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.38 cal for 1:10 twist barrel

COLT45SA

Silver $$ Contributor
Getting ready to load some cartridges for my 1885 Winchester (single shot) relined with a rather fast 1:10 twist. What weight bullet should I begin with to get some semblance of accuracy~?
 
Getting ready to load some cartridges for my 1885 Winchester (single shot) relined with a rather fast 1:10 twist. What weight bullet should I begin with to get some semblance of accuracy~?
Somebody must have some thoughts about this question. The rifle is chambered for .387 Special~!
 
How far you shootin?
148 hbwc will do inch at 50y easily. 60's factory wadcutters would often hold half that for 10 shots.
Past that anything from 125-180gr should get 2" or better even with cast.
38 spec is like the 6br of pistol cartridges, very accurate / easy to load.
 
A 10 twist is fast for a 38 special, but that is standard for the slightly smaller 9mm at .355" with 115 to 147 gr bullets....So no problem! But I'd use jacketed or hard cast on the heavy side in weight, to more closely match up to the twist rate.
So I'd run any jacketed bullet load in the manual that has the heavier 158 gr jacketed bullet, as a base line for starting...try several powders ...then branch out to other bullet weights to see if accuracy is better. With longer barrel slower powders like 4227, 2400, and even H110 should increase your velocity potential, and help visually with not double charging the case...but low velocity target loads are in abundance...from Bullseye, 231, Herco, Unique, Titegroup, Power Pistol, CFE Pistol...and a bunch of others target shooters declare the best. And don't forget Speer Shot Cups for snakes and tiny rats up close. Or 175 gr hard cast and 2400 for longer range.... Be like Elmer Keith...have fun.
 
A 10 twist is fast for a 38 special, but that is standard for the slightly smaller 9mm at .355" with 115 to 147 gr bullets....So no problem! But I'd use jacketed or hard cast on the heavy side in weight, to more closely match up to the twist rate.
So I'd run any jacketed bullet load in the manual that has the heavier 158 gr jacketed bullet, as a base line for starting...try several powders ...then branch out to other bullet weights to see if accuracy is better. With longer barrel slower powders like 4227, 2400, and even H110 should increase your velocity potential, and help visually with not double charging the case...but low velocity target loads are in abundance...from Bullseye, 231, Herco, Unique, Titegroup, Power Pistol, CFE Pistol...and a bunch of others target shooters declare the best. And don't forget Speer Shot Cups for snakes and tiny rats up close. Or 175 gr hard cast and 2400 for longer range....
Thanks for helping me with some direction. I didn't have any idea of where to start before you reply~!!
 

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