.38/.357 TC loads update

[Random 8]

Got a chance to test some loads today with balmy temperatures in the teens.

I loaded up 10 each of 3 different bullets, 3 different powders. All bullets nominally 158 grains. Also tested my standard plinking load. Fired a 5 shot group from rested buttstock, forend unsupported. Rounded to the nearest 1/2inch to determine which to test further and farther. Standard was 2" or over, 1.5-2, less than 1.5 at 25 yards. RP .38 brass, RP sp primer.

HP38-4 grs. All bullets seated to crimp groove with a light crimp.
Magtech 158LRN. >2"
MBC 158 LRN BHN12. 1.5-2
MBC 158 LSWC BHN12. <1.5 (less than 1", nice tidy group).

HS-6-6grs
Magtech 158LRN 1.5-2
MBC 158LRN. 1.5-2
MBC 158 LSWC <1.5 4 touching, one slight flier (shooter error?)

4.7 Unique
Magtech 158LRN <1.5 even spread
MBC 158LRN >2
MBC LSWC >2

4.5 HP38
125 ACME LTC <1.5 Under 1". Consistent spread, ragged hole.

Also successfully engaged regulation 1/2 scale FP silhouettes to 100m effectively with the leftovers of the better loads. Really liking the 125 for this application. Might have to buy more!

 

[P Flados]

I started out my handgun reloading in the mid 1970's with 148 gr and up bullets for a 10" Contender 357 mag.

Originally I loaded jacketed bullets for full power and cast for plinking / target. As long as I kept the cast bullets mild enough to avoid leading, I can not remember any load that shot "bad" from that gun.

Once I discovered powder coat I went to 100% cast for all of my handgun ammo. About the same time, the number of 38 and 357 guns I was loading for started increasing.

Over the years, I have found that for plinking and target shooting, lighter bullets do just fine and I can stretch my stash of casting lead. Now days most of my 38 Sp and 357 Mag loads are Lee 120 TCs (I have a six cavity mold) with a few guns that also seem to like the Lee 102 RN (Older Lee mold - and they drop at 108 gr). I also migrated to faster powders for these loads with Titegroup and Promo.

 

[Random 8]

I find it interesting that Unique fared so poorly with the best bullet in the test, and did best with the worst bullet for the other 2 powders. Was also a bit surprised at how well the 125 did at distance. Got good center mass hits on the ram at 100 yards, and no sign of yaw on a tagboard target.

I think I may try to step on the 2 MBC HS-6 loadings a little bit and see what happens. I was having high POI issues with the handgun rear sight bottomed out. I believe a slightly higher Vel might alleviate this.