[iblong]

I just ordered Some soft 158gr LSWC HP bullets,There the same ones buffalow bore uses and Im looking to get them to 900-1000fps.in a 2" snubbie with as low a flash as possible,These are gass checked bullets,any recomendations? I was thinking mabe power pistol.
Thanks,Bob.

[Remo-99]

I think you'll be hard pressed to get much over 900fps in a 2 inch snubbie even with +P loads, which is not recommended in many small frame revolvers like alloy J frame S&W's and such.

H-Clays is low flash powder, but it's too fast to give max velocities in 38spl. Muzzle flash maybe something that you can't get away from, if your trying for max velocity in a 2 inch barrel.

Just my thoughts on the matter

[jfh]

FWIW--some of us have been doing lots of testing for velocities with 2" barrel guns--first, with the typical GDSB38+P 135-gr. load (about 860 fps), and then with "FBI-type" loads about (800+fps).

It is just about impossible to get a 158LSWC(-HP) above 850 fps and remain at 38+P pressures.
Two powders that do show promise are HS-6 and True Blue--and even these are running at CIP pressures, not SAAMI 38+P. Power Pistol may also give a good run at that--but I have yet to test it with the 158-gr. bullets.

I think I can categorically state that any retail / consumer powder will require pressures approaching 30,000 PSI to get a 158-gr. bullet running at 900 fps. I've tested several combinations at 900 fps in my stainless 640, and these are NOT 38+P loads.

As for low flash, Ramshot Silhouette is a good one.

Searching for the "maximum" FBI-type load is interesting, all right. Get yourself a chrono and join the group.

Jim H.

[iblong]

Searching for the "maximum" FBI-type load is interesting, all right. Get yourself a chrono and join the group.


I guess that would be the thing to do.
Thanks,Bob.

[243winxb]

Check the Hodgdon site. Speer Manual #8 lists loads for 2" 38 special revolvers. 158gr Speer Lead SWC SR4756 @ 1023 fps out of a 2"barrel. The amount of powder is to hot IMO so not listing grains here. Another load given for a 158gr speer SP is 1000fps , 2"bbl. with even more powder. KABOOM IMO. I use Alliant Unique with a 158+gr cast lswc that chronograph @ 798fps.

[ArchAngelCD]

In addition the 2 powders Jim H. mentioned (HS-6 and True Blue) I'll add AA#5. You will get the highest velocities with those 3 powders without pushing the pressures too high. (as compared to most other powders in that burn rate class) My favorite of the 3 is HS-6. I can get ~900 fps from a 2" barrel with HS-6 and the rounds are clean, accurate and low flash.

(sorry I'm not home so I can't quote you exact numbers)

[parisite]

I think for that purpose, Power Pistol is about as good a candidate powder as you will find. It's great at pushing bullets fast without max pressures.