need data for bullseye and 125 grain bullet

[whm1974]

Ok I just got started on reloading. Right now I'm using 3.5 grains of Bullseye with 158 grain L-SWC(.38 Special). I want to try out 125 grain bullets, but the books and charts I have don't give me data on how much bullseye powder to use. I have a little over a pound and a half of bullseye sitting around, so switching powder right now isn't a option.

Thanks guys

-Bill

 

[HSMITH]

Are the 125's going to be jacketed or lead?

 

[Jim Watson]

Alliant data at
http://www.alliantpowder.com/

Look at the standard .38 Special listing for 125 grain jacketed bullets, the Cowboy section for 125 grain cast.

 

[whm1974]

Are the 125's going to be jacketed or lead?

Lead. This will be a target/plinking load. I was thinking of just switching bullet wieghts and using the same powder charge or a little bit less. I might try out jacketed if I find a deal on them.

Look at the standard .38 Special listing for 125 grain jacketed bullets, the Cowboy section for 125 grain cast.

Didn't even think about looking in the cowboy section. Looking at it, I could use 3 or 3.5 grains of powder with a 125 gr lead bullet.

I just got back at the range 30 minutes ago. While I was shooting, my hands were getting dirty from reloading and the gun was also getting fouled up. I'm thinking that once the powder I have is used up, I'll switch to cleaner burning powder and/or to harder cast bullets. What is a good clean burning powder for .38 Special?

-Bill

 

[Jim Watson]

The main source of soot all over gun, brass, and hands is the bullet lube.
Harder cast lead will not do anything about it, and will be liklier to lead the bore in light loads.
There are "cleaner" powders than Bullseye, but you might not be able to tell the difference without going to jacketed, plated, or coated bullets.
But if you just want to try, Clays is the cleanest burning powder I have used and Titegroup is pretty good if you load it to near full charge. 700X is, too, but it is a large flake powder and does not meter as well as Ball or fine flake. I have heard well of Winchester Super Target but haven't shot it.

 

[000Buck]

They should rename Bullseye to Smokestack, wow! That stuff is nasty indoors.

 

[whm1974]

They should rename Bullseye to Smokestack, wow! That stuff is nasty indoors.

I shoot at an outdoor range and I could feel the powder smoke in my throut which is another reason why I want a cleaner powder.

-Bill

 

[Sunray]

Don't worry about how dirty any powder is if you're getting good accuracy. You can always wash your hands.

 

[whm1974]

Don't worry about how dirty any powder is if you're getting good accuracy. You can always wash your hands.

Well yes, but now it takes me longer to clean my gun then it did when I was using Winchester ammo. I'm going to try harder cast bullets first.

-Bill

 

[stans]

Bullseye is a smokey powder. Watching someone shoot an IPSC match on a windless day and using Bullseye frequently looks more like they are shooting black powder! The dirt on the gun is a combination of soot from the powder and vaporized bullet lubricant. Also, watch your crimp on your reloads. Too little crimp will result in incomplete combustion and more soot. Even with light wadcutter loads, I apply a light to moderate roll crimp on my revolver rounds.

 

[whm1974]

Bullseye is a smokey powder. Watching someone shoot an IPSC match on a windless day and using Bullseye frequently looks more like they are shooting black powder! The dirt on the gun is a combination of soot from the powder and vaporized bullet lubricant. Also, watch your crimp on your reloads. Too little crimp will result in incomplete combustion and more soot. Even with light wadcutter loads, I apply a light to moderate roll crimp on my revolver rounds.

I know what you mean. When I was shooting Winchester ammo(Range is owned by Olin) I barely notice the smoke. Shooting my reloads, thick black smoke is coming out of my barrel. However I'm sort of committed to reloading since I can afford to shoot everyweek.

When I use my powder up I'll start looking for a better powder.

-Bill