125 gr plated or 125 gr lead RN. The trigger has smoothed out over time. Currently using Titegroup, but started out with, and loaded many thousands of rounds, with Bullseye. If you havent taken a look at what the .38 Special offers, youre selling yourself short. But this piece isnt about the gun, but rather the cartridge. At 25 you can get away with a lighter load. Im not a hoarder and I dont keep them, but I am detailed in my process. .38 Special +P Load Data - PowderThrough Many of these men had no real experience with the handgun, and we had but a few weeks to get them up to very high standards that most shooters will never reach. 750-850fps. (For those who would. Taurus model 66 38 special/Bullseye/125 berry's bullets load test accuracy. Choosing a bullet Just shows the importance of trying/checking the feel of a gun and if possible, test firing it, before you buy it. of Bullseye, 148 gr lead DEWC and Federal 100 primers. Soft shooting. There is almost no recoil and the student can increase power level when they feel ready using the same gun. This too is useful information. The .38 Special's MAP is 17,000 psi, whereas for the .38 Special +P it is 20,000 psi. I would add that the firearm mentioned, a Model 27 S&W revolver is a very durable gun, intended for the hotter loading of .357 Magnum. Hornady Zero 158 grain swaged SWC, Starline brass, Winchester or Federal primer, 2.8 grains of Bullseye, roll crimp. Like both the .38 and the .44 spl. Good thing I didn't go with the original powder charge I intended to use. My personal loads for practice replicate my carry. My usual 38 Spl load is a 125 gr plated bullet over 5 grains of bullseye. Posted: 4/17/2014 10:53:09 AM EST. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Shot many thousands of my bullseye powder reloads with it. Disclaimer, I own or owned all the super calibers out there except the casull, theyre all fun and quite useful in some scenarios, but dont discount the old timer. .38 Special is a lot more comfortable in a service size revolver like my Model 10. Bullseye or Titegroup cover 90% or more of my .38 Special loadings. https://www.bullseyeforum.net/t2221-distinguished-revolver-loads-that-don-t-suck. VV N320, N330 and N340 are products of VihtaVouri Oy Company Allgoodhits Posts : 726 Join date : 2017-09-17 Location : Northern Virginia Like Its the kind of load that will make you fall in love with the 1911 all over again! Yeah no. No more lead in the barrel or on my hands. would also bridge the gap that the .38 versus .357 have in defensive loads. Recoil was so nasty that I quit after five shots and saved the rest of the box for my 6 Model 19 .357. Top .38 Special Loads for Carry - Firearms News .38 Special (Alliant Data) Warning! Plated bullets are to be loaded as lead bullets. IF YOU ARE USING SWAGED 158GR BULLETS 3.1 WILL WORK, IF USING HARD CAST 3.3 IS NEEDED. If you, I took the vow not to buy any more AR-15s a couple of years ago. Only the Model 60 sometimes have factory installed grips that are not worthless. I did start out fawning over all of the tactical gear, but once I had that covered my tastes matured I think to love the wood and steel guns. You will be, essentially, making 38 Short Colt. I prefer the slower burning Unique, and I also use it for .357 magnum, just more of it. In a 1909 vintage Smith & Wesson target .38, the 2.7-grain load cut a nearly one-inch cluster, showing that classics go well together. Have you all found different seat depths to work better than what's in the manual? Note the dark band of lube on the 3 lead bullets. 3 1/2" average not included flyers which seem to happen on every group test. .38 special has got to be one of the best calibers there is . Thats a pretty clear explanation and comparison of the NEEDS of the strength of the chamber for each caliber. Over 20,000 rounds, Ive found that theres rarely a wrong way to do .38 SPL. Note: More and more test are conducted with all rounds fired with powder UP against the primer for each shot, or DOWN on the bullet for each shot, then gently bring to horizontal to shoot. Unlike the author, I did *not* keep records, I cant even imagine how many rounds I loaded, almost 100% .357 magnum, since that was all I shot. Berry's bullets and lee chart and 357 load - ArizonaGunOwners.com Battis, if you go to the very bottom of this page you will see Castpics. Even though the gun was chambered for .357 Magnum, I plinked and practiced with a lot of .38s over the years. I, like Spartacus, find the SAAMI recommendations an interesting spec for comparative purposes. As a result, Ive been able to spend far more time practicing with it rather than fussing with it. 38 Special Load Data.. - Intoku.net - YUMPU . I first started reloading 40+ years ago at a Lee Loader in .38 Special for a brand new Smith & Wesson Model 66 I had just purchased. Re: 38 special loads by GrumpyOldMan 11/10/2013, 4:23 pm IIRC, the NRA Action Pistol power floor is a "factor" of 125, which requires a full 1,000 fps for 125-gr bullets. Bullseye is a little smoky, a lot sooty, and has a distinct odor. I'm guessing they still go bang, and leave the gun to go downrange. The beauty of shooting a .38 is that you can easily practice at the ranges you'd fight at using basically any cheap bullet at minimal expense. I thought the DR program was NRA, not CMP. I did 400 rounds in one afternoon on my Hornady progressive. On my J frame S&W without the CT #305 Laser Grips, I swapped out to a Hoque set. Load it using wadcutter specs, and seat the bullet flush, like a wadcutter. 10,870. Testing out some bullseye with 125 berry's bullets.. 357 LCR in 3 inch variant. My other son fired one shot and handed it back. I just bought some 158 gr SWC bullets that are pure lead. 110gr JHP! Eventually somebody introduced me to tungsten carbide resizing dies, after which case life became near indefinite. of Bullseye with Lee's 125gr RN mold in a 38 special with so-so accuracy. You cannot paste images directly. Any discussion of Bullseye is incomplete without mentioning a few of the downsides. Ideal load in a 2 J Frame .38. I'm seating to what's in my loading manual. I'm planning to use Alliant's Unique powder to reload with 125 grain flat point jacketed bullets from Berry's and Winchester small pistol primers. At one time or another, I also owned and shot a M38 Bodyguard (nka the 638), a M37 Chiefs Special (now the 637), a M60 (which is a tad heavier but no more user-friendly), and a couple of others. I have 4 handguns that will shoot .38. Even slower powders may provide more consistent speeds and will be tested in the future (No. ( customer reviews) $ 10.69 - $ 246.00. * * All PLUS P loads for guns designed for it (20,000 PSI), (Cowboy loads shot in 7 1/2 bbl.revolver no need to reduce), ALL THESE LOADS ARE PLUS P, SPECIAL HOT 21,000 PSI. A longer case, with have a tighter crimp them a shorter one, what will lead to variations in pressure, and accuracy. I have tested lots and lots of different bullet and found them all to be great. As anyone learns quickly, first thing that needs to be done is to replace the small factory S&W grips (I use Hogue) so you can hold onto the gun. 158 gr. I found it to be a nice blend of accuracy, soft recoil, and sure functioning, with enough spice behind it to reliably topple steel targets. Most notably the lighter weight bullets. Ive been reloading and shooting for over 40 years and love revolvers but 90% of the time my carry gun is a Sig 365 with a 12 round mag and a spare. A revolver shooting .38 SPL only requires the power of your finger to make it fire and can thus be loaded with ammo that is extremely mild or hotter than hot. Thank you for the article. And I still think a 158 at 600 beats hell out of a 22 magnum of any stripe. A handgunner using .38 Specials is set for targets, plinking and small game while .357 Mag. more weight than the similar size CA .44 Bulldog, were available, a lot more people would also like the .44 spl. And this is a guy who normally trusted nothing but a 45 acp. 2) Ammo that would work in the Air Force's Air Crewman Colt's and Smith and Wesson revolvers that had weak alloy cylinders. I always used mixed brass because it was all I had. I have tested both brass and nickel-plated cases using mild loadings and have not yet worn out a case. Reloading Data for .38 Special - Load Data - 1895Gunner I too must be older than my years (35), as I love reloading .38SPL and have a S&W 442, S&W 36, and my most recent acquisition is a S&W 19-5 that is an absolute joy to shoot. Here's what the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook says for cast 125g flatpoint for 38 in the powders you mentioned. 357 Magnum 35,000 Power Pistol won't work for me. I load it almost exclusively though with either a powder coated or plated 125 grn bullet. What I learned after 50 years of shooting and reloading 38spl cases some where around 100 thousands rounds. I make a habit of counting the number of reloads I make by keeping a tally of primer and bullet boxes. Ive been loading 158gr FMJ with Titegroup and the only problem Ive had is getting the seating depth right after the die locknut slipped. Your experience is definitely motivation for me to give my J-frame more range time! 10. The Model 19 is fine with .38s but mildly uncomfortable with .357s. It would seem that a 125 grain GDHP is of the same weight and would have a similar profile to what you want to use. Start conservative if you wish. I tried 10 shots of each: 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7. .38 Special Bullseye/148gr Berrys wadcutter???? - 24hourcampfire In half a dozen different sixguns, it ranged from accurate to spectacular. Were all familiar with the old adage, Never bring a knife to a gunfight. And while we should, The active shooter is a relatively new phenomenon in the grand scheme of things. As I said I am not familiar with your frame and suspect it is one of the latest models out by Smith. Nickle cases look pretty but dont seem to take the number of resizings that plain brass cases do. The average street punk today has more firepower than the Russian Army did in WWII and trying to re-load a revolver in a fire fight is the best way to commit suicide that I could ever think of. Nice thing about reloading is that loads can be tailored for the gun that you are shooting. is so simple. 4.2 gr. 38 special is a great cartridge. The instructors worked magic in many cases, but having a load like this to gradually work shooters onto full-strength loads would have been a great tool. My guess would be almost identical, straight wall, not high pressure, definitely. Heck, 38s in a J frame arent fun- theres no way a 327 Mag isnt worse. Biggest problem I had was the lubricating cases for sizing and then cleaning them afterwards, I guess grit was somehow scratching the cases after getting stuck in the lube. The swaged bullets are soft enough that they expand even at mild velocities where a JHP or hard cast cant. 3 gr of WST in a 38 spl case with 125 gr plated bullet is a very light load. No sh!t. But not too tough. Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue. Alliant listed 3.6 gr Bullseye as maximum (15000 psi) in 38 Special and 3.8 as max in 38 Special PLUS P (17000 psi) with 158 LSWC bullets. I'm looking for some recipes for 38 special for a 125 grain copper plated (like Berry's) flat point bullet using Unique, Bullseye, or W231. The 919 case is tapered and therefore wider at the base than the .38 special is. This load chugs downrange at 750 feet each second and functions standard recoil springs with no issue. Due to different barrel lengths, type of bullet, seating depth, primer type and other factors, you may not get near the FPS charted. Anything goes with bullets. Recoil is the good kind that reminds the shooter handguns are serious tools but without eliciting a flinch. Bullet seating depth is very forgiving. I like the smell of Bullseye, dont mind wiping the handguns down after a range day, and the dark soot that accumulates on my support hand when shooting wheelguns in particular just reminds me to wash up. The Charter Arms .44 models are potential CCWs, but are too light to properly handle the .44 spl. is limited to either the various Charter Arms models, or as a training/target load in a .44 magnum size handguns. 38 special , bullseye, and 125 grain lead rnfp - The Firing Line The best part about this is that not only do you never really lose your fired cases, but you they are always in great condition. All right are Reserved Reload Ammo, Reloading The .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol), hi=849 lo=728 ES=122 (powder up and down), hi=821 lo=684 ES=137 (powder up and down), hi=815 lo=637 ES=178 (powder in normal positions), hi=714 lo=549 ES=165 (powder up and down), hi=758 lo=693 ES=65 (powder up and down)(DO NOT USE LESS), Hi=886, Lo=861, ES=25 (This is a Carolina Cast bullet SWC-great cowboy load), hi=859 lo=743 ES=116 *(my personal medium load), hi=875 lo=685 ES=190.2(powder up and down), hi=710 lo=497 ES=213 (powder up and down), hi=791 lo=625 ES=166 (Powder up and down), hi=785 lo=670 ES=115 (powder up and down), hi=801, low=766 ES=35.32 in Contender 14 bbl. Min Charge Max Charge Optimal Charge Bullet Make Bullet Type Primer Notes; Hodgdon - 700-X: 125 gr. It is easy to load in progressive presses and has commercially available options from virtually all modern manufacturers. each bullet is different for oal due to a crimp groove on most. Shoots well in my K-38, 686, and a friend's K-38 at 50 yards in the Ransom rest. Bullseye 3.2gr / 763fps --> 4.2gr / 892fps (max) Unique 4.3gr / 773fps --> 5.3gr / 944fps (max) 231 3.9gr / 733fps --> 4.8gr / 896pfs (max) These are out of a 5.5 inch barrel Edited June 25, 2016 by jschweg Dr. Phil Classifieds 712 Dont get me wrong: I think the Smith and Wesson Model 642 Airweight revolver is an outstanding self-defense (concealed carry) revolver and you wont feel/care about how snappy/unpleasant the recoil may be in a real self-defense event. My son asked if I wanted him to help, then fired one shot and handed it back. .38 Special Montana Gold 125 FMJ Power Pistol 6.1 COL 1.417 Tested with a S&W-686-3, 6", ambient temperature about 32 degrees, no wind, target posted at 25 feet (hey, I'm testing handloads for use, not my long range bear killing skills, defensive only). Hmm. Thanks very much to LarryinTX for that! load is 4.4 grains for 38 special and 5.0 grains is a +P load. hebyta The powder charges used for .38 are forgiving. I just dont like practicing with it. JHP, (WC= WadCutter, SWC= Semi-WadCutter, HP= Hollow Point, RN= Round Nose), (JHP= Jacketed Hollow Point and if GC indicated, means Gas Check at bottom of lead bullet). That revolver is aluminum and cannot handle the pressure of 9MM. Instead, Ive favored things like the K and L frame Smiths (5 screw pre-model 10 and 686 in my case) and Ruger revolvers for higher round count activities. Bullseye is the best powder I have found for 38 special. You may find it will need to be faster for good 50 yd. Use the lead bullet loads with the plated and you will be fine. Enough that the range Officer at my range recognized them because the muzzle blast made a distinctive cat whisker pattern at 8 and 10, and 2 and 4 o clock. Is it more bulky? I don't completely understand the physics behind it. I use Bullseye powder but it's about the same burn rate. Midwest Supply Group. CORBON 38SPL+P 125GR JHP 20/500 Anyone that uses a J frame S&W should seriously think about swapping grips, and finding which set works for them. This gun now wears factory synthetic grips which are decent but could use more girth behind the trigger guard. Everyone here who has tried plated bullets including myself, have had disappointing results in accuracy. You need a .357 Magnum revolver if you want to try a 9MM cylinder. Loads for .38 S&W: This short, little cartridge has been around since the 1870's and was most common in the "break-top" models. The cold header swages a bullet in one or two strokes. Prefer to use the CT model 305 laser grips in lieu of S&W grips. Go figure. The mention of a Lee Loader somewhere above took me back to the good-old days. I dont see much conversation on these specifics but I think Its all about the size of the explosion in the chamber. head I use 3.2gr. Traditionally, the max SAAMI pressures were: 38 S&W 14,500 On 7/4/2018 at 11:57 AM, Bill Sahlberg said: There is nothing more accurate at PPC than 148 gr8 HBWC (lead) using 2.8 gr of 231 and a tight crimp with Starline 38 Special brass & a Federal Small pistol primer. 9 mm, .40 sw, 45 acp, .44 mag. The only way to shoot both 9mm and .38 special is to have two separate cylinders timed to the revolver. Maybe its just my age, but I may never shoot a 38 again after discovering the 32. Magnum 44 S&W Special 45 Colt 45 Auto 45 G.A.P 9mm Luger 9x18mm Makarov 32 S&W Long (Cowboy Action) 32-20 Win. I estimate that the price for each of the three loads runs between $7 and $8 per box of 50. This Cast Reloading Bullet feeds great in automatics and has excellent accuracy in both the 9mm and 38 Super. favorite cowboy load (38 spl) - SASS Wire - SASS Wire Forum Posted March 19, 2015. When using a 158 gr. I carried a lightly customized 4 inch heavy barrel model 10 for years, with a black cerakote job. There are many fun uses for buckshot. The fast powders, W231, HP38, Bullseye would go over pressure very quickly with any slight changes, in seating depth or primer change. They are true classics, and I hope you get as much use out of them! Most modern revolvers chambered for .38 SPL are rated to +P, so there is room for error, but care must still be taken. I dont mind it at all, though others do and look to similar performing powders that address these things. Bonus is the CT #305 grips are both large enough to be actually useful, and can use the laser, or turn it off if you dont need the laser. Notes: primer: CCI 500; case: Speer; NOTE: All loads are maximum. Jack it up a notch and go with .327 Federal Magnum. These have a good profile- longer at the top where the middle finger rides, and shorter where the pinkie rests. ES 56 SD 24 PMC Eldorado Starfire +P 125 gr. 7.8 gr Blue Dot 1,170 fps 1.43" Fed 100 Alliant Suggested starting load: 7.0 gr Pressure: 15,700 4.5 gr Bullseye 1,085 fps 1.43" Fed 100 Alliant Suggested starting load: 4.1 gr Pressure: 14,900 What overal length of the cartridge? Load it like Trail Boss. THAT TIME IS BETTER SPENT LEARNING HOW TO SHOOT THE REVOLVER IN THE RAPID FIRE PORTION. 38 special load question - Bullseye Forum BrianEnos.com Unique was a sooty powder so Ive switched to W231. Totally agree. Display as a link instead, If there is a search function for these forums (didn't see one) I'd be happy to use that too Go to the Alliant website and find the data for Unique and Bullseye. Dennis, I dont reload and Im only 72, but shooting the .38Spl in my 6 S&W 586 is a sublime experience. All newly manufactured .38 Special revolvers must be proof tested to the same higher proof . Enter to win an FN FAL Rifle. The bullets are seated flush in the case. Yes, I had no issues with the 38 SPL, but the 32 is just more FUN- especially when I get seven shots of it in a revolver the size of J frame! I'm not looking to blow up my old model 10. Just look for a lead remover tool with bronze screens. When I finally nabbed my own canisters of Bullseye, the first load I spun up was 2.7 grains under Hornadys hollow-base wadcutters. Current J frame factory grips have similar features and are made of a stiffer compound.