38/357 load

You can go well below 3.5. I have used 3.0 to 3.2 in the past. Lately I have switched to trail boss.

If you are operating on the low side of the data, be careful when firing to make sure the bullet is clearing the barrel. Once you are sure, shoot away.

While not W231, I've had problems with wadcutters in light loads of Titegroup getting stuck in a 6" barrel revolver so it is a good lesson to observe when operating on the low side of target loads.

Lethal rx7 said:

Lead. But looking for plated input too. Increasing .2-.3 for plated?

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Can't help you with the plated HBWC, but the plated DEWC sold by Berry's is the bee's knees over 4 grains of 231/HP38, seated to about 1.27" OAL. Stoopid accurate, reasonably peppy enough that I would not want to stand in front of one, and shoots clean.

brewer12345 said:

Can't help you with the plated HBWC, but the plated DEWC sold by Berry's is the bee's knees over 4 grains of 231/HP38, seated to about 1.27" OAL. Stoopid accurate, reasonably peppy enough that I would not want to stand in front of one, and shoots clean.

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brewer 12345
Is this load for 38spl brass or 357mag brass?
Also, what barrel length?
Thanks.
JD

jell-dog said:

brewer 12345
Is this load for 38spl brass or 357mag brass?
Also, what barrel length?
Thanks.
JD

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38 brass. Kicks butt in a 4 inch security six, very good in a snub, and even shot a few in a lever action with good results.

Lethal rx7 said:

Lead. But looking for plated input too. Increasing .2-.3 for plated?

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I use 3.6 gr under the Berry plated HBWC. It gives about 690 fps out of a 3" barrel Taurus Model 65 and is more accurate than I am.

Lethal rx7 said:

231?

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231 same as HP-38
JD

Lethal rx7 said:

231?

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Yes, Win-231 or HP-38, whichever my LGS happens to have in stock. It happens to be my go-to powder for .38 Special, 9 mm, and .45 ACP. As mentioned by others, they are the same powder with different labels as confirmed by Hodgdon.

Skinnedknuckles said:

Yes, Win-231 or HP-38, whichever my LGS happens to have in stock. It happens to be my go-to powder for .38 Special, 9 mm, and .45 ACP. As mentioned by others, they are the same powder with different labels as confirmed by Hodgdon.

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And usually the HP38 will cost less. Never understood that.

Toprudder said:

And usually the HP38 will cost less. Never understood that.

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My understanding is Hodgdon does everything for both products with the differentiating factor being the Winchester branding and the licensing costs they pay to be able to use the name. I would think Hodgdon raises the price a bit more than that as the payoff in the scheme.

In your OP you said 38/357 but I'm guessing you are using .38 Special brass.

My two favorite 148gr wadcutter loads in .38 Special brass are:

3.2gr W231/HP-38 under a 148gr HBWC seated flush with the case mouth. I just remove the flare on the case mouth.
3.4gr W231/HP-38 under a 148gr DEWC seated to either groove at the ends of the bullet. I use just a slight crimp into the groove.

Those work well for me in my revolvers.

Howdy. Can anyone help with Berry’s 158 RN? 231 powder. I can’t find that exact combo.

Ex-MA Hole said:

Howdy. Can anyone help with Berry’s 158 RN? 231 powder. I can’t find that exact combo.

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According to the manufacturers, with plated bullets you should use cast bullet data or mid-range FMJ data. Additionally, Hodgdon is now supplying some plated bullet data and I think Alliant is too.

Ex-MA Hole said:

Howdy. Can anyone help with Berry’s 158 RN? 231 powder. I can’t find that exact combo.

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For 357 Berry's 158gr FP I use 6.0gr of 231. Last I looked this is right between the top of lead data and the bottom of jacketed. Excellent in my Henry and very good in GP100 and Vaquero.

Lethal rx7 said:

loading a 38/357 hbwc 148 gr with 231
How many grains of powder are you guys using?

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Since no-one has mentioned it - 148gr HBWC over 2.8gr of Bullseye in 38sp seated flush. I started with the 231 recipe and switched to this one. Its been around forever it seems.