Random 8
Member
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!
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!