.38 load for .357 python

[kennedy]

shot some .38 reloads- 158gr laser cast .358 dia bullets, 4 gr win 231 powder. chrony at 747fps but shoots 6 in high at 25 yds in my 4 inch python even with the rear sight all the down. I want to switch to a cleaner Universal powder and be able to zero it. Lee says starting load is 3.5 grs. anyone have any experience with this load and gun?

 

[brutus51]

I've loaded 4.8gr of Universal with good results but 5.0/5.3gr. of 231 has been my goto in a 6" Python.

 

[kennedy]

I was thinking this thru, and my velocity is too slow, the barrel is tipping up under recoil before the bullet has left the barrel, so I am going to increase powder until it zeros, I had to do the same with my .40 sig

 

[Jesse Heywood]

W231 will burn cleaner with denser charges. The Lee data is the same as Winchester Reloading #15 (1997). If you are interested, #15 shows .38 Spl +P max 4.7 gr., 860 fps., 17,100 psi.
I show my best using MBC 158 gr. LSWC, W231 at 4.5 gr. in my 4" Diamondback.

 

[Charliefrank]

For punching paper I use 2.8 grains of Bullseye. I'm typically using hbwc. Excellent accuracy results

 

[Hanshi]

I use 2.8 grains of Bullseye in .38spl cases with HBWC bullets. It's kind to my 6" Python and accurate enough to make the heart sing. Great in the M15, too.

 

[Blue68f100]

I shoot 38spl type loads in my 6" Custom Python using 357mag brass. 4.8 gr WST behind 158gr MBC LSWC (coated). These crony at 770 fps. Soft shooting.

 

[Skinnedknuckles]

If memory serves me correctly, lighter bullets should also shoot to a lower POI. Might be worth a try to load a few 125 gr bullets over a published load of your Win 231 (I like 4.6 gr with plated or coated bullets, YMMV) and see what you get. Part of the fun of reloading, IMO.

 

[joneb]

Upping the velocity will lower the point of impact as will locking your arms and wrists this is hard for me remember while shooting off bags when working on a load.

 

[someguy2800]

Try a 125 grain bullet, they will group much lower.

 

[RealGun]

shot some .38 reloads- 158gr laser cast .358 dia bullets, 4 gr win 231 powder. chrony at 747fps but shoots 6 in high at 25 yds in my 4 inch python even with the rear sight all the down. I want to switch to a cleaner Universal powder and be able to zero it. Lee says starting load is 3.5 grs. anyone have any experience with this load and gun?

You should try a softer alloy for low velocity loads like that. Lasercast talks about no leading, but that has been a bad joke for me. I had to alox a couple boxes in various calibers. Some resizing too - that varied. Get some Missouri Cowboy #2, 125 Gr TCFP Brinell 12 and give those a try. When I gave up hard cast for sub magnum velocities, my leading problems went away. And yes, the lighter bullet has lowered the POI for me, especially in 45 Colt, going from 250 to 200 gr.