Which powder is better for .38 snub nose?

[LivewireBlanco]

Unique or Win 231? I'm using 110 gr Hornady XTP bullet. Gun is a S&W 642. The powders mentioned are what I have already. I'm wanting to load them to maximum .38 Spl loads even though the 642 is rated for +P.

 

[Certaindeaf]

.I'm wanting to load them to maximum .38 Spl loads even though the 642 is rated for +P.

Well that's different.

 

[AABEN]

Winchester 231

 

[rcmodel]

Unique will give you slightly higher velocity at standard pressure.
It better to push instead of shove!
And Unique is slightly slower then W231.

rc

 

[Hungry1]

Whichever you use, I'd be interested in hearing if you experience any crimp jump.

I love my LCR, but I've had to resort to factory ammo when I carry with it. My reloads work fine in lager framed revolvers, SP101 and GP100. However, the small frame jumps a bit too much for 100% reliability.

For what it's worth, I've been using Unique with cast lead.

Good Luck

 

[rcmodel]

If factory loads will work, then your reloads can be made to work too.

You have an insufficient roll-crimp issue that can be addressed with a simple die adjustment.

rc

 

[sbrader]

I use Unique in an LCR with no problems. In my experience, you have to load it mid-range and up if you want it to burn cleanly. Those loads ended up a touch too hot for my wife, so I load a bunch of plinking rounds with Trail Boss for her to shoot at the range.

 

[rsrocket1]

If you are talking about a 2" barrel, I'll bet you couldn't tell the difference between a max 38 sp (non+P) with Unique or W231, although W231 will get you that max pressure with about 10% less powder.

 

[rcmodel]

And Unique will give you about 10% higher velocity at the same pressure.

rc

 

[jim8115]

My testing has shown Power Pistol to have the best velocity in short barrels

JIM

 

[rsrocket1]

Actually, 7 fps faster for W231 5.3g @ 15,000 psi on that particular load vs 5.9g Unique.

No, I wouldn't have guessed it either because typically a powder that works better for a long barrel works better for a short barrel also. Could you prove 7 fps difference in real life? Probably not. But in this case real life tests would show a wash.

BTW, in a 4" bbl, Unique wins 995 fps to 971 fps for W231.

HOMEWORK TIME!

 

[sellersm]

I'd vote for Unique, but I think it's probably a wash: either one, for less powder, use 231.

 

[LivewireBlanco]

Thanks guys! I'll probably go with Unique at about 5.9 gr since it will fill up the case a bit more. I have a 2" and my fiance has a 2 1/4". I'm using a 95 gr LRN with 3.2 gr of Trailboss as a plinker. You wanna talk about an easy plinking load!

 

[MutinousDoug]

If you guys are talking about a SD load for low light situations, you might want to go with faster burning propellants in your snubs and disregard the last few fps velocity .
The cooler the propellant gas following a bullet out of the bore, the less flash there will be.
You're going to see flash from the bbl/cyl gap in any case but the fewer total lumins your eye sees in those few milliseconds, the less they will adjust for flash so the better you will see afterwards, assuming you aren't looking into the muzzle flash of your opponent's magnum.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm a big fan of W231 especially in standard pressure .38 Special rounds. But like said above, if it's higher velocities you're looking for unique being a slower powder than W231 will deliver higher velocities.

If you're looking for the highest velocities and are willing to switch powders HS-6 is an excellent choice. HS-6 will really push that bullet and the pressures will be below other powders in the same burn rate range. That's a win-win in anyone's book IMO.

 

[gamestalker]

I prefer slow burning powders for getting velocity up. HS6 and Longshot will get you at +P while maintaining a consistent pressure curve. Some say short barreled handguns don't have enough barrel to accomodate the slower burn rate, but I have found no evidense that supports that.

I'm using a 110 gr. XTP and 7.5 grs. of Longshot with chronographed velocities exceeding 1250 fps. HS6 has a max charge of 8.4 grs. to get about the same velcoities. No need for a magnum primer, just use a standard CCI-500 or Win. SPP. But if you go this route, be sure to use a good firm roll crimp, or those bullets will jump clean out of the case mouth. Both of these powders burn very clean too.

GS

 

[john wall]

When I commercially loaded, specialty MAX loads for J frames used Titegroup powder. VERY LITTLE MUZZLE FLASH, very high speeds in 2" barrels.

Don't be shy with the crimp die.

 

[Hondo 60]

I've loaded 10s of 1000s of 38 spl rounds with Tite Group.
Very economical, supposedly position insensitive, low recoil, etc, etc.

But speed is not one of it's benefits.
A very fast powder will hit the pressure limit too soon to get max velocity.

My favorite load is 3.7 gr with a 125 gr plated hp.
(that's lead range - not jacketed as recommended by Berry's)
In my old S&W Model 38 I get roughly 700 fps, in a 4" barrel I get about 50 extra fps.

I'm intentionally keeping it slower cuz a M38 is an aluminum airweight.

 

[Certaindeaf]

I'd drop some Red Dot down that brass.

 

[5thSFGroup]

LCR

When I load a LCR round for my wife, I use 125 gr lead bullet and Clays. When I load it for me, I use 158 grain bullet that I cast with HS6. If you do not want to use 125 grain rounds, stuff the 158 down the brass deep and use a light load.

I agree....if factory can be made to work, then you can make a load work. Worry more about accuracy than velocity...you are using a close range weapon.

 

[Hungry1]

I just got back from the range. Shot about 150 home-cast, 158 gr, LSWC, .357s over 5.5 and 6 gr of Unique through my LCR. No crimp jump, Hooray!


The crimp-jump problem I was having before was with Speer cast bullets. Probably my fault, but I'm sticking with my own cast boolits from now on.

Most of my shooting was done at 15yds, accuracy was very good.