Powder recommendations

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RichardKCMo

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I'm about to start loading for .38 special and wondered what powders people are using for plinking and what for standard loads?
I'll be shooting cast bullets, thanks.
Richard
 
That is correct - W231 is Winchester 231

I would concur that is a good .38Spcl powder.
I would also suggest Winchester Super Target (WST), Alliant Red Dot, Accurate #5 (AA#5), and Hodgdon Universal Clays. I've had good luck with all of those with lead bullets out of 2 & 4 inch barrels.
 
Red Dot is great for target loads (normal lead bullets.) Bullseye is great for target loads (wadcutters) and standard loads.
 
Hodgdon Universal. It will do target type loads up to +P 38 special loads. A double charge in a case should be easily detectable so little chance of double charging. Lastly, it's clean.

All the Best,
D. White
 
One must pay 100% attention to what you are doing and you'll never have a double charge. If I worried or didn't pay attention to my reloading and only loaded high capacity powders I would miss out on some real fine powders. W-231 and WSF for two...

W-231 will take you from a mouse (mild) round up to the top +P
 
38 Special is the easiest caliber to load, most any fast-to-medium speed pistol powder will work. I started loading with Bullseye decades ago, the standard target load: 2.9Gr Bullseye under 148gr lead HBWC.

My current favorite is W231 - much cleaner than Bullseye, and very economical.

Tried Accurate #2 - got incomplete powder burn with light loads.
Trail Boss is next on my experiment list, I get excellent results with TB in 45 Colt and 357 Mag cowboy loads.
LT
 
W231 is a great powder, especially for jacketed bullets. I rarely use jacketed bullets though, so haven't used 231 since I stopped competing, years ago.

These days I burn more Unique than anything else. I favor the 158 cast SWC in both the .38 and the .357. In the .38, Unique is great for mid range to fairly warm loads.

For sheer enjoyability and accuracy, the 148 swaged HBWC (I like the Hornady the best by far) with Bullseye (2.7 grains is best for me) can't be beat.
 
W-231, Clays, American Select, Red Dot, 700X, AA #2, Bullseye, Solo 1000.

Any of these will be serviceable. I like Clays or 700X with lighter bullets, and AA #2 with heavier bullets, although 700X and Clays work well there too.
 
AA#2, works well for me, light to medium loads, cast and jacketed.

I am not the worlds greatest shot by any means, but this is a look at what AA#2 does for me.

SmithModel1010292007.jpg

PICT0151.jpg
 
I like Bullseye and w231 both work well. One time I ran out and had about 4 lbs. of Blue Dot, it did work but had muzzle flash and burned really dirty. That's how I learn not to be cheap!!:uhoh:
 
As stated, I like Bullseye for 148 gr Wad cutters. With Lead, I am having alot of luck with Trail Boss but W231, BE, Unique, AA#2, Clays, Ami Select, Red Dot, 700X.... The list goes on...

LGB
 
As you see there are many powders used and liked by the reloaders here for the .38 Special. There must be at least 24 different powders I can think of right now that will do a good job in the .38 Special. Unlike a few Decades ago there are many good powders to choose from. Today, for the most part you can choose a company you like best and they will have a very good powder for most applications you want to reload for.
 
Ok, guys , here's what i did , i got some trailboss and some w231 and Mo bullet co. is just up the road, so iguess before i cast i'll learn to reload.
Thanks again for the input.
RichardKCMo
Add i forgot to say armored man those are some great targets, i know i have a ways to go, i'm going to start at 50'.
 
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