Need 38 Special Load for Lever Gun

[CorpOffroader]

I just acquired a Henry Big Boy X in 38/357 Mag (after looking for almost a year) and I have been searching for 38 Special Loading data for a plinking round. I haven't see any in any of the reloading manuals I have looked in.

I can't be the only one shooting this

I would like to use a copper plated (Berry?) as opposed to a lead round in 158 gr, they are FPS limited to 1250.

Too cold up here in WI to shoot outdoors currently, so working on my reloading.

Any suggestions? Standard or +P?

Thanks,

 

[kenhwind]

I would still use the .357 case. If you shoot the .38 Special case it will foul the chamber, which is not big deal unless you switch to the .357, whereas the case may be hard to extract. Maybe not so much in a lever gun but can be an issue in a revolver.

I do not know if any loading manuals have 38 Special "rifle" specific data.

FWIW: It is too cold here in Florida to shoot outdoors.

 

[C_Ackley]

I'd use Hodgdon's cowboy loads which have a great many low pressure, small charge loads for use with cast lead bullets.

 

[Litespeed]

I never plan to shoot full power in mine and am currently loading .38 Special with Bullseye and 130gr polymer coated bullets from Badman Bullets. I've shot Berry's before but prefer the polymer coated and believe they cost less.

The Lyman printed manual has a lot of loads listed for Lead bullets.

One thing to note, check to see what the minimum OAL your rifle will function with. If they get to short you won't be able to load from the tubular magazine.

 

[Oso]

From my experience there are three powders that I prefer for 38SPL for light to moderate loads (TrailBoss, Bullseye, and Titegroup).

If you are wanting moderate to standard velocity that are accurate, clean burning and outstanding case fill then TrailBoss. TrailBoss was designed as black powder replacement so it is bulky material. At same velocity, TrailBoss has about 3x the case compared to Bullseye or Titegroup so less risk of double-charge.

At upper end of velocity, Bullseye or Titegroup are better (small granules that easily fit easily inside case).

If you are planning to use 357 cases while making it a softer load then definitely try TrailBoss first. No regrets!

 

[DGP4]

You will want to test different weight bullets to see what shoots best. My Rossi 92 prefers 125 grain bullets. I use the Hornady HAP bullets in that weight with either Titegroup, WST or Clean shot powder. Start low end of the manual recommendations and work up to your best load.