Powder Choice for Heavy Projectiles in 38 Special

[9mmepiphany]

When I first saw the title I was thinking 180-200 grain projectiles.

That is what I thought when I read the tittle also.

For 158gr-170gr, I usually push them with Clays

If you're interested in trying a more modern powder, BE-86 works really well and is currently on sale at Natchez discounted $89 for the 8lb jug. They also have HP-38 (same as 231) on sale, but the discount isn't as large

 

[DMW1116]

I have W231 and Silhouette available and will likely try them before I go searching for another powder. Both have shown promise in my Blackhawk but just didn’t hold it together with lighter bullets (125 grains).

 

[AJC1]

I have W231 and Silhouette available and will likely try them before I go searching for another powder. Both have shown promise in my Blackhawk but just didn’t hold it together with lighter bullets (125 grains).

158 cast is 8.4 sil, and 170s 358429 is 6.8 sil.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I have W231 and Silhouette available and will likely try them before I go searching for another powder. Both have shown promise in my Blackhawk but just didn’t hold it together with lighter bullets (125 grains).

That’s funny because I used WAP with 110gr Sierra JHP’s in .38Spl many years ago in my 4” Diamondback and Combat Masterpiece. It was one of the faster standard pressure loads they both liked.

 

[DMW1116]

That powder is almost as polarized as the Lee FCD

FWIW, I like those too.