Loading .38 Special.

[COLT45SA]

Sinve the .38 Special cartridge is rather large for the amount of powder recommended, isn't it a good idea to use a filler on top of the powder to keep the powder near the primer under all conditions!?

 

[JohnW...ski]

Good idea but not necessary, I have loaded tens of thousands of rounds with around 3.0 grains of Bullseye and never had a problem.

 

[Jeff Porter]

I use 148 HBWC crimped flush at the case mouth to fill up more case volume and have shot 10’s of thousands of rounds with 2.2 of WST. Very accurate paper punching round even at 25 yards. I add 0.5 gr for 50 yards.

 

[std7mag]

Not anywhere near the excess capacity vs the 357 Mag.

I just follow the load data.

 

[Oso]

I had a shooting experience that left a lasting impression. I was RSO running a IDPA stage when a highly regarded master shooter experienced a double charge. The timer “buzzed” and lightning fast he drew his revolver and fired 2-3 rounds before sinking to his knees. As I came around him expecting a potential heart attack, I was shocked to see him grasping a detonated revolver. The backstrap was gone and cylinder walls were blown off. Immediately started searching for blood and holes. He got luck with only a brutal concussion as the backstrap punched him in the face as it headed to orbit.

TrailBoss is the magic with great case fill and performance. Unfortunately, it’s unobtainable. Both Bullseye and Titegroup are solid alternates (clean burning with nice recoil impulse), with exception of lower case fill. You’re right to be concerned with minimal case fill (20%), especially in longer/taller cases. I settled on a process that ensures I couldn’t accidentally double charge, including no background distractions (no kids, tv, phone or YouTube).

 

[sw282]

Standard IHMSA: Don't load or shoot any handgun cartridge with a density less than 60% of the case volume

 

[K22]

I cannot comment on theories or hearsay info, but I can offer real world experience with the 38 Special.

I shot NRA Precision Pistol for about 30 years using the S&W Model 14, 38 Special revolver in the centerfire stage. The load was a classic, 148 grain swaged hollow base wadcutter behind 3.0 grains of 231 or 2.8 of Bullseye. This load will hold the X ring at 50 yards in a quality pistol. I personally tested it with a ransom rest several times. Also tested this load in the Model 52 S&W semi-auto with its special bushing - same results - X ring capable.

I qualified Distinguish Expert (285x300) with this revolver and the 231 load.

Based on my real-world experience, this case fill issue is nonsense when it comes to the 38 Special.

PS: Now days I shoot the Hornaday 125 XTP behind a 231 +P load in a 38 case in my Model 19 S&W. Holds a 10 ring on a B16 25-yard slow fire target off the bench. This is less than 50% case fill.

 

[divingin]

Sinve the .38 Special cartridge is rather large for the amount of powder recommended, isn't it a good idea to use a filler on top of the powder to keep the powder near the primer under all conditions!?

Only if using a slow/hard-to-ignite powder (which isn't really necessary, and will probably fill the case to where it isn't needed anyway.) Most fast pistol powders (Bullseye/Titegroup/WST/etc) will ignite fine in 38 Spl, despite the miniscule fill ratio.

 

[Jeff Porter]

I’ll add another comment, I am more concerned with an inadvertent double charge than a detonation due to low fill with these super fast powders. Only takes one to ruin a real nice K38 …

 

[jds holler]

I’ll add another comment, I am more concerned with an inadvertent double charge than a detonation due to low fill with these super fast powders. Only takes one to ruin a real nice K38 …

When loading single stage, there is no good excuse for a double charge. -- scan your loaded cases in the filled loading blocks with a flashlight before you start your bullet seating process. Even a double charge of 3 grains stands out like a hooker at a church pot-luck.
jd

 

[Janeau]

2.7 grains of Bullseye under 148 lead HBWC. Speer HBWC was the preferred bullet.
Thats the NRA load that won more matches than anything else since the 1950. No wad. Very light crimp. Still use it but with Hornady bullet.

 

[LAH]

Standard IHMSA: Don't load or shoot any handgun cartridge with a density less than 60% of the case volume

IHMSA will be after me.

 

[Tangent]

Non-issue with fast pistol powders. 2.8 Bullseye or N310 with a 148gr HBWC was a standard load for the 1500. Very accurate at 50m.

 

[Oso]

I believe the comments around minimal Case Fill of Bullseye/Titegroup in .38/.357 have to with concerns around the potential to double charge a case without realizing it. Unlike common bulkier powders, the normal double charge SNAFU indicators aren't present - powder isn't spilling out of case or even close to the case mouth. To confirm powder is in case you still have to shine light into the case. Its a safety concern, which can be easily mitigated while reloading.

As far as performance of Bullseye and Titegroup loads, the minimal powder volume doesn't have any impact on its performance. Bulleye and Titegroup are accurate, cleaning burning, and nice recoil impulse.

 

[Krogen]

Standard IHMSA: Don't load or shoot any handgun cartridge with a density less than 60% of the case volume

Why? IHMSA rule or some people's general practice?

 

[David Milisock]

Sinve the .38 Special cartridge is rather large for the amount of powder recommended, isn't it a good idea to use a filler on top of the powder to keep the powder near the primer under all conditions!?

I've had no problems for over 35 years with a light load of Red Dot or American Select.

 

[Janeau]

Remember the volume of powder space is greatly reduced by having the 148 HBWC fully in the case. So that 2.7 gr charge has a very reduced volume avail them. Thats what make that load so great and accurate.

 

[hoz53]

When loading single stage, there is no good excuse for a double charge. -- scan your loaded cases in the filled loading blocks with a flashlight before you start your bullet seating process. Even a double charge of 3 grains stands out like a hooker at a church pot-luck.
jd

single stage is no problem, it’s progresives where the danger is and it could be no charge or double charge. if i load pistol on a progressive i look at the charge in every case. but it only takes missing one to cause problems. the charge indicators are the only way to go in my view.

 

[4570rules]

I've switched to the .38 Short Colt case to eliminate the excessive capacity. Shoots better than .38 spl brass in my 627. You will need a 9mm bullet seater and taper crimp die to use the short cases.

 

[Janeau]

It a solution for a problem that do not exist. The .38 Spl case with a HBWC with 2.7 gr of bullseye prove - over and over that this light load - work. This load won more PPC and Bulleye competition than anything else.

There is no excessive capacity with this load unless you to do load it as it should - with the bullet flush with the case mouth.