Mostly RMR RN 124gr but have been testing MPR and FN 124gr.What bullets are you using and powder charge? I have found bullets used is a key factor in how accurate a load can be along with powder charge range depending on the burn rate.
As illustrated by target shot groups on post #18 and post #20, accuracy of a load is dependent on bullet, powder charge and OAL/COL consistency.
Well, Part of me says i carry 124/147gr +p at work so load something in the normal factory specs. Not necessarily +p but normal factory velocity so if i ever do get a bad situation im not used to light mouse fart loads.How about velocity? Are you pushing W231/HP-38 at max charges or wanting lighter target loads? If looking for below max target loads, you may obtain more accurate loads with faster burning powders like Titegroup, Bullseye, Target, etc.
If looking for higher velocity full-power loads, you may obtain accurate higher velocity loads with powders like BE-86, WSF, CFE Pistol, HS-6, AutoComp, etc.
Im loading hp-38 to 4.2-4.3gr now for RMR RN. seems [to] cycle the gun and accuracy is decent. Hodgdon says i can crank it to 4.8 but 4.4 is the most ive ever went and was always told don't beat the gun up unless its necessary like sending a few duty rounds down range for verification. I guess im more just looking for a more accurate powder. Right now im just shooting some amateur idpa matches and sometimes they do courses where accuracy counts.
For recoil that "pushes" rather than "flip/snap", I suggest slower burn rate powders than W231/HP-38. As already suggested, BE-86, WSF, CFE Pistol etc. are great choices. Many like Power Pistol but I prefer smaller muzzle flash, especially for indoor shooting.i like them to push more then flip.
To be honest, 9mm IDPA power factor loads around 125-130 are better produced by W231/HP-38 and faster burn rate powders as slower burn rate powders won't burn efficient enough at lower charges to produce optimal consistent chamber pressures.I guess im more just looking for a more accurate powder. Right now im just shooting some amateur idpa matches and sometimes they do courses where accuracy counts.
For recoil that "pushes" rather than "flip/snap", I suggest slower burn rate powders than W231/HP-38. As already suggested, BE-86, WSF, CFE Pistol etc. are great choices. Many like Power Pistol but I prefer smaller muzzle flash, especially for indoor shooting.
What power level?My top performing powders in 38spl, all with 125gr bullets, are:
1) BE-86
What power level?
How many rounds are you shooting in all those less than 1" groups and are they free hand or off a rest or what?I probably should have qualified my statement better. These were actually my most accurate loads in 38spl. using my Ruger SP101 3". I have updated my previous post to indicate accuracy:
1) BE-86, 5.4gr (HSM 125gr PFN, 767fps,PF 95, .52" @10yards)
2) Power Pistol, 5.8gr (ACME 125gr FPHTC, 881fps, PF 110, .58" @10yards)
3) Unique, 5.4gr (ACME 125gr FPHTC, 892fps,PF 111, .62" @10yards)
4) 700X, 4.0gr (ACME 125gr FPHTC, 803fps,PF 100, .65" @10yards)
5) HP-38, 4.6gr (ACME 125gr FPHTC, 808fps,PF 104, .73" @10yards)
How many rounds are you shooting in all those less than 1" groups and are they free hand or off a rest or what?
Nicknamed Loudshot for a reasonIf the excessive report of Longshot is unacceptable to you
I agree, it's good stuff.American Select is a superb powder to use with lead and coated bullets in .38 special. It is a fairly bulky flake powder made by Alliant with a burning speed a little slower than Bullseye. It burns cool due to a very low nitroglycerin content, has next to no muzzle flash, and burns clean throughout its load range.