bukijin
Member
Hi. Today I was making some test .38 target loads which I'll be shooting out of a S&W model 627 .357 revolver. (5inch barrel)
Specifically, 158gr SWC with PMC primers and AP50N powder in .38 cases.
I just realized that .38S&W is different to .38 Special.
The manual gives loads of 3.2gr (starting) to 3.8gr (maximum) for .38 special giving velocities between 660 and 800 fps.
However I also accidently looked at data for .38S&W which gave a load of 2.8gr for a velocity of 700 fps out of a 4inch barrel.
I made batches of 20 rounds at 2.8, 3.0, 3.3, 3.5,and 3.7gr - intending to go to the range and test them for accuracy, recoil and how fun they were to shoot. The 2.8gr and 3.0 gr rounds are below the published starting loads for.38 special. Do you think the projectiles will clear the barrel ok ? If it were you, would you shoot them off or just pull them apart and notch the mistake up to experience ?
Before tonight I never even heard of the .38S&W cartridge. AP50N powder is manufactured by ADI and is supposed to be the equivalent of HP-38.
Specifically, 158gr SWC with PMC primers and AP50N powder in .38 cases.
I just realized that .38S&W is different to .38 Special.
The manual gives loads of 3.2gr (starting) to 3.8gr (maximum) for .38 special giving velocities between 660 and 800 fps.
However I also accidently looked at data for .38S&W which gave a load of 2.8gr for a velocity of 700 fps out of a 4inch barrel.
I made batches of 20 rounds at 2.8, 3.0, 3.3, 3.5,and 3.7gr - intending to go to the range and test them for accuracy, recoil and how fun they were to shoot. The 2.8gr and 3.0 gr rounds are below the published starting loads for.38 special. Do you think the projectiles will clear the barrel ok ? If it were you, would you shoot them off or just pull them apart and notch the mistake up to experience ?
Before tonight I never even heard of the .38S&W cartridge. AP50N powder is manufactured by ADI and is supposed to be the equivalent of HP-38.