This is one of my favorites:I can't find good online load data for this purpose.
I plan on using 125 JHPs (maybe 110 JHPs if I can find any) and powders I have on hand: Unique, WST, Accurate #5.
Any safe recommendations that would put me in the +P range?
Thanks
Most 38s have a hard time expanding hollowpoints. Speer made a 130 specifically for short barrels but I've never been able to get a box. If it was carry ammo for pest control and around the farm I'd be keen on an swc in the 125-140 area for decent energy and not so much sectional density your shooting way through. If this is carry ammo I would opt to buy a box, shoot 10 for practice and Cary 5 with 5 in a speed loader....I can't find good online load data for this purpose.
I plan on using 125 JHPs (maybe 110 JHPs if I can find any) and powders I have on hand: Unique, WST, Accurate #5.
Any recommendations?
Thanks
Experiment as you wish. IMO nothing beats a 148 HBWC at target velocity.
Ask me and I'll tell you why.
I can't find good online load data for this purpose.
You're not looking hard enough. There is data for Unique and A#5 online.
I have been reloading for 43 years and have a half dozen manuals, but nothing specific for snub-nosed revolvers.
I have been reloading for 43 years and have a half dozen manuals, but nothing specific for snub-nosed revolvers.
Speer has some data for snubs using their “SB” version of the Gold Dot. I tried some of those loads and they seem pretty good but nothing special. The velocities Speer claims are hopeful but in my guns not what the Chrony says. That said, the Speer 135gr GDHP-SB is a good bullet. Very consistent and I get pretty good “accuracy” (7yds) from them in the Dick Special. 5gr of Unique is the spot.I have been reloading for 43 years and have a half dozen manuals, but nothing specific for snub-nosed revolvers.
Power Pistol would be my absolute last choice for a nightstand gun due to flash and bark. Silhouette has flash suppressant as does be-86 I think. Power Pistol can be fun at the range but I won't buy any more.The top listed loads from Alliant / Hodgdon for Unique / AA#5 are pretty good for a snub. WST might be OK, but I did not see load data for a light bullet.
A short barrel does not change the "max load" but it may make selecting the "optimum" powder slightly different than typical load data would indicate.
I ran some Quickload stuff to look at "best" powders for a 125 from a 2" snub. At the same pressures, AA #5 will be about 7 fps faster than Unique. Of the common powders better than AA #5, the best are probably AA#7 and Power Pistol which will give you another 12 fps or so.
With AA#5, I would only expect around 890 fps from a snub. I am not sure how much expansion is assured for typical over the counter bullets. Name brand factory 125 self defense ammo is likely to use bullets a little more appropriate than you will be able to find for your reloads. Reloading with any available 125 JSP/JHP for practice and using factory for SD might be a good idea for this application.
The problem with snubs is that it is hard to get enough velocity to get expansion with standard pressure 38. They also tend to be light weight, so you feel recoil more when you shoot them. I think there are two ways to go here:
- For a night stand gun I would consider a 4 inch barrel. You get meaningfully more velocity (usually enough to get expansion) and the guns are heavier so they soak up more recoil and are easier to shoot while still being easily maneuverable.
- If you are set on a snub, forget expansion. Pick a bullet that is all meplat (DEWC or HBWC) and drive it as fast as you can within pressure limits while still getting good accuracy. I like DEWCs for this because you don't have to worry about blowing skirts off the HBWCs and can drive them as fast as you like within the limits of the cartridge.
When dealing with smaller, more concealable guns, I generally choose to trade off some power for better accuracy and controllability. That lets you get fast follow up shots and the gun is controllable.
I used to carry reversed hollow base wadcutters in a Chiefs Special 40 years ago, but never had the "opportunity" to shoot anyone.
OK… I’ll bite. Why?Experiment as you wish. IMO nothing beats a 148 HBWC at target velocity.
Ask me and I'll tell you why.