Attn. Reloaders: Powder for 38SPL?

[dogboysdad]

I have three hundred prepped and primed 38spl brass and 300 Hornady 158grn SWC bullets. All I need is powder. Any suggestions or recipies that work for you?

Thanks in advance.

[Prince Humperdink]

I've been using Red Dot Powder in My .45 ACP loads for years,and I love it.I did find data for .38 special w/ 148 grain bullet,w/3 grns of red dot.Velocity would be at 806 fps.I know that is not what You asked,but that is the only Powder I use for handgun anymore.....OK,Found 158grnSWC. uses 3.4 grn of red dot.velocity is around 793 fps.
Ryan

[melloman]

I like 231 for 38 spl.

[mixmaster]

Unique and Bullseye are great but I don't know if you are using cast or jacketed bullets. For lead you want to keep the velocity down or you are going to lead up the barrel
Bullseye start at 2.8 gr for 656 FPS Max is 4.2 for 880 FPS That is for cast bullets
Unique Start at 3.4 grs for 611 FPS Max 5.1 grs for 896 FPS
Jacketed
Unique, Start 4.7 grs for 645 FPS. Max 5.0 grs for 710 FPS
I do not use the max loads for my 38s as one is a Colt SA and the other is a snubbie.
I do use a 180 gr cast FP bullet for my 92 clone carbine and take feral hogs an Javalinas with that cartridge. The SA and the snubbie handle that bullet weight just fine and as the powder capacity of the case is small I can seat the bullets to spec length. For cast bullets I suggest you do not go over 700 FPS

[mixmaster]

I forgot to mention The velocities were measured with a S&W Model 15 with a 4in Barrel. Velocity will vary depending on barrel length.and some manufactures bore dimensions will vary also. The reason I talk like this is I was once on the AF pistol team and all of this was critical for accuracy and you get paranoid about your ammo. So sorry if I sound like a know it all just trying to help.
Mix

[mixmaster]

Almost did a double post here sorry guys
Mix

[Prince Humperdink]

I forgot to mention The velocities were measured with a S&W Model 15 with a 4in Barrel. Velocity will vary depending on barrel length.and some manufactures bore dimensions will vary also. The reason I talk like this is I was once on the AF pistol team and all of this was critical for accuracy and you get paranoid about your ammo. So sorry if I sound like a know it all just trying to help.
Mix
What a "Know it all"...geez ;)

[mixmaster]

Thanls Humpy . Coming from you I look at as a great compliment right up there with Timmy and The Big O!
Mix

[axemurderer]

I use 3.4 of bullseye with a 146 SWC gas check bullet.

[mixmaster]

That's a standard loading for 148gr and a very good one coming out of K 38 S&W I have used it and once you are on you make a hole with your first shot and then enlarge it a little with the next 4. Recoil is very moderate with this loading. I backed off of 3.5 grs when my K started showing leading 3.4 made quite a change. I do not use gas checks with it. So it is possible to increase your powder charge as you are not leading the barrel with the gas checked bullet.
Mix

[dogboysdad]

These are the bullets I have . . .

http://www.hornady.com/store/38-Cal-.358-158-gr-SWC/

[Dave Waits]

I use 4.1grains of Unique and a 158SWC in my 6" K-38 and it monotonously shoots a small clump of holes in targets at 25 yards.

[mixmaster]

These are the bullets I have . . .

http://www.hornady.com/store/38-Cal-.358-158-gr-SWC/

Those are lead so you don't want to go max. Those bullets are soft cast and will lead up the barrel at higher velocity. Due to the way they are made , you can go a little higher than I can with my bullets. But really why do we need high velocities in a 38spc. when we can go 357 mag? That bullet and weight will make a good defensive round in a snub nose. I always try for weight in short barrel/ short distances. For distance I have my 45ACPs.
Max

[llano52]

231 for me.

[cwcdl79]

bullseye. i'd have to look up my recipie. if you go up to vendor's row in the summer it's dirt cheap.

[axemurderer]

I used to use a bullet with a zink washer instead of a gas check. worked great, but the guy who did my bullets died and can't find them. so i went to the gaschecks. both load and buttet shoot great out of my Colt Officers Model Target. So I think i'll stick with it.


Mike






That's a standard loading for 148gr and a very good one coming out of K 38 S&W I have used it and once you are on you make a hole with your first shot and then enlarge it a little with the next 4. Recoil is very moderate with this loading. I backed off of 3.5 grs when my K started showing leading 3.4 made quite a change. I do not use gas checks with it. So it is possible to increase your powder charge as you are not leading the barrel with the gas checked bullet.
Mix