Author Topic: Modern 38 Special Loads (Read 592 times)

Patriot_1776 · « **on:** April 03, 2006, 12:21:56 PM »

I was browsing through my Speer #11 manual, and found they show loads in the 38 Special using 158gr. jacketed bullets. I've been hoping to find a nice moderate/top-end load for my S&W 686 w/4" bbl. I'm concerned that the information might be too out of date.

I'm looking to get around 900f.p.s. or so using a 158gr. FMJ (or rather, plated) bullet. It seems the loads they showed were perfect for that. This kind load would mainly be used for paper, plinking, and practical pistol shoots. I also checked out Steve's Pages to compare loads for any discrepancies. Surprisingly, the loads weren't that far from each other. But I still wanted to double check with those of more experience about using those loads.

If any other powders other than 2400 are more highly recommended, then I also have W296 and Blue Dot sittin' on the shelf. Thanks in advance.

-Patriot

Questor · « **Reply #1 on:** April 04, 2006, 03:34:12 AM »

I think you can rule out 296 for 38 special. Take a look at the velocity figures from the various powder manufacturers. You may also want to take a look at Unique and Bullseye by Alliant to see how they compare. Barrel length matters, so see if you can search for examples of loads in guns that match the barrel length of your gun.

Questor · « **Reply #2 on:** April 04, 2006, 03:36:01 AM »

By the way, I use Winchester 231 in 38 special. It's a very good powder for it, but I don't try to push the velocity too fast. The newer Speer manual (#13) gives some velocities that are strikingly high, but I can't remember what powder it is.

Don Fischer · « **Reply #3 on:** April 04, 2006, 07:29:23 AM »

You said plinking and paper. I used to load some heavy 38 Spec stuff in 357 handguns for defense loads. Now I only plink and not often, bad eyes and hard to see the sights. But I still load stuff for my 38. Only cast stuff tho, I can shoot my 38 and my 32 long cheaper than my 22 LR. Powder ranges from Bullseye to Herco and 700X. I like the 150 gr semi wadcutter's and the 148 gr wadcutters. Also used a 155 gr Keith type but like the other two best.

A one oz wheel weight will make just over 2 bullets. Add a primer and about 2.5 grs of powder and your set. Under 900 fps but you can shoot awhole lot fairly cheap. Great small game loads too.

I scrounge lead but understand wheel weights go for about .10 a pound.

Just a thought!

Gregory · « **Reply #4 on:** April 04, 2006, 01:16:31 PM »

I'm just starting to load for my S&W Model 67 that I aquired recently, but my goal is the opposite, just a light target load using my home cast Lyman 358429 170 gr bullet.

Here are some velocities from my 4" barrel with this bullet:
W231 loads:
3.0 gr 578 fps
3.5 gr 675 fps
4.0 gr 761 fps
4.6 gr 866 fps

Unique loads:
3.8 gr 645 fps
4.2 gr 705 fps
4.6 gr 783 fps
5.0 gr 831 fps

I had some of these loads "leftover":

158 cast SWC 5.0 gr Unique 872 fps.

Hope some of this info is useful. Vel taken 6 ft from the muzzle. Numbers given not corrected to MV.

Patriot_1776 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 04, 2006, 01:54:37 PM »

Thanks, I do appreciate the info. Here's a few more notes and questions. Are there any reasonable loads available to use with 158gr. plated bullets? I'm using the Berry's Preferred bullets. In actuality, I'm looking to shoot them at around 850f.p.s. So between 850 and 900 is a satisfactory velocity. If even those speeds aren't likely, then I'll just have accept that a 4" bbl. is not meant to be a :biggun:. :lol:

-Patriot

Steve P · « **Reply #6 on:** April 04, 2006, 04:43:06 PM »

5.0 grains unique in 38 spec has been my practice, plinking, varmint, paper punching load for years. Very mild and very accurate. Turn a hollowbase wad cutter upside down and see what it does to a chuck!! :eek:

Steve

Questor · « **Reply #7 on:** April 05, 2006, 03:07:26 AM »

Patriot_1776:

Use cast bullet data for the "plated" bullets.

Mikey · « **Reply #8 on:** April 05, 2006, 03:30:07 AM »

About the only 38 Spl load I handload uses a 200 gn cast swc slug from either Mt. Baldy or Colorado Cast Bullets over 3.8 gn of WW 231 for 770'/sec at 15,5K psi. It is very accurate and very hard hitting, but with low recoil - on the side of the wadcutter load. Good for paper, cans and personal defense. HTH. Mikey.

Patriot_1776 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 05, 2006, 04:58:47 AM »

Thanks again for everyone's input. Now I'll have to give 'em a try, and see what flies best.

Mikey, that sure sounds like an awesome load. Maybe when I need to buy more bullets, I'll sneak a box of those into the cart.

-Patriot

Graybeard · « **Reply #10 on:** April 05, 2006, 05:05:33 AM »

I refuse to list the load cuz it's quite far over book for any .38 Special revovler I know of but I used to use Bullseye to do what you're wanting to do using .38 cases in .357 Magnum guns. Never gave me a problem but I have no clue the pressure it was running and for sure you don't want them to ever get into a .38 Special chambered gun. But it was an accurate load and definitely met your criteria. You're on your own to get there tho.