ACME 38 CAL 125 Grain FP -COATED

A while ago I started another thread to solicit some advice on loading coated 125gr bullets to a specific +p velocity in 38spl. I did not get much advice in the thread, but I started developing some loads using the ACME 125gr FPHTC bullet. Since the previous thread did not get much traction, I decided to open a new thread dedicated to load using the 38 Caliber 125gr FP Coated bullet from ACME. Hopefully members will be able to get some information from my loads, and maybe also with load data.

Since the thread will contain some load data, the following warning could apply to any of the posted loads:

CAUTION: The following posts include loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.

So let's start with an overview of all the loads I have tested with this bullet. Please note that the loads/velocities highlighted in green were my most accurate load for the specific powder:



The next posts will list the detail chrono data for each Powder and also an image for at least the most accurate load for the powder.

Following are the BE-86 loads. These loads have been shared before in a previous post.

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, BE86, 5gr, GINEXSP
Average: 836
ES: 25
SD: 10.9
Force: 194
PF: 104
Velocities: 822, 847, 844, 840, 827
Grouping @ 7yards: .89"

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, BE86, 5.2gr, GINEXSP
Average: 856
ES: 31
SD: 11.5
Force: 203
PF: 107
Velocities: 858, 841, 872, 851, 860
Grouping @ 7yards: 1.65"


38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, BE86, 5.4gr, GINEXSP
Average: 874
ES: 11
SD: 4.6
Force: 212
PF: 109
Velocities: 868, 872, 876, 879, 878
Grouping @ 7yards: .78"

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, BE86, 5.6gr, GINEXSP
Average: 912
ES: 30
SD: 12.4
Force: 231
PF: 114
Velocities: 900, 901, 917, 930, 914
Grouping @ 7yards: 1.26"

Following are the HP-38 loads. These loads have also been shared in a previous post:

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, HP38, 4gr, GINEXSP
Average: 689
ES: 64
SD: 25.3
Force: 132
PF: 86
Velocities: 720, 672, 696, 702, 656
Grouping @ 7yards: 1.08"

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, HP38, 4.2gr, GINEXSP
Average: 726
ES: 74
SD: 29.5
Force: 146
PF: 90
Velocities: 739, 680, 744, 716, 754
Grouping @ 7yards: 1.14"

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, HP38, 4.4gr, GINEXSP
Average: 763
ES: 28
SD: 11.5
Force: 162
PF: 95
Velocities: 755, 783, 755, 764, 762
Grouping @ 7yards: 1.09"


38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, HP38, 4.6gr, GINEXSP
Average: 808
ES: 45
SD: 20.5
Force: 181
PF: 101
Velocities: 833, 796, 788, 796, 827
Grouping @ 7yards: .73"

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, HP38, 4.8gr, GINEXSP
Average: 841
ES: 46
SD: 16.8
Force: 196
PF: 105
Velocities: 848, 841, 815, 843, 861
Grouping @ 7yards: .90"

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, HP38, 5gr, GINEXSP
Average: 876
ES: 36
SD: 15.7
Force: 213
PF: 109
Velocities: 885, 888, 868, 887, 852
Grouping @ 7yards: 1.14"

Following are the PowerPistol loads. The best grouping image has been added.

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, PowerPistol, 5.2gr, WSP
Average: 789
ES: 30
SD: 11.7
Force: 173
PF: 98
Velocities: 774, 804, 797, 789, 783
Grouping @ 7yards: .99"

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, PowerPistol, 5.4gr, WSP
Average: 831
ES: 24
SD: 10.3
Force: 192
PF: 103
Velocities: 820, 832, 822, 844, 838
Grouping @ 7yards: 1.30"

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, PowerPistol, 5.6gr, WSP
Average: 855
ES: 27
SD: 10.8
Force: 203
PF: 106
Velocities: 838, 858, 852, 865, 863
Grouping @ 7yards: .96"


38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, PowerPistol, 5.8gr, WSP
Average: 881
ES: 47
SD: 16.8
Force: 215
PF: 110
Velocities: 858, 884, 878, 884, 905
Grouping @ 7yards: .58"

Following are the 700X loads with the best grouping image included.

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, 700X, 3.7gr, WSP
Average: 751
ES: 35
SD: 13.7
Force: 157
PF: 93
Velocities: 758, 749, 758, 729, 764
Grouping @ 7yards: .80"

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, 700X, 3.9gr, WSP
Average: 780
ES: 26
SD: 10.6
Force: 169
PF: 97
Velocities: 773, 776, 797, 771, 784
Grouping @ 7yards: 1.26"


38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, 700X, 4gr, WSP
Average: 803
ES: 39
SD: 14.1
Force: 179
PF: 100
Velocities: 807, 802, 824, 785, 799
Grouping @ 7yards: .65"

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, 700X, 4.2gr, WSP
Average: 846
ES: 21
SD: 8.2
Force: 199
PF: 105
Velocities: 842, 839, 843, 860, 847
Grouping @ 7yards: .85"

Dudedog said:

Nice write up as always, thanks for posting for us.
Looks like the Acme bullets are working well for you. (cool wood boxes to)
Some around 900fps, I seem to recall your target vel was 1000??
Got to thinking about it and checked the VV data. They show some pretty quick loads using 3N37 in .38 special. (6" barrel for their #s)
Looking forwar to the rest of your results.

Click to expand...

Dudedog, thanks for the comments. My target was over 900 fps, but I will probbaly first decide on an SD bullet, then see what the target should be out of my 3" barrel. These first rounds of tests are basically to just establish a 38spl baseline for me before moving into the +p realm. What is interesting for me when looking at the overview is how CFE Pistol performs. It is listed as a much slower (10 positions) powder than PowerPistol, but with my testing for this bullet and other loads, it seems that it is about the same burn rate as PowerPistol, purely on a load vs velocity perspective. It maybe depend on the cartridge being loaded, but that has been my experience.

Following are the Unique loads with the best grouping image included.

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, Unique, 4.8gr, WSP
Average: 790
ES: 103
SD: 41.8
Force: 173
PF: 98
Velocities: 719, 787, 810, 822, 813
Grouping @ 7yards: .88"

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, Unique, 5gr, WSP
Average: 832
ES: 95
SD: 36.6
Force: 192
PF: 104
Velocities: 773, 826, 854, 868, 840
Grouping @ 7yards: .70"

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, Unique, 5.2gr, WSP
Average: 848
ES: 161
SD: 64
Force: 200
PF: 106
Velocities: 739, 884, 900, 851, 870
Grouping @ 7yards: .95"


38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, Unique, 5.4gr, WSP
Average: 892
ES: 64
SD: 25.6
Force: 221
PF: 111
Velocities: 876, 900, 922, 858, 908
Grouping @ 7yards: .62"

Dudedog said:

My chart(s) list PP one step below Universal on one and 2 steps on another. I think PP behaves slower than what you would be led to believe by the charts.
I think you got the Unique data mixed up with the 700 heading. Hate it when that happens. I call them "senior" moments. (and I seem to have more of them lately)

Maybe these
https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/17328 (125gr Gold Dot)

https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/17330 (This sounds interesting 135gr Short barrel, maybe designed to expand at a lower velocity??)
Gold Dots seem to get good reviews.

Or the Hornady XTP 35730 or 35710 (got to figure out the difference in the 2 both 125gr)
(Grafs has all of the above in stock at the moment, couple on sale with a little bit off)

Click to expand...

Dudedog, thanks again for checking my work . Yep, it was a copy and paste, and forgetting to change the powder. Probably a senior moment.

I was looking at the Gold Dots, especially the 135gr round. This will be more of a backup carry gun, so I would think any of the premium bullet will work. For now I am just working up the practice loads, see where they are, and then get some SD rounds and determine what the best match is for practice.

So far I think that any of the BE-86, Power Pistol of CFE Pistol load will probably be able to match any SD round when I increase the load. The odd one out is probably Unique. It just seems that it already feels like the pressure is getting high. I have also seen this in my 158gr loads that Unique was quick to give me a sticky extraction. I still have to check my cases, but the Unique load definitely felt different.

Following are the Bullseye loads with the best grouping image included.

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, Bullseye, 3.8gr, WSP
Average: 778
ES: 25
SD: 10.4
Force: 168
PF: 97
Velocities: 763, 788, 780, 773, 787
Grouping @ 7yards: 1.00"

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, Bullseye, 4gr, WSP
Average: 814
ES: 17
SD: 7
Force: 184
PF: 101
Velocities: 809, 815, 819, 806, 823
Grouping @ 7yards: .79"


38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, Bullseye, 4.2gr, WSP
Average: 847
ES: 33
SD: 13
Force: 199
PF: 105
Velocities: 838, 864, 854, 848, 831
Grouping @ 7yards: .75"

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, Bullseye, 4.4gr, WSP
Average: 877
ES: 38
SD: 15.9
Force: 213
PF: 109
Velocities: 850, 888, 883, 888, 877
Grouping @ 7yards: .75"

Following are the CFE Pistol loads. I still need to scan the best grouping for these loads.


38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, CFEpistol, 5.4gr, GINEXSP
Average: 826
ES: 92
SD: 36.1
Force: 189
PF: 103
Velocities: 870, 850, 826, 778, 806
Grouping @ 7yards: .98"

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, CFEpistol, 5.6gr, GINEXSP
Average: 871
ES: 49
SD: 17.8
Force: 211
PF: 108
Velocities: 850, 899, 870, 872, 865
Grouping @ 7yards: 1.17"


38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, CFEpistol, 5.8gr, GINEXSP
Average: 896
ES: 43
SD: 18.2
Force: 223
PF: 112
Velocities: 906, 907, 908, 896, 865
Grouping @ 7yards: .90"

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, CFEpistol, 6gr, GINEXSP
Average: 938
ES: 89
SD: 34
Force: 244
PF: 117
Velocities: 952, 897, 917, 938, 986
Grouping @ 7yards: 1.18"

I evaluated a few extra loads mostly to look for any pressure signs and to capture the additional velocity data. None of these loads were more accurate than the best already, so there is no need to share any of the targets. I did not see any pressure signs and no stickiness when ejecting the cases. It seems that I should be able to increase the loads a bit more if needed. Following are the load results and an updated overview of all the loads I have tested in 38spl so far for this bullet:

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, BE86, 5.8gr, WSP
Average: 942
ES: 19
SD: 7.4
Force: 246
PF: 117
Velocities: 938, 939, 935, 944, 954
Grouping @ 7 yards: .96"

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, CFEpistol, 6.2gr, WSP
Average: 993
ES: 58
SD: 24.1
Force: 274
PF: 124
Velocities: 955, 984, 1003, 1010, 1013
Grouping @ 7 yards: 1.50"

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, PowerPistol, 6gr, WSP
Average: 920
ES: 46
SD: 17.6
Force: 235
PF: 115
Velocities: 890, 936, 924, 926, 925
Grouping @ 7 yards: 1.83"

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, PowerPistol, 6.2gr, WSP
Average: 969
ES: 67
SD: 25.5
Force: 261
PF: 121
Velocities: 931, 967, 964, 998, 986
Grouping @ 7 yards: 1.17"

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, Unique, 5.6gr, WSP
Average: 963
ES: 64
SD: 23.3
Force: 257
PF: 120
Velocities: 926, 964, 990, 972, 963
Grouping @ 7 yards: 1.43"

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, Unique, 5.8gr, WSP
Average: 979
ES: 101
SD: 43
Force: 266
PF: 122
Velocities: 925, 962, 1020, 962, 1026
Grouping @ 7 yards: 1.06"



Since the groupings were not great, I decided to verify my shooting against one of the known loads that grouped well. I still had the chrono out so I also chrono'd the load. My conclusion is that my shooting is not to blame since this load produced a good grouping again:

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, 700X, 4gr, WSP
Average: 844
ES: 44
SD: 18.5
Force: 198
PF: 105
Velocities: 833, 853, 856, 861, 817
Grouping @ 7 yards: .70"

I have evaluated two more loads for 38spl (+p) using this bullet. Both these loads do not show any pressure signs and no stickiness with the case extract. Following are the load results and the updated velocity overview:

38spl, Ruger SP101, 3"
Case: Starline
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, PowerPistol, 6.4gr, WSP
Average: 964
ES: 42
SD: 19.1
Force: 258
PF: 120
Velocities: 944, 947, 962, 986, 981
Grouping @ 7yards: .83"


38spl
Case: Starline
COL: 1.447"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, BE86, 6gr, WSP
Average: 956
ES: 42
SD: 17
Force: 254
PF: 119
Velocities: 928, 964, 955, 967, 970
Grouping @ 7yards: .64"

Following is the overview of all the load results showing the average velocities. It seems that the Power Pistol load could be at the edge of increased velocity since both the average and max velocities are less than the previous load.

brewer12345 said:

Based on the ballistic tests and gelatin fun I have seen with 38s, I don't really think it is wise to depend on a bullet expanding even at +P speeds. Not hard for a marginally expanding hollow point to get plugged up with fibers and fail to spread. So for a SD load I think that a heavier bullet (158) that will at least give god penetration if it does not expand is a better choice. Flip it over to 357 velocities and the 125 looks to be the best choice very easily as long as you choose a bullet that will stay together upon impact.

Click to expand...

brewer12345, thanks for the comments. You are probably correct regarding 38spl +p vs 357mag SD rounds. With my load workup I don't really try to get to a specific velocity, but rather a workup for each combination and then documenting all the data points to be utilized later. So far I have identified some accurate plinking loads. Hopefully other reloaders can learn from these data points.

I have also started working up some 357mag loads using this bullet. This was actually interesting since it seems I immediately ran into sticky extract issues. I think my SP101 cylinder chambers are probably on the tight side, but the positive is that it gives me an early sign of high pressure. Following are my first load results in 357mag with this bullet:

357mag, Ruger SP101. 3"
Case: CBC
COL: 1.580"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, HP38, 5.2gr, WSP
Average: 831
ES: 123
SD: 62.7
Force: 192
PF: 103
Velocities: 763, 884, 886, 859, 764
Grouping @ 7yards: 1.15"

357mag, Ruger SP101. 3"
Case: CBC
COL: 1.580"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, HP38, 5.4gr, WSP
Average: 881
ES: 33
SD: 14.1
Force: 215
PF: 110
Velocities: 873, 906, 877, 873, 876
Grouping @ 7yards: 1.07"


357mag, Ruger SP101. 3"
Case: CBC
COL: 1.580"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, HP38, 5.6gr, WSP
Average: 898
ES: 60
SD: 24.4
Force: 224
PF: 112
Velocities: 858, 897, 902, 918, 917
Grouping @ 7yards: .79"

357mag, Ruger SP101. 3"
Case: CBC
COL: 1.580"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, HP38, 5.8gr, WSP
Average: 932
ES: 35
SD: 14.2
Force: 241
PF: 116
Velocities: 931, 939, 918, 921, 953
Grouping @ 7yards: 1.41"

357mag, Ruger SP101. 3"
Case: CBC
COL: 1.580"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, CFEpistol, 6.6gr, WSP
Average: 955
ES: 92
SD: 36.4
Force: 253
PF: 119
Velocities: 919, 1011, 964, 927, 957
Grouping @ 7yards: 1.07"


357mag, Ruger SP101. 3"
Case: CBC
COL: 1.580"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, CFEpistol, 6.8gr, WSP
Average: 972
ES: 44
SD: 18.2
Force: 262
PF: 121
Velocities: 995, 977, 957, 951, 982
Grouping @ 7yards: .76"

357mag, Ruger SP101. 3"
Case: CBC
COL: 1.580"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, CFEpistol, 7gr, WSP
Average: 965
ES: 79
SD: 31
Force: 258
PF: 120
Velocities: 919, 998, 954, 966, 988
Grouping @ 7yards: 1.08"

357mag, Ruger SP101. 3"
Case: CBC
COL: 1.580"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, CFEpistol, 7.2gr, WSP
Average: 1025
ES: 69
SD: 25
Force: 292
PF: 128
Velocities: 995, 1017, 1025, 1028, 1064
Grouping @ 7yards: 1.06"

357mag, Ruger SP101. 3"
Case: CBC
COL: 1.580"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, BE86, 8.4gr, WSP
Average: 1135
ES: 21
SD: 14.8
Force: 357
PF: 141
Velocities: , , , 1125, 1146
Grouping @ 7yards: 1.00"

357mag, Ruger SP101. 3"
Case: CBC
COL: 1.580"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, BE86, 8.6gr, WSP
Average: 1165
ES: 117
SD: 44.1
Force: 377
PF: 145
Velocities: 1098, 1184, 1215, 1150, 1179
Grouping @ 7yards: 1.57"

357mag, Ruger SP101. 3"
Case: CBC
COL: 1.580"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, BE86, 8.8gr, WSP
Pulled this load due to previous loads having sticky extraction

357mag, Ruger SP101. 3"
Case: CBC
COL: 1.580"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, BE86, 9gr, WSP
Pulled this load due to previous loads having sticky extraction

357mag, Ruger SP101. 3"
Case: RP
COL: 1.580"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, PowerPistol, 8.6gr, WSP
Average: 1173
ES: 64
SD: 26
Force: 382
PF: 146
Velocities: 1131, 1185, 1190, 1168, 1195
Grouping @ 7yards:

357mag, Ruger SP101. 3"
Case: RP
COL: 1.580"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, PowerPistol, 8.8gr, WSP
Average: 1206
ES: 31
SD: 13.3
Force: 404
PF: 150
Velocities: 1192, 1197, 1223, 1201, 1217
Grouping @ 7yards:

357mag, Ruger SP101. 3"
Case: RP
COL: 1.580"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, PowerPistol, 9gr, WSP
Pulled this load due to previous loads having sticky extraction

357mag, Ruger SP101. 3"
Case: RP
COL: 1.580"
ACME, 125gr, FPHTC, PowerPistol, 9.2gr, WSP
Pulled this load due to previous loads having sticky extraction

Following is an overview of the 357mag testing I have done with this bullet so far.