Preferred 38 special powder?

joneb · Dec 16, 2020

From a 6" S&W M-10 VV N-340 works very well with a cast 158gr SWC BHN 12 with a standard small pistol primer.

cfullgraf · Dec 17, 2020

About 25 years ago, I was trying to get a good, accurate load for my 38 Special S&W 642. I settled on W231 with a 125 grain bullet. I got an accurate load with minimal variability in velocity.

But Accurate #5, Accurate #2, True Blue, W231/HP38, Unique, Bullseye and probably some others work as well and I'd use any of them.

kmw1954 · Dec 17, 2020

Obturation said:
Hey all,
From my appropriate powders on hand : clays, titegroup , unique or trailboss- which would you choose to work up new loads for an old s&w snubby? !

For a one time deal I would most likely use whatever powder I had most on hand. After-all it's not like you are going to be working up a ladder for this or keeping 500 rounds available for it. Or for that matter load up a few of each at different power levels and have fun.

Palladan44 · Dec 17, 2020

W231- lower/middle end of published load range- 158gr LSWC - it goes around 790 fps. Most accurate handgun combo i have when fired from my M27-2. 8- 3/8".

Captcurt · Dec 17, 2020

I haven't loaded any 38s in a long time but when I did I used Unique with 158 gr SWC. About the only revolver shooting that I do now is 180 gr XTPs over H110 or AA#9 in 357, and then it is at deer.

Riomouse911 · Dec 18, 2020

The “U” for me...

3.5 gr is a very soft shooting load...
4.0 gr is a nice plinking load...
4.5 gr is now considered on some manuals as a +P load...so I’ll max out here. (Others go to 5.0 and higher, those and more I’ll personally save for the .357s.)

Stay safe.

Sarge7402 · Dec 18, 2020

Me? I've been using Unique for going on 40 years now. Load for my .38 Charter is still the same 4.7 Grains under a 158 grain hard cast SWC

trekker73 · Dec 18, 2020

Bullseye, Win231, WST, Clays and CFE pistol for heavier loads

sequins · Dec 18, 2020

I like trail boss for the good case fill.

EMC45 · Dec 18, 2020

Bullseye, 231, 700X

.38 Special · Dec 18, 2020

Guys, he's already loaded them with Unique. I'm sure that will work, as would have any of the other powders listed. His best decision, in my opinion, was to fire them in someone else's gun and let them deal with the leading!

Hondo 60 · Dec 18, 2020

3.2 to 3.7 gr of tightgroup under an HSM 125 gr hp

From Bunny Farts to a serious load

Shak3s1977 · Dec 18, 2020

Charlie98 said:
Not a big fan of TiteGroup with cast bullets... I feel it burns too hot. The burn rate is correct, however...

I always used Unique in .38SPC... it's not the cleanest but it works well enough. The most accurate load I've ever developed was 4grn Unique under a Hornady swaged 158grn SWC (the old soft lead bullet with the knurled sides...) lights out in a 3" J-frame model 60.

I too enjoy 4.0grn of Unique behind a home cast lrnfp bullet. I use this load in a Henry 357. Nice, soft accurate load and also a great load to keep it loaded with for small critters. I don't need earmuffs with this load either when shooting out of a rifle. ( I do use muffs when shooting with revolvers with this load though)

Jonesy814 · Dec 18, 2020

I have used both Clays and Titegroup with good results with 158gr hi-tech coated bullets

Preferred 38 special powder?

joneb

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cfullgraf

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kmw1954

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Palladan44

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Captcurt

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Riomouse911

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Sarge7402

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trekker73

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sequins

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EMC45

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.38 Special

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Hondo 60

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Shak3s1977

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Jonesy814

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