.38 158 gr JHP

[Kramer Krazy]

I've done some searching and am having a difficult time finding anything for a 38 Special load when using jacketed 158 gr bullets (most charges I've been reading for 158 gr bullets are for lead SWC). I am getting ready to load some JHP, 158 gr JHP bullets for 38 and 357 and am looking for a sub- +P loads for my Colt Detective Special and the wife's S&W 60. I'm using Winchester 231 powder, and according to Winchester's website, a 4.0 gr charge of 231 is a +P load. According to other threads I've searched, people using 231 have been loading 3.2-3.6 gr, but from what I can figure, most of those are for LSWC. I just want to play it safe, and I don't have a chrono, yet to test any loads (I'll get one in the next month with tax refunds). I'll probably use my 4" Colt Python as a test-mule with the 38 loads, but I'd like other's opinions on the 3.2-3.6 gr charge for something like a Dectective Special with the 158 gr JHP. This sound like a reasonable charge for the experienced 38 reloaders here? Any words or suggestions?

 

[griz]

That sounds reasonable to me. The reason there is not a lot of published data for jacketed 158s is the risk of sticking one in the barrel. If you pay attention to that danger, you can start at the low end to save wear and tear on the gun.

 

[Steve C]

Winchesters on line data lists 4.0grs start and 4.4grs maximum for W231 with a 158gr JHP in their +P load listing however they only list 13,900 psi and 17,200 psi respectively as the pressure these loads generate. SAAMI standard .38 spl load tops out at 17,000 psi and 18,500 psi for +P so Winchesters max load is just barely into the +P level. At 17,200 psi. So if you want to load those 158gr JHP’s just keep the load to 4.0 to 4.3grs. Personally I wouldn’t sweat the 4.4gr loading at only 17,200 psi.

Since the .38 spl doesn’t move a 158gr JHP along fast enough to get any expansion even at +P pressure I reserve them for the .357 mag and load Speer 158gr LSWCHP’s on top of 4.5grs W231 for my Detective Special. These standard loads chrono from my 2” DS at 783 fps average.

 

[Kramer Krazy]

Since the .38 spl doesn’t move a 158gr JHP along fast enough to get any expansion even at +P pressure I reserve them for the .357 mag and load Speer 158gr LSWCHP’s on top of 4.5grs W231 for my Detective Special. These standard loads chrono from my 2” DS at 783 fps average.

I didn't pay attention to the listed pressures (I'm a reloading newbie with only 800 rounds of 45ACP under my belt). I was going to get the 110 gr JHPs, but they had this box of 158 gr mis-labeled at the gun show, so I jumped on them. I had a reloading manual with me and didn't pay attention to the 158's charges listed under the 38 Special section as being for lead. I'm almost tempted on picking up some lighter bullets and just save these 158 JHPs for the 357 loads. All I'm going to use them for is plinking, anyway. I think my best bet is to pick up a chrono and then determine "pet" loads through testing.

 

[caz223]

I like 140s in .38 spl.

 

[The Bushmaster]

caz223...Weren't we here once before...Absolutely!!! 140 grain jacketed HP's. For .38 Special and the venerable .357 magnum...Recoil with a .38 Special is nothing...Don't worry about +P's for them. I load 140 grain Remington SJHP at 4.6 grains of W-231 and am getting around 720 fps from a 2" barrel. I have a hot load using 5.0 grains of W-231 that net me 865 fps from a 4" barrel. (CAUTION...THIS IS AN OVER MAXIMUM LOADING ACCORDING TO WINCHESTER LOAD MANUAL. Work up to this very carefully). Again this is with the 140 grain Rem. bullet. Recoil is still nominal...