Question about a classic 38spl revolver load

[Lefty Trigger]

Needing some info from the folks that have shot this classic load, 38spl "148gr double ended wad cutter" over 2.7gr of Bullseye powder. I looking for the velocity for this bullet/load.

 

[Rsadams]

Barrel length will change both figures , you might want to add what your barrel length is...

 

[rr2030]

Depending on the barrel length etc its about 700 ish.

 

[SSL]

Hornady shows about 675 fps from a 4 inch barrel.

 

[Lefty Trigger]

Barrel length will change both figures , you might want to add what your barrel length is...

I have a 4 inch / 5 inch and a 7 inch but just really looking for velocity from what most shot bullseye target shooting with. Searching I'm finding everything from 700fps to up near 1000fps I know 1000 is not even a reality with 2.7 grains. Looking for the original load speed.

 

[Lefty Trigger]

Hornady shows about 675 fps from a 4 inch barrel.

This is probably about right,... is their data the original load?

 

[SSL]

This is probably about right,... is their data the original load?

I really can't guarantee that. My info came from the Hornady 10th Edition manual. I do seem to remember that load from years ago.

 

[Doug Beach]

If I recall correctly, 3gr was right at 700 in my 4”, and just under 600 in my 1 7/8”.

 

[1raggedhole]

I’m shooting about 820 FPS with 3.1gr out of 686 plus 5”

 

[centershot]

Just my personal thoughts on a revolver and lead bullets. I HATE cleaning after. I have used just about everything on the market including the Lewis Lead Remover. I recently purchased 148 wad cutter bullets from Acme Bullets that have a red coating on them. Just about any solvent cleans them just fine. Love them.

 

[jepp2]

38spl "148gr double ended wad cutter"

First question: are the bullets swaged or hard cast (what brinell)? Makes a lot of difference the velocity you want to shoot them.

Shot swaged too fast or hard cast lead to slow and they are going to lead. What diameter are the bullets? And how does that compare with your groove diameter and your throat diameter?

But to answer you question: 670 fps +/- 20

 

[Cecil S.]

I have a K frame CTG and I shoot 125 JHPs. Hate to clean lead. Is this wrong? I am new at this.

 

[Boyd L.]

Needing some info from the folks that have shot this classic load, 38spl "148gr double ended wad cutter" over 2.7gr of Bullseye powder. I looking for the velocity for this bullet/load.

I remember an article from Guns and Ammo (I think) sometime in the 1970’s that used the hollow base wadcutters inverted as a mild recoiling self defense load.

 

[mac86951]

First question: are the bullets swaged or hard cast (what brinell)? Makes a lot of difference the velocity you want to shoot them.

Shot swaged too fast or hard cast lead to slow and they are going to lead. What diameter are the bullets? And how does that compare with your groove diameter and your throat diameter?

But to answer you question: 670 fps +/- 20

+1 to matching velocity to brinell.

2.8gr is working well with the Missouri bullet company 148 DEWC.

Seems to me that cast cast bullet loading techniques are getting lost. Diameter matters, velocity matters and both affect accuracy and leading. Needs enough pressure to obturate the bullet to barrel to make a seal, but not so much as to cause bullet remains to stay behind.

Personally, I too tried the 148 DEWC, but found a 158 SWC to be easier to load for with bullseye.

-Mac

 

[SSL]

I have revolvers and semi-autos that have never seen jacketed bullets, so leading isn't a big issue for me. Important to clean bore to bare metal to remove any trace of copper. Lead has an affinity for copper and will cling to it. Make sure hardness is appropriate to velocity. I have found that running a wet patch with Kroil through the bore, allowing it to set for awhile and then brushing will get rid of most leading. It seeps between the lead and the bore and lets it be pushed out easily.

 

[Lefty Trigger]

First question: are the bullets swaged or hard cast (what brinell)? Makes a lot of difference the velocity you want to shoot them.

Shot swaged too fast or hard cast lead to slow and they are going to lead. What diameter are the bullets? And how does that compare with your groove diameter and your throat diameter?

But to answer you question: 670 fps +/- 20

What I purchased is "coated" 18 Brinell hardness .358 diameter from Missouri bullets. I have been playing around with them but was told to try that classic old load but was curious about the speed of that load.

 

[wboggs]

I looked up my old bullseye loads used in a sw k38 with 6" barrel.
The most accurate load was 2.7 gr giving 740 fps with the 148gr wc. so your load of 2.7 gr is right on.
The sw model 41 semiauto needed 3.0gr to function reliably.
Have fun with your 38. Mine will knock down steel plates at 15yds everytime with the 2.7 load If you want to vary your shooting.

 

[riflewoman]

Hmm. My S&W 41 is a 22LR. But my 52 is a 38... typically a 52 requires a tenth or two higher than 2.7 to run well.

 

[wboggs]

Sorry about topo, model 52 is what I meant. Mine needed 2.9-3 to function well.

 

[Lefty Trigger]

That model 52 is tough to compete against, our club president shoots one in our local league and it shoots damn good. I think there is only one other guy shooting revolver besides me and not tooting my own horn but I do really well with them against the modern semi-autos and I don't have to chase my brass....