38 Special / +P With Precision Bullets147gr Flat Points

[mjl650]

Anyone out there loading 38 Special or 38 Special +P with Precision Bullets 147 gr Flat Point or 150gr Round Nose bullets with W231, Unique or 2400? I'm having a hard time coming up with load data for this combination and seeing if anyone can steer me in the right direction. Will be shooting them in a S&W 28-2 with 6" barrel.

 

[divingin]

231 is likely too fast for optimum heavy loads in 38+P. It's not on the Hodgdon data site.

Alliant lists 5.2gr Unique under a 135gr Speer bullet at 988fps. They don't list 2400 for 38+P.

 

[GotRDid]

Are your projectiles cast lead ( if so, what diameter ) or jacketed?
As for propellant, I suggest Alliant Power Pistol if you have access to it.
GotRDid.

 

[GotRDid]

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Pistols and Revolvers​ 38 Special +P​ 146 gr JHP-SWC Power Pistol CCI 500

Minimum OAL(inches)​ ​	Bbl Length​ ​	Primer​ ​	Powder​ ​	Charge Weight grains)​ ​	Velocity (fps)​ ​
1.37	6	CCI 500	Power Pistol	5.5	935

You must also always remember:
1.Establish a routine for reloading. It will result in more uniform loads and less chance of error.
2.Some primers are more powerful than others (they produce more gas at a higher temperature). Use only the primers specified herein.
3.Shotshell wads differ in their sealing ability. Use only the load combinations specified herein.
4.If you use cast bullets, their diameter, hardness, lubrication, and crimp will affect the ballistics.
5.The shotshell loads in this booklet are for use with LEAD SHOT ONLY!
6.Use only the brands of powder and components shown in our tables. Do not substitute other types.
7.Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, cleaning firearms, or handling ammunition may result in exposure to lead, a substance known to cause birth defects, reproductive harm, and other serious physical injury. Have adequate ventilation at all times. Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling and before coming in contact with food, chewing materials, and smoking material.
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[wagonman]

your precision bullets are coated lead and have no crimping groove first off loading to +p you need a taper crimp die, 158gr rn data is abundant 150 lrn not so much use your unique work up from 158gr mid loads, coated lead bullets will in my guns run faster than lubed cast.

 

[mjl650]

your precision bullets are coated lead and have no crimping groove first off loading to +p you need a taper crimp die, 158gr rn data is abundant 150 lrn not so much use your unique work up from 158gr mid loads, coated lead bullets will in my guns run faster than lubed cast.

Thanks. That's what I've been looking for. I have loaded some as you recommend using Unique and a taper crimp die. I'm not looking to run them hot
@GotRDid I did see that on the Alliant reloading website but I only have the three pistol powders I mentioned in my original post. I only reload for 3 revolvers I have and don't compete, just plinking & HD.

 

[Forum Boss]

It does not appear you are loading for defensive purposes. Accordingly, I see no reason to load to +P levels. You will probably get better accuracy at lower velocities, with less muzzle blast and less recoil.

 

[Twicepop]

The Alliant Powder Reloaders Guide under .38 Special +P data has 9.0 grains of 2400 listed with a 146 grain Speer JHP-SWC lit with a CCI 500 primer. This like most anything else if you decide to try it, reduce by 10% and work up, they show a velocity of 952 fps at this load density. This was the 2020 edition of the load data.

 

[SSL]

I've never been a fan of shooting shorter cases in chambers. Just my own bias and I know lots of people do it, but I don't like risking damage to the chambers from fire-cutting or at best having to clean those areas extensively before firing full-length cartridges. I would do what I could to find .357 cases (I know...easier said than done these days) and just use your Unique or 2400 powders for mid-range loads. Buy a couple boxes of good hollow-point .357 Magnum cartridges in your choice of flavors to see where they shoot and try to find a load that hits reasonably close to that point of aim. Practice or plink with your loads and save the factory loads for 'social' purposes.

 

[AlNyhus]

I currently use 3.3 gr. of 231 with that bullet for my 38 Spl. Model 60 Chiefs Special carry gun. With a taper crimp, it's accurate, clean, and has mild recoil. Might not be +P levels but you can go from there. -Al

 

[mjl650]

I currently use 3.3 gr. of 231 with that bullet for my 38 Spl. Model 60 Chiefs Special carry gun. With a taper crimp, it's accurate, clean, and has mild recoil. Might not be +P levels but you can go from there. -Al

38 Spl. works for me if I can get an accurate load for plinking. My original post may have been misunderstood as any accurate load in 38 Spl or +P would work for me. I was looking for someone shooting this bullet. I have another dedicated revolver for 357 Mag.
What is your COL? I'm calculating 1.485"+/-.