Loads for .38 Spl in a v-e-r-y long barrel
- Thread starter COLT45SA
- Start date
For a 158-grain bullet in a 38 special (nonplus+) lead bullet, I would choose 231 or Unique with a roll crimp.
I would also distinguish between load data for a hard cast bullet which can be driven faster, and a swage bullet which should not be driven over 900 f/s to prevent excessive leading. A swage bullet will give you the potential for greater accuracy versus a hard case lead bullet although the Oregon Trail Laser Cast bullets are very accurate in my experience, on par with swaged bullets.
I would also distinguish between load data for a hard cast bullet which can be driven faster, and a swage bullet which should not be driven over 900 f/s to prevent excessive leading. A swage bullet will give you the potential for greater accuracy versus a hard case lead bullet although the Oregon Trail Laser Cast bullets are very accurate in my experience, on par with swaged bullets.
For years, my wife and I shot a modified version of outdoor silhouette using a 158 gr. SWC lead bullet. Always used Win 231. The firearm was a S&W 586 with a 8-1/4 inch barrel.
COLT45SA
Silver $$ Contributor
26-1/2" barrel relined to .38 Special inch on a very old 1885 Low-Wall Winchester (mfg date 1892)~!
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I'd use 2400, probably over book but haven't checked. GOOD LUCK! I'd be interested in your results. The loads listed while fine in a revolver lack a little as far as accuracy (velocity). If those didn't work I'd probably go to H-110 Or 296 neither of which I've had good results. Gary
With that barrel length, I’d certainly be looking up rifle loads vs revolver loads. I think you want a slower burning powder for this.
While ideal for the 357 Magnum especially with 158 grain jacketed bullets, the problem with slower burning powders like 2400, 296, and H110 in the 38 special is that they tend to not burn efficiently in small charges that's why a lot of loading manuals do not list them for this cartridge.
I know that Keith had considerable success with heavy charges of 2400 in a 38 special the heavy N frame S&W revolver but powders like Unique and 231 burning rates are more efficient for 38 special (non-plus P) loads.
I know that Keith had considerable success with heavy charges of 2400 in a 38 special the heavy N frame S&W revolver but powders like Unique and 231 burning rates are more efficient for 38 special (non-plus P) loads.
Reloder 17?! LMAO!!!
COLT45SA
Silver $$ Contributor
What did you find so funny about that responders comment~????
XTR
F-TR obssessed shooting junkie
The problem with rifle speed powders designed for bottlenecked cases is that the pressure tends to drop too fast to get complete burn in straight walled cases. In a 45-70 a case full of Varget will leave unburned kernels in the bore. For that cartridge you have to stay in the speed range of IMR 3031, H4198, Rx7, or AA 5744.
I think you’re going to have to go off the menu to find what your looking for.
I think you’re going to have to go off the menu to find what your looking for.
With that long a barrel, for only .38---which, mind you, is exactly the kind of thing I would rope myself into---it was a joke about using RE-17 to maximize burn.
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