Which swaged bullet do you like for .38?

[theothermikeg]

I've been shooting hard cast, but am thinking of trying some swaged 158 gr lswchp's for my snubs (m10/m19). I can't find Remingtons, so I'm trying to decide between Speer, Hornady, and perhaps Zero, which are lubed more like a hard-cast bullet. My intent is to load them in the 800+ fps range. Please chime in if you have experience with these, or any other brands that you like. Thanks, and happy new year!

 

[ddixie884]

I, personally like the Speer. It seems softer than the Hornady, and has a larger HP. It also has a crimp groove, and more closely matches the RP profile. see signature....................

 

[cp1969]

I don't know if they're available any more, but I like Winchester Bulk lead bullets. I've used their 148 gr. HBWC and 158 gr. SWC. The wadcutter has a very hard, amber colored lube on it and the SWC is copper flashed. Neither leads in my guns, even the SWC at 1000+ fps.

 

[tdan]

My model 14 shoots the Zero 148gr.HBWC's very well. They have a wax type lube and don't gunk up your dies like those nasty Remingtons. Magnus makes a similar wadcutter.

 

[bevenue]

I like the 148gr HBWC by precision delta, for my light .38spl loads.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

I'll second the Speer 158 LSWC-HP bullet, just dont drive em past 900 fps, or major leading will occure.

 

[Dragon88]

I've been shooting hard cast, but am thinking of trying some swaged 158 gr lswchp's for my snubs (m10/m19). I can't find Remingtons, so I'm trying to decide between Speer, Hornady, and perhaps Zero, which are lubed more like a hard-cast bullet. My intent is to load them in the 800+ fps range. Please chime in if you have experience with these, or any other brands that you like. Thanks, and happy new year!

Are you just looking for a lighter load to shoot? If so I would try Berrys cast bullets in either 125gr of 158gr. They are a little harder than the swaged bullets and much, much cleaner in my experience. The price will be about the same as well if you find a local shop that sells them or order in bulk.

If you really do want a soft swaged bullet that will obturate, I think the 148gr Hornady HBWC is where it's at.

 

[BUFF]

I have shot a lot of the 158 grain SWCHP Speers. I like them.

 

[theothermikeg]

Dragon, I'm looking for a bullet for lighter loads (the Missouri hard-cast that I like do better when pushed), and that I can eventually load close to +p velocities for a homemade "Chicago Load".

 

[ArchAngelCD]

As I said over on THR forum I have never used Remington swaged bullets but I have used Speer and Hornady. I prefer the Hornady over the Speer and I get no leading at all up to 900 fps with Hornady 158gr LSWC/HP bullets. You can probably go even higher, I just haven't loaded above ~900 fps because I'm using those bullet to replicate the FBI Load.

 

[theothermikeg]

ArchAngel, have you done any expansion tests?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Sorry, no expansion tests but the lead is soft so I'm sure it will expand reliably even at the slower velocities associated with a short barrel revolver like a J frame.

I have no way of doing an expansion test that means anything so I don't bother...

 

[tmbrcruizr]

i like the magnus 158gr hp