DHD
Silver $$ Contributor
Someone mentioned a Rifle load compared to a revolver load earlier though he was actually referencing a slower powder. For that barrel length, I'd start with his advice to start. A slower revolver (pistol) powder that doesn't get upset by downloading or a medium revolver powder that doesn't get weird with being loaded warm is a good start. Examples in my opinion are 2400 and AA9 on the slow side and HS-6 on the medium side should work well.
Such a long barrel will want a good lube too. I really learned how important a good softer lube was shooting something similar years back (BPCR). One of the reasons for a hard commercial lube was because it stays put in the grease grooves for bulk packed bullets. It also stays put in the grease grooves down the barrel, out of the barrel, and into the back stop. The main problem (again in my opinion) with a softer lube is it is not as easily stored in the grooves. The bullets can stick together and make a mess etc etc. I can't think of an application where a good softer lube isn't a better option when it comes to actually shooting the bullets using it. Let me climb down off of my soapbox....
The faster powders will work and who knows, may be just what you are looking for. I think you are playing with a different beast than just a 38 Special with that barrel length. A most definitely fun beast but one that you may need to treat differently than a garden variety 38 Special. I like these projects!
Such a long barrel will want a good lube too. I really learned how important a good softer lube was shooting something similar years back (BPCR). One of the reasons for a hard commercial lube was because it stays put in the grease grooves for bulk packed bullets. It also stays put in the grease grooves down the barrel, out of the barrel, and into the back stop. The main problem (again in my opinion) with a softer lube is it is not as easily stored in the grooves. The bullets can stick together and make a mess etc etc. I can't think of an application where a good softer lube isn't a better option when it comes to actually shooting the bullets using it. Let me climb down off of my soapbox....
The faster powders will work and who knows, may be just what you are looking for. I think you are playing with a different beast than just a 38 Special with that barrel length. A most definitely fun beast but one that you may need to treat differently than a garden variety 38 Special. I like these projects!
