.38 spl 158gr swc loads

[kmittleman]

Hi all,


I'm looking for some accurate loads for .38 spl using 158 gr lswc. I'm shooting a Ruger BH in .357 and using Lasercast bullets. I have unique, hp-38, universal, and hs-6.


Thanks in advance!


Kevin

[Graybeard]

My favorite is with Bullseye but since my load is over max I won't list it. I use it only in guns chambered for .357 Magnum or in S&W K-frame .38s. I'm not sure exactly how I came about this load to be honest. I think old book data for the powder charge was found for 125 JHPs maybe. I have no recollection of when I first tried it with cast 158s but it sure has been accurate in all the guns I've used it in.

You might try book loads of Bullseye to see how they work. It has proved to be the most accurate powder for the .38 special in a lot of my guns so chambered as well as in .357 magnums using .38 brass.

[guzzijohn]

I load 158 SWCs with 4.0 of Unique. It works very well in my BH and my S&W 36 and pleasant to shoot. My Winchester 94 carbine does not like it however but it prefers jacketed bullets.
GuzziJohn

[336SC]

I use what Lyman suggests as a very accurate load, 3.6gr of bullseye.  Works for me.
336SC

[Catfish]

Bullseye powder. I would not go over 3.2 gr of powder though. My favorite load is 3 gr., but 2.8 will do a good job for ranges up to 30 yrds, more but you need more hold over. Loaded ammo for a friend that shot compation, and he is real good. He shot 2.8 gr at 25 yrds and 3.2 at the longer range.

[Dave in WV]

Go to Hodgdon's site and get load data for the HP-38. I'd use the HP-38 or Unique. I'd save the HS-6 for .357 loads.

[Land_Owner]

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

DO NOT EXCEED THE LOADS DISPLAYED
NEVER EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS!!

Bullet Weight (Gr.).....Mfg...........Powder....Bullet...C.O.L...Grs. Vel.  Pressure....Grs...Vel.  Pressure   
...................................................................Dia........................(ft/s)...........................(ft/s)

158 GR. CAST LSWC  Hodgdon  Universal  .358"  1.475"  3.5  756  9,600 CUP  4.5  974  16,700 CUP 

[Doublebass73]

I use what Lyman suggests as a very accurate load, 3.6gr of bullseye.  Works for me.
336SC

I've had good luck with this load also. Unique wasn't as accurate for me. IMR PB is another good one for 38 Special, it does just as well as Bullseye for me.

[Hairy Chest]

Hi all,


I'm looking for some accurate loads for .38 spl using 158 gr lswc. I'm shooting a Ruger BH in .357 and using Lasercast bullets. I have unique, hp-38, universal, and hs-6.


Thanks in advance!


Kevin

For that beast HS-6 will beat Unique or Bullseye hands down.   

[cybin]

For over 40 years my standard load for the 38 special has been 3 gr of bullseye under a 158 gr cast lead semi wad cutter. It works well in my .357 mags and in my .38 special handguns. On two occasions I used them to shoot rabbits (sitting of course), they did a good job.
 
cybin