.357/38 Special

[robctwo]

Just got set up to load these. All the necessary parts and a couple guns. Have 300 .357 and 200 .38 Specials ready for the weekend. Used Red Dot on the 38 with 158 gr lswc. Used Unique and IMR 4227 with some Hornady XTP and some Montana Gold jhp, all 158 gr. The range has a chrony so will run some by with the 7.5" Ruger and 6" S&W. Should be interesting.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I hope you're happy using Red Dot for your .38 Special ammo, it can be quite dirty. You might be happier with W231/HP-38 or Bullseye.

Good luck and have fun, don't forget the range report...

 

[robctwo]

I have a lot of Red Dot and no 231 or Bullseye. Will post report.

 

[rcmodel]

I fail to see what difference dirty or clean buring powder makes when using it to load cast bullets.

Powder fouling is the least of it when you got bullet lube all over everything anyway.

I have used Red Dot in .38 Special for 40 years.
It works as well as anything else for cast bullets.

rc

 

[harreymudd]

I use alliant 2400 exclusively in all of Jacketed 357 mag loads.
Recoil isn’t that bad with 125 gr bullets and believes me they do go bang!

 

[Steve C]

Red Dot is a fine fast powder for light target loads, esp with cast bullets. It will not give you maximum velocity in either calibers.

2400 is too slow for good loads in the .38 spl and needs more pressure than the .38 has to burn cleanly. It is an excellent magnum powder and will give top loads in the .357 mag. IMR 4227 is similar but a little slower in burn rate to 2400 and has similar limitations and application.

Unique splits the burn rate of the other powders as a mid range pistol powder. It will produce top velocity in the .38 spl and stay within its pressure limits both in standard and +P. Makes a good powder for cast bullets in the .357 mag at slightly more modest velocity than 2400.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I fail to see what difference dirty or clean burning powder makes when using it to load cast bullets.

rc,
While "dirty" powders don't bother you or I, I mentioned it because there are a lot of shooters who don't like the added mess. Personally I don't really care since I always clean my guns after each range trip. What I don't like is a lot of unburnt powder all over the place. (I'm not talking about Red Dot)

 

[Walkalong]

(I'm not talking about Red Dot)

Agh. Wondered, cause Red Dot burns real clean for me in .38 Spl. It is, however, a high nitro content powder, which will make it a bit smokier with lubed lead bullets than some powders.

 

[Randy1911]

I like IMR4227. I get my best veloicities with it in 357 magnum loads.

 

[moxie]

rcmodel. Agree 100%. All the comments about "dirty" powders make me weary. The gun has to be cleaned anyway. People say, "Well, that was a great load, very accurate, but also very dirty." So what?

 

[rklessdriver]

Red Dot has been a fine .38spl powder for me as well. I've had no problems with it being dirty.
Will

 

[David Wile]

Hey Robctwo,

I know you were speaking about reloading both 38 and 357, but I did not notice anything about whether you were also talking about loading for 38 and 357 revolvers. If you are loading both calibers for both 38 and 357 guns, then just ignore what follows.

On the other hand, if you only have a 357 pistol, the whole idea of loading 38 cases to use in your 357 just because you happen to have a supply of 38 cases seems like a waste of time to me. I freely admit this is just my opinion, and others may disagree with me.

I know you mentioned you have 300 .357 cases and 200 .38 cases, and I know .38 cartridges can be used in .357 pistols, but unless you are planning on shooting .38 cartridges in a .38 pistol, it seems more bother to reload them to use in a .357. My reason for feeling this way is because you have to change die settings between the two, and there are those who are inclined to change powders between the two.

My thoughts are if you want to shoot .38 rounds in a .357 pistol, why not just load your ".38" round in a .357 case? Of course you may want to use different bullets which may also require changing the seating die, but it still seems easier if you simply stick with .357 cases.

Now, after all that opinionizing, you will probably tell me you have both a .38 and a .357 pistol, and I just wasted time and space.

Best wishes,
Dave Wile

 

[Jesse Heywood]

Now, after all that opinionizing, you will probably tell me you have both a .38 and a .357 pistol, and I just wasted time and space.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=6360382#post6360382

 

[robctwo]

Seems like I might need a SS or nickel 38 Special for symmetry.

I don't think it's possible to actually waste space here.

I'm shooting for at least 5 hours tomorrow.

 

[FROGO207]

I have lots of 38 SPL AND 357 brass around. I don't like to download my ammo in case the wrong one is chosen when needed. That said the indoor range I go to requires a 1000 fps max/lead for all ammo and the 38 Spl is used accordingly. On the changing dies I have a spacer for changing between 38/357 as well as one for the 44SPL/MAG. Also dies are relatively inexpensive and I have several seating dies set up for the individual bullet types I routinely use. I Loctite them in place and label them as to the bullet used. Works well for me. I do however have about 10 357 sizing dies that are not used.

 

[eme]

Instead of red dot try Promo. the same as red dot as far as loading data goes ( from Alliant) BUT at a very reduced cost, around here I buy 8 pounds of Promo for less than $90.00 For paper punching I do not think you can get cheaper and have the same fum.

Good luck in your quest

 

[robctwo]

I'm going to get Promo when I run out of Red Dot. Found 8 pounds on the shelf just after the shortages hit, so I'm using a lot of Red Dot for the next year. Works well for me in .45 Colt/ACP and 9mm for range/gaming loads. I've been loading light .308 with it as well. 13 grains is like shooting a .22 out of a .308.

 

[robctwo]

I lied.Three hours Saturday. Seven at the range today. Not all shooting all the time.

The chrono wasn't working, so no news there. The new (used) S&W .357 shot four or five cylinders and froze up. It's at the smith's, maybe that's why it didn't look shot much. My smith is good, and he loves the old S&W.

The Ruger was great. Very accurate. Likes the lead loads I had better than the Montana bullets. I'll find a load it likes there as well. The 12 gr IMR 4227 with lead 158 swc was great.

The .38 Special, 3.4 Red Dot with the same bullet was very good.

Spent a lot of time with the 45 Colt and some auto loaders as well. Very nice day.