38 spec 158gr LRN?

black_powder_Rob · Jun 11, 2012

If I am shooting a 158gr HBLRN bullet does it need lube? I ask because I made up 20 rounds to test with a few charges going from3.0 to 3.3grs of WIN-231 and was wondering if I needed to pull the bullets lube them and re-seat them. The revolver they will be shooting out of is going to be a S&W 642.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/16...pecial-358-diameter-158-grain-lead-round-nose

the link gos to the bullets that I am using. (this is just a plinking and practice round.)

Thanks for any help in advance.

MEHavey · Jun 11, 2012

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/165...ead-round-nose
the link gos to the bullets that I am using.

If that's the actual bullet, it's already got lube in the (blue/black) grease groove in the middle of the shank.

postscript: Reloader's page (and Hodgdon) would tell you to make sure the bullet has
cleared the barrel on that 3.0g/W231 load. It is below recommended minimum.

black_powder_Rob · Jun 11, 2012

that is the bullets but in person it does not the the off gray ring it has an indention with some ridges and on the website I am noticeing that it says there is no coating.

as to the pst script i will just pull those bullets and re charge them. thanks.

This is my first try at hand loading and was trying to start with a small charge. went over the Hodgon man and from what i read it didn't mention the minimum charge.

rcmodel · Jun 11, 2012

went over the Hodgon man and from what i read it didn't mention the minimum charge.

Yes, it does.

The data tables where you got the load info clearly says STARTING LOADS and MAXIMUM LOADS at the top of each data page.

The Starting Load minimum is 3.1, and the MAX is 3.7 with W231.

I doubt 3.0 will stick a bullet.

But for the beginning reloader, it is never a good idea to think if a Starting Load is good, less then that is better.

Not enough can be as dangerous as too much in many calibers.

rc

black_powder_Rob · Jun 11, 2012

Thanks for the info rcmodel, the manuel I have is the online one and the min and max loads that they list are only found in the cowboy loading section. (this was not where I was looking but now that I am looking at it, it gives more loads with the 158gr lrn.) Good to know, that is why I love this sight allways many experienced people willing to help.

Steve C · Jun 11, 2012

Commercial lead bullets are almost always sold with lube on them. The bullets you bought have a wax type lube that covers the entire bullet and you should be able to feel it or scratch it off to get to bare lead. The only time you will need to worry about lubricating your bullets is if you cast your own or buy a special order without lube.

There is several types of bullet lube. Some is greasy, come are a dry coating that covers the entire bullet, some is a colored (usually blue or red) wax coating that is contained in a bullet lube ring around the bullet.

MEHavey · Jun 11, 2012

The reviews were pretty good on this bullet w/ light loads.
I may have to try some out over 3.5gr of Trailboss in my .357/`92Winchester

ArchAngelCD · Jun 11, 2012

There is no reason to pull those bullets. Like said above, commercial bullets almost always come pre sized and lubed, those certainly do.

IMO you will enjoy shooting those bullets up near the top of the pressure range instead of the bottom. W231 and most other powders burn better and cleaner at the higher pressure/charge weights.

MEHavey · Jun 18, 2012

Some time back I mused that I'd try those MagTech bullets in my 357/92Winchester as they had a good rep for accuracy
even though lube was apparently confined to a single very shallow groove

So I picked some up from Midway and loaded them over CCI small pistol primers and 3.6gr Trailboss (as instructed by
Saint QuickLoad) for a projected easy velocity of low/mid 800's.

All went well for shots 1-8 at 50 yards and I had a V-average of 835fps reading from the Oehler. Then #9 went high 6"
and #10 went low 6 inches. Upon looking at the bore, it had started to lead in the last 2" of that 20" barrel.
(Looks like it literally "ran outta lube" at that point.) :cuss:

Shooting them literally felt like a gallery load of 22 short -- pleasant is the word.
Maybe I'll slow'em down some more than try again.

ArchAngelCD · Jun 19, 2012

MEHavey said:
Some time back I mused that I'd try those MagTech bullets in my 357/92Winchester as they had a good rep for accuracy
even though lube was apparently confined to a single very shallow groove

So I picked some up from Midway and loaded them over CCI small pistol primers and 3.6gr Trailboss (as instructed by
Saint QuickLoad) for a projected easy velocity of low/mid 800's.

All went well for shots 1-8 at 50 yards and I had a V-average of 835fps reading from the Oehler. Then #9 went high 6"
and #10 went low 6 inches. Upon looking at the bore, it had started to lead in the last 2" of that 20" barrel.
(Looks like it literally "ran outta lube" at that point.)

Shooting them literally felt like a gallery load of 22 short -- pleasant is the word.
Maybe I'll slow'em down some more than try again.

I highly doubt it's the pressure or velocity that is causing the problem so slowing them down probably won't help. A 20" barrel is a bit long for a .38 Special bullet with "normal" lube that usually has to travel no more than 8 3/8". If you want to keep shooting them in that rifle without leading the barrel you might want to add additional lube in the form of some Lee Liquid Alox. I'm sure that will cure the problem...

MEHavey · Jun 19, 2012

Good suggestion.
I'll try it.

(Now here's the question: apply the stuff before or after seating since the seating will scrape
off the lube on the sides?

Well, found (an) answer with a little Googling:

Code:

         "Add a few drops to a cottege cheese container
         (eat the cottege cheese first) then just swirl
          your bullets around."

http://www.shootersforum.com/118115-post3.html

That said, I think I'll try 10 rounds pre-loading a la cottage cheese, and 10 rounds dipped after
loading and see if any difference

38 spec 158gr LRN?

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