148 grain wadcutters: Missouri Bullet DEWC-BB vs. Zero HBWC

[Macchina]

My LGS has Zero brand 148gr HBWC for $45/500. I can get Missouri Bullet 148gr DEWC-BB for about the same price shipped. I'm looking to load up some accurate (800fps-ish) target and small game loads with these. I have W231 to use. I'll be using Starline 357 brass in a 4.2" SP101.

Any recommendations on which bullet to go with? What charge weight sould I start at?

 

[Bud0505]

Does the $45/500 at the LGS include tax? If so I would support them. As for a load using 231 in 357 mag cases Winchester's min is 3 gr and max is 3.4 grs. I use Bullseye for 148 gr WC so I don't have a hands on load using 231 to recommend.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

Either should do well for your purposes. The question is do you need them now or in a month or so? The MBs are a better product, but most can't tell the difference.

 

[mahansm]

I've gotten great accuracy from the MBC 148 wadcutters in a 686 6" barrel using .38 spl brass and 3.0-3.5 grains of 231.

I just checked the Winchester website; .357 loads with that bullet have a lower recommended powder charge (3.0-3.4) than .38 (3.5-4.0). .357 shows more pressure, too, even with the lower charge weights. ????

Lyman 49th shows 3.7-4.2 for .38 with 150 gr Linotype; 231 is not listed for that bullet range in .357.

 

[area51]

I've used mb 158 swc hardcast with 5.5 gr of 231 in my Blackhawks and my m28 with great results. This load worked for me but it may not give you similar results in your weapon. As always, use caution.

Be safe and have fun.

 

[Bad Flynch]

Years ago. while developing low velosity target loads with a Ransom Rest, we experimented with ultra-low powder charges in the .38 Special.

Usually, the HBWCs were a little more accurate than the DEWCs or SEWCs, but it depended on the gun. We had good luck with Remington factory HBWCs in some guns (it is an ugly bullet, but shoots like crazy). In other guns, the Hornady did a little better.

Best powders were Bullseye and PB. Best primers were very "soft" regular primers, like Remington and Federal. Better to use a .38 Special case.

With Bullseye and PB, one can load down to the point that the bullet sticks in the barrel and that may be the reason that modern manuals have such high starting loads. When you test loads, be sure to take a "squib rod" rod and mallet with you, remembering to chech for bullet imprint for ever shot. It is not a good thing to stick a bullet in a barrel and shoot another behind it.