Unique load for 38 Spl.

[TNFrank]

I don't do much traveling Ralph but thanks for the invite just the same. I think I'm just going to split the difference and go with 4.5grs and call it a day. After all, this IS just a practice load, no need to get real picky about it, just a good middle of the road load should be good enough. I might see if Lee makes a lighter bullet mold in the tumble lube style that I can give a try. Maybe something around 130grs. That should cut recoil velocities down a bit. Recoil isn't the problem, it's not like the gun is trying to buck out of my hand or anything, it's the velociety of the recoil that smacks your thumb real good that causes the trouble. I think a lighter bullet might help in that dept. Anyway, I need to cast some bullets today so I might not be on for a while.

 

[jimmyj]

Using a hotter load than factory standard in a "J" Frame: what are we gaining other than addition wear and tear on the weapon?
An old maximin: If you desire more power-go to a larger caliber/weapon.

 

[Ralph G. Briscoe]

I don't do much traveling Ralph but thanks for the invite just the same. I think I'm just going to split the difference and go with 4.5grs and call it a day. After all, this IS just a practice load, no need to get real picky about it, just a good middle of the road load should be good enough. I might see if Lee makes a lighter bullet mold in the tumble lube style that I can give a try. Maybe something around 130grs. That should cut recoil velocities down a bit. Recoil isn't the problem, it's not like the gun is trying to buck out of my hand or anything, it's the velociety of the recoil that smacks your thumb real good that causes the trouble. I think a lighter bullet might help in that dept. Anyway, I need to cast some bullets today so I might not be on for a while.

4.5 should be a good all-around load. Enjoy.

 

[TNFrank]

Using a hotter load than factory standard in a "J" Frame: what are we gaining other than addition wear and tear on the weapon?
An old maximin: If you desire more power-go to a larger caliber/weapon.

You know, I tried to tell a guy on the Beretta Forum that very thing. He's wanting to use +P+ in his PX4 Storm 9x19mm, I told him if he needed that level of power why not just step up to the 40S&W Ctg., he told me he liked having the extra rounds in the mag. Oh well, it's his gun, if he wants to ware it out shooting +P+ who am I to argue with him.
Yep, I think a good middle of the road 4.5gr load of Unique should work well with the home cast 158gr SWC Tumble Lube bullets.

As a rule I'll normally get a gun that has a bit more power then I need then load it down a bit so it's easier on the gun and on me. Had a Taurus 454 Casull, loaded it to about 44Mag specs., made it nice to shoot and fairly accurate too.

 

[fredj338]

It's pushing a +P load depending on the gun, but in a newer model or 357mag, shoot away.

 

[TNFrank]

According to my Alliant book 4.5grs IS +P but other manuals go to 4.7grs without it being +P. Unique loading data is all over the place and it gets kind of confusing sometimes. This little gun IS rated for +P but for a practice load I'd like to stay a bit mild so I may even drop back to 4.3grs and give that a try first.