158gr Hornady XTP .38 special accurate #5 recipe?

[mactrekr]

Hi Guys,
I just got a great deal on 400ct. Hornady 158gr 38/357 XTP bullets. I've got a bunch of #5, and I'd really like a good recipe for putting the two together for my .38 S&W model 10 and possible for a little plinking in my 6" 586. (After doing my research, I'm starting to realize why these were so cheap). I've heard that 158gr jhp's can stick in the barrel if loaded too light, but I also don't want to hit +P pressures. Could anyone make a recommendation? I've also got a couple of pounds of #2 that I could substitute for the #5 if it would be better. Thanks in advance.

 

[squarles67]

According to Accurate the #5 starting load is 5.2 and max is 5.8 with OAL at 1.445 with the 158 XTP in 38 Special

http://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/accurate_load_data_3.5.pdf

 

[Walkalong]

Both powders will work, and you are right, you do not want to go too light with the 158 Jacketed bullets. I have shot a few 158 Gr XTPs in .38 Spl and they shoot just fine. You will want a charge that will get a minimum of 700 FPS from a 4" tube. Start there and work up as allowed by the data.

Welcome to THR

 

[rg1]

Hornady 8th Edition manual says for .38 Special and AA#5 that a start charge at 5.2-600 fps---5.5-650---5.8-700---6.1-750fps. Above 6.1 grains you get into +P territory and I don't recommend that. Hornady used Hornady cases, Win SP primers, with a 4" barrel. The 158 XTP bullet won't expand much at .38 Special velocity. Recommended velocity is 700-1400 fps and would perform better in .357 magnum. Good bullets but will probably act like a full metal jacketed bullet at slower velocity. Horrnady test overall length was 1.450". Use a good roll crimp. Hornady didn't test AA#2.

 

[mactrekr]

Thanks

Thanks guys, excellent info. Based on your responses, I'm going to use at least half of these for my .357, and possibly just load up a few for the .38 for fun. My model 10 is WWII vintage and I really don't want to go putting anything too hot through it. Thanks again for all the info!

 

[Salmoneye]

Hornady manual Fourth Edition, 1991:

Starting Load AA#2 4.0gr-700fps

According to this manual, anything over 4.0 Grains is +P territory...

 

[Slamfire]

One of the darnest problems with Accurate Arms powders is that you cannot trust their data, and your data will change with every lot and different manufacturer.

This is what I got with AA#5 and 158 lead bullets. The next lot, could be all different.

You need to chronograph your loads and make sure that your velocities are ball park.


Colt Police Positive Special 4" Barrel mfgr 1930


158gr LSWC 5.4 grs AA#5 Mixed Cases Fed 100 Primers
1990

Ave Vel = 724 fps
Std Dev = 40
ES = 102
High = 763
Low = 661
N = 6

 

[medalguy]

I load 5.6 gr AA #5 behind 158 gr Berry's plated RN bullets and get right around 700 fps with that load. Use a chrono.

 

[Walkalong]

One of the darnest problems with Accurate Arms powders is that you cannot trust their data, and your data will change with every lot and different manufacturer.

This is what I got with AA#5 and 158 lead bullets. The next lot, could be all different

Agreed. My last lot of AA #5 took more powder than the previous lot to get the same velocity in .38 Spl with a 125 Gr bullet.

 

[243winxb]

Good Old #5

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Sorry I can't help because I only use AA#5 for +P pressure 38's. not standard pressure loads. I'm not saying AA#5 can't be used for standard pressure 38's just that i don't use it like that. AA#5 is a fine powder and if I couldn't get W231/HP-38 I would probably use Accurate powders. Where I live Winchester/Hodgdon/IMR powder are easily available but hardly anyone stocks other powders. (not that I'm unhappy with the powders I use)

 

[Walkalong]

Good Old #5

I wasn't even those two lots, it was some 2010/11ish vs the 2006 powder, which were very similar size wise.