads for both HP-38 and Win 231 of a min 3.1 gn and a max 3.7 gn, and for Tightgroup min 3.2 gn, max 3.8 gn, .1 gn above the other two powders.
In .38 S&W I have a HP-38 load with a 145 gn lead bullet of 2.2 gn with a max of 2.5 gn. In Win 231 there is no min load and a max of 2.6 gn.
I am thinking, to be on the safe side, of using a starting load of 2 gn Tightgroup for the .38S&W (in fact I am considering the 2 gn charge in both .32 S&W Long as well s .38 S&W).
Before I even sit down at my loading bench I thought I would ask the collected wisdom here if anyone has any loads for Tightgroup in the .38 S&W, and if not is my starting load realistic?
Previously I have used ADI powder, but it is not available in Kiwiland right now, and may not be again in the future.
My next choice was HP-38, as I can use it in both .38 S&W and .32 S&W Long, but none is available.
WIN 231 was my third choice, as it is almost identical to HP-38 and uses identical charges, but again I can't find anyone to sell me some.
I have a good supply of Tightgroup which I use in 9mm, .38 Special, .45ACP and 44.40. I have Tightgroup loading data from Hodgson for .32 S&W Long. I have load date in .38 SPecial that shows almost identical charges of HP-38, Win 231 and Tightgroup in .38 SPecial (Tightgroup loading being .1 gn heavier than both HP-38 and Win231 for both min and max loads).
What I do not have is any load data for Tightgroup in .38 S&W!
In .32 S&W Long with 98 gn LHBWC I have a min for HP-38 of 1.9 gn and a max of 2.3 gn.
In the same calibre for Tightgroup Min is 1.8 gn and max load 2 gn. A starting load .1 gn below both HP-38 and Win 231.
In .38 Special with 158 gn cast lead there are loads for both HP-38 and Win 231 of a min 3.1 gn and a max 3.7 gn, and for Tightgroup min 3.2 gn, max 3.8 gn, .1 gn above the other two powders.
In .38 S&W I have a HP-38 load with a 145 gn lead bullet of 2.2 gn with a max of 2.5 gn. In Win 231 there is no min load and a max of 2.6 gn.
I am thinking, to be on the safe side, of using a starting load of 2 gn Tightgroup for the .38S&W (in fact I am considering the 2 gn charge in both .32 S&W Long as well s .38 S&W).
Before I even sit down at my loading bench I thought I would ask the collected wisdom here if anyone has any loads for Tightgroup in the .38 S&W, and if not is my starting load realistic?
Last edited: