Thanks for all the inputs. It just so happens I have some Red Dot left over from my shotshell reloading days so will start with it. When used in shotshells it burn sort of dirty but that was entirely different application.
Different application, but you will see similar results. Especially at the cylinder-barrel gap. spit spit spit
Are you shooting in a 2" 38? or in a 357? You don't want "dirty" if shooting 38s in a 357.
Do you want hot loads or plinkers? The 158SWC and Unique is a great plinking load in a 38. The 148HBWC with a little bit of Bullseye or AA#5 makes a good paper load, or a good Hunting load. (seat the bullet with HB up for hunting loads.) A good 125 grain jacketed bullet with 296, H110, 2400, 231, etc makes a good defense load and a good hunting load for varmint size game....bunnies....squirrels....rock chucks....etc.
Lots and Lots of loads to try....so little time. A couple of years ago I spent the $$s and loaded up enough plinking 38/357 ammo to last me probably the rest of my life. Vacuum packed 50 round batches and stored them in 50 cal ammo cans. If you get a load that shoots well in your gun, and have powder/primer/brass left....load load load. Components are cheap and it is better to have extra on hand than to have none. You should have seen this board a year ago when powder and primers were hard to get. Ammo and components were selling 5 and 10 times normal value.
Good luck and enjoy that 38.
Steve
P.S. Mild is usually better than wild when it comes to keeping the shots on target.
