120gr RN in 38 Spl

[Evil Dog]

Just bought the wife a S&W Mod 36 that was made back in the early 80's. My usual 150gr SWC 4.1gr Unique load will probably be a bit on the uncomfortable side for her in that lighter weight revolver. So, looking to load something more comfortable for her.

Have the Lyman 358242 mold, casts a 120gr RN. W-231 will probably be the powder of choice as I have plenty of it and found it listed in some of the "cowboy" loads for 38spl using a 120gr lead bullet. 3.0 to 3.5 isn't much to put in that case. I am wondering about adding a piece of synthetic batting to keep the powder at the primer end of the case.

This load is intended only for plinking and occasionally defending against the marauding soda can attack.

Any thoughts?

[Lloyd Smale]

should make a great plinking load. No filler should be needed with that load

[tony212]

I have been trying this load in my 2" Colt Cobra
3.4 grains 700X
158 grain swc
CCI 500 primer
I haven't had a chance to shoot it through the chronograph yet but it seems like a nice mild load that won't tear your gun apart.  After all, when your shooting at a piece of paper from 10 yards or less why beat your gun with full power loads.
Tony212

[Evil Dog]

Loaded up a few at 4.3gr tonite, that only takes up 1/4 to 1/3 of the estimated available case volume once the bullet is seated.  Using a filler probably isn't needed, but it would assure that the powder is always down at the primer end of the case.  Something to be said for consistency.

[PaulS]

You don't want to use fillers in your loads. There are plenty of powders to use that don't require fillers in light or low volume loads. Fillers can "ring" your chamber and ruin it. If you want light loads use a powder that is best suited to that use.