WST

[johngalt]

I've been thinking of trying out Winchester WST for loading .38 special, 148gr HBWC. I'm out of VV-N310 (my favorite) and I can't find anyone local that sells it. I have Bullseye and W231, both of which work well.

Bullseye is so dirty that my gun starts to malfunction after about 100 rounds, W231 is about as accurate and much cleaner.

If I am satisfied with W231, is there any reason to switch to WST?

I also haven't been able to find much data for it, except on Hodgden's website. What WST load would be the same as the classic 2.8 gr Bullseye/3.2 gr W231?

Thanks.

 

[johngalt]

I've been thinking of trying out Winchester WST for loading .38 special, 148gr HBWC. I'm out of VV-N310 (my favorite) and I can't find anyone local that sells it. I have Bullseye and W231, both of which work well.

Bullseye is so dirty that my gun starts to malfunction after about 100 rounds, W231 is about as accurate and much cleaner.

If I am satisfied with W231, is there any reason to switch to WST?

I also haven't been able to find much data for it, except on Hodgden's website. What WST load would be the same as the classic 2.8 gr Bullseye/3.2 gr W231?

Thanks.

 

[Skip Sackett]

I have used WST in 38spl with good results only with heavier bullets, in the 160gr range. It is almost as clean burning with lead as Trail Boss and believe it or not, smells very similar.

I also have used it in 45ACP target loads with good success. I have a friend that uses it exclusively in his tuned 45ACP 1911 with 200gr LSWC of the H&G #68 type.

I don't have the data currently on hand but if you send me an email, my address is in my profile, I will look it up when I get home later today.

 

[Amici]

I haven't loaded .38 Special in years. I used Red Dot at the time.

I use WST instead of Red Dot for my .40 and .45 loads. It is so similar to 231, which I've also used, that I wonder why Winchester/Hodgdon even developed it.

I use it because it seems cleaner and is about 10% less per pound, with a similar burn rate and charge.

 

[Ignatz]

I tried WST in my wifes 32 S&W long using the Speer 98 gr HBWC. Great results using 1.6 grs of WST...730fps(Hammerli 280) I'd try it in my 38's and 45's, but I got to start to use up my supply of bullseye too. Maybe start around 2.9 grs and Chrono if you can.

 

[OKFC05]

If I am satisfied with W231, is there any reason to switch to WST?

Short answer, no, for your stated purpose of 148gr HBWC .38.

If you use WST, don't go over 2.8gr with a HBWC or you may blow out the nose from the bullet skirt.

HP38/WIN231 gives better velocity with lower pressure in .38. It's as good as most any powder in .38.
Maybe that's why they named it "Hodgdon Powder .38" (HP38)

 

[TSQUARED]

I have used 2.7 gr. of either Bullseye or WST behind the 148 gr. LHBWC. WST is cleaner burning that the Bullseye or the 3.2 gr. W-231 I had used. The W-W 14th Edition Reloading Manual list 2.8 gr. WST as a maximum with the 148 gr. LHBWC at 735 fps.

I also used WST in the 32 S&W Long and am currently using it in light loads for 40 S&W and 45 ACP.

Originally posted by johngalt:
I've been thinking of trying out Winchester WST for loading .38 special, 148gr HBWC. I'm out of VV-N310 (my favorite) and I can't find anyone local that sells it. I have Bullseye and W231, both of which work well.

Bullseye is so dirty that my gun starts to malfunction after about 100 rounds, W231 is about as accurate and much cleaner.

If I am satisfied with W231, is there any reason to switch to WST?

I also haven't been able to find much data for it, except on Hodgden's website. What WST load would be the same as the classic 2.8 gr Bullseye/3.2 gr W231?

Thanks.

 

[VAdoublegunner]

Yep, WST is good powder. The loads offered above are good ones. I also like WSF a lot and use it for my general purpose cast bullet target and CAS loads. They are both great shotgun powders, a good way to economize and cut down on powder proliferation. No shortages either. That's why knowledgeable handloaders keep them secret and let everyone else go on shooting Bullseye, Unique and 231.

 

[Skip Sackett]

I looked up my loads and don't have any to share for the 38spl. I must not have written them down.

I do have some for the 45ACP if you are interested though. Send me an email if you want those. Nothing rocket science there though!