38/357, HS-6, and 158 LSWC- first try

[CLP]

This is my first attempt at loading a rimmed cartridge using a roll crimp. I'd like to know if I crimped them properly. I think I have, but I'd like for someone who loads these regularly to let me know their thoughts. I'll be shooting them out of a Ruger 357 SP101 bobbed hammer snubby.

The 357 brass is Speer and the 38 from Hornady. They were originally factory loads. I have plenty of Starline brass for both calibers but wanted to practice on this brass.

The bullet is a 158gr LSWC from an RCBS mould with gas check using Lyman #2 alloy. I know the gas check probably isn't necessary at the velocities the manuals project with my loads, but I was just dabbling and using them was a first for me.

The 38's I loaded with 5.7-6.3gr of HS-6, and the 357's with 6.0-7.0gr.
I found it interesting how little of the case was filled with this particular powder. I don't know if this is an ideal powder for these calibers, but it was what I had on hand.

 

[rcmodel]

The crimp looks about right to me.

But the real test is to load six, shoot five, and see if #6 is creeping out of the case.

PS: I didn't double check your load data.
But off the top of my head, it sounds OK.

rc

 

[ljnowell]

IMO they both need seated deeper and more crimp. It can be very difficult to tell in a picture though.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Those look alright but if needed you can add a little more crimp.

Are you using a magnum primer with HS-6? I use a lot of HS-6 and in most cases that powder performs much better with a magnum primer. The SD numbers shrink to single digits and accuracy improves, sometimes by a lot.

IMO HS-6 is too slow a powder for standard pressure .38 Special loads but I do like it for .38 Special +P pressures and .357 Magnum loads, especially with lead bullets. I see you are probably using Hodgdon load data. If you check some other sources you will find that 7.0gr limit set by Hodgdon is an attempt to limit pressures and leading. That 7.0gr load is reported @ only 15,500 CUP, hardly a .38 Special load let along a .357 Magnum load. Lyman lists charge weights way above that. I charge 9.2gr HS-6 under a 158gr LSWC in .357 Magnum brass and that is a full grain below what Lyman says is the limit. (with CCI-550 primers)

I hope this helps a little...

 

[41 Mag]

The crimp looks about right to me.

But the real test is to load six, shoot five, and see if #6 is creeping out of the case.

^^^^ My thoughts as well.
I only use enough to hold the bullet there through two or three cylinders like RC mentioned. I measure that round after each shot. If it moves more than about .002" or so I add more. Sometimes you will find that they will move just a touch but stop, I haven't noticed that being an issue even in the loads I shoot in my 454. When they go past .003" they get more added to them. The easiest way is to take a sharpie and mark your seating die, then put 8 marks around it on the top of your press. You start by turning it half of the distance between those marks. Might not be precision but it works, and gives you a reference point rather than just guessing how much your turning.

That is usually how I start off when working with a new powder or load. It is easier to add more crimp if needed than to undue when too much is used, and yes you CAN use too much. All you need is enough to hold the bullet in place, the case tension should do most of the work.

I know that the majority of folks would never trim a piece of handgun brass but at the very least they all need to be squared up once in a while. This gives you a more consistent crimp n every round verses some having more than others. If your simply loading blasting ammo to go punch holes in paper not an issue. If your looking for the best accuracy it is almost a must.

I admit I have used HS-6 in these two rounds, (yet), but I use it a lot in my 45 Colt, and it shoots great. Also the 13gr load I use doesn't look like a lot in that big case either...

 

[Stormin.40]

I have loaded HS6 in both .38 Special +P and 357 magnum. While on my favorite powder it does work. In 38 I use a magnum primer since the pressures are so low but haven't felt the need iat 357 pressures.

Based on the pictures and the powder you are using I would give them more crimp, hopefully it will give the powder more time for ignition and you will have a more successful trial. With fast powders designed for light loads I don't crimp much, with medium to slow powders I use more crimp to give them time to ignite.

 

[CLP]

Seems like it's enough crimp- for those charges at least. My SP101 holds five. Shot four and the fifth showed no difference in OAL. I need to search for more load data on HS6. Didn't have any trouble with those charges, but the recoil from the 357 felt more like regular 38s. Haven't run them over a chronograph yet. Regular small pistol may have been the cause of some in burnt powder in the 38s that wasn't evident in the 357 using magnum primers. Appreciate your input. Casting is turning out to be a great choice for me since I don't have much free time to get to the range- it gives me something to do when I get home at night.