WST Load Data .38 Special / .45acp

[mmesa005]

Hello All,

I have been using Bullseye but as my powder supply diminishes I was only able to find and purchase Winchester WST. I read that it is supposed to be good for both 38 special and 45 acp and that it has a burn rate between Winchester 231 and Bullseye.

What I have found so far is the following:


• WST 38 Special

o 230gn LSWC 3.3 – 3.7 (3.5)
o 148grn. HBWC - 2.7-3.0grns
o 148 grain LHBWC: Start 2.5 WST | Max 2.8
o 158 grain LSWC: Start 3.3 WST | Max 3.7 | +P 3.9
o 158 grain JHP: Start 2.6 WST | Max 3.6​

• WST 45 acp

o 230gn LRN 4.0 – 4.5
o 230gn FMJ 4.1 – 4.9
​

I have the following projectiles for reloading :
Xtreme 158gn RFP for .38 Special
Xtreme 230gn RN for .45 acp.

Looking for load data specifically for the above.

Thanks!

 

[alwslate]

In reading your post it appears that you already have your data. You
can use published data for lead bullets with similar lead bullets as
long as seating depth and resultant air space is about the same. Same
thing with jacketed bullets. Pressure tested specific load data for every
brand and type of bullet available is just not generally available or
necessary. If you find this troubling try calling the bullet manufacturer.

 

[gaijin]

I've been using 3.5 grs. WST with 158 gr. SWC and 4.4 grs. WST with 230 gr. RNL for years for "range/practice" loads.
No problems.

 

[Ignatz]

I'm using 3.7 WST with a 158 Laser Cast RNL FP....about 800fps. S&W 627
3.7 WST with a Billy moly 170 RN 1.540 oal. about 740 fps. S&W 586
4.15 WST with a Laser Cast 230 RNL 1.230 oal. about 740 fps. S&W 625
4.5 WST with a Winchester 230 RN 1.250 oal. About 740 fps. S&W 625
4.7 WST with a Berrys 185 HBRN 1.240 oal. about 745 fps. S&W 625
When you use WST in games where you have to make a certain Chrono speed, WST is slower at 95 deg, than at 60 degrees. The 230 gr bullet loads above have safely made chrono in USPSA events.

 

[varmint243]

stick within manufacturers recommendations

the following are my personal results
YMMV

4.0 WST 38 170gr LSWC (hand cast) 750fps 6" 686
4.0 WST 45 225gr LSWC (hand cast) 700fps S&W 1911
4.0 WST 45 225gr LSWC (hand cast) 685fps 6" model 25

 

[mmesa005]

Your information and advice is much appreciated!

 

[webfarmer]

This works pretty well in my XDM .45 ACP:

4.5 gr WST Rem 230 FMJ CCI 300 1.260 OAL

4.3 gr WST RMR 230 PLT CCI 300 1.260 OAL

Good luck!

 

[mmesa005]

This works pretty well in my XDM .45 ACP:

4.5 gr WST Rem 230 FMJ CCI 300 1.260 OAL

4.3 gr WST RMR 230 PLT CCI 300 1.260 OAL

Good luck!

Thank you!