.38 load question

[Caliber]

I just loaded some .38 rounds using HP38. I ended up with 3.0gr of powder with a PPC#2 dewc 148 gr . Will it be ok to use even though it's recommended to use 3.1-3.2gr of HP38.

 

[243winxb]

38 Special - Looks ok to me. The Hodgdon website lists a starting load of 3.1gr with a 158 gr lead swc. Why the 148 starting is higher at 3.5gr seems odd, but does show a higher velocity.

 

[Caliber]

Well I hope they work I got 50 round done.. Ill try 1 and see if it clears.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

You can shoot them just be sure you don't get a squib.

I usually load between 3.2gr and 3.4gr HP-38/W231 under a 148gr DEWC.

 

[Minnesota Wild]

You should be fine. I don't have any experience with this load, but if the starting recomendation is 3.1, many people's measures will throw charges up to .2-.3 from that. In addition, from a revolver, you have much more latitude for charges as the round doesn't need to cycle the action.

 

[rcmodel]

Why the 148 starting is higher at 3.5gr seems odd,

Hodgdon data is for a 148 grain HBWC (Hollow-base wadcutter), so the increased case capacity plays into the higher starting load..

rc

 

[Caliber]

Ok, so the 3gr of HP38 worked but my rounds all keyholed from my smith 637 airweight. Do these rounds not like a 2 inch barrel?

 

[918v]

Maybe you should increase the velocity a bit. 500 FPS ain't cutting it.

 

[Caliber]

I am wondering if 3.5gr of HP38 would be ok. I am using a lee turret with the pro auto disc powder dispenser. the next disc size throws 3.5gr quite consistently. I would hate to weigh out each charge at 3gr and trickle in another .2-.3.. Dont get me wrong that I am trying to shortcut the process. I have an LNL AP and a Dillon square deal. I just dont want to get a caliber conversion for either at this point. I have them dedicated for .223 and .45.

 

[918v]

3.5grs is a good idea.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I agree, 3.5gr will be fine especially if your rounds are now keyholing.

 

[kelbro]

3.5 of HP38 works very well for me. One of my most accurate loads. Shoots well in two 6" barrels and one 2" snubby.

 

[Sunray]

1/10th of a grain won't make any difference. However, the starting load for a 148 grain cast bullet is 3.5. 4/10ths won't matter much either.
"...all keyholed..." Key holing is caused by an undersized bullet, an oversized bore, or velocity that is too low. The velocities out of a 2" barrel are already low. Check the bullet diameters first.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

1/10th of a grain won't make any difference. However, the starting load for a 148 grain cast bullet is 3.5. 4/10ths won't matter much either.

A few tenths of fast burning powder in a case with limited space like a 38 Special with a Wadcutter seated to the case mouth will mater more than you are suggesting. Pressures can rise quickly under those circumstances. That 4/10 powder charge is more than 10% which is nothing to dismiss...

 

[Cherokee]

More powder, like 3.5 should work, it does for me with 150 gr SWC.

 

[thewilbur]

Using 357 Mag Cases for 38 Special Loads for Uberti P 4.75"

So far, my most accurate jacketed bullet load consists of 3.6 grains (weighed) of HP-38 with a Hornady 158 grain JHP.

I am using 357 mag brass for all of my 38 Special loads... no particular reason, just wanted to try it.

I am going to try it with 3.6 grains of HP-38 using a Li'l Dandy Powder dispenser and rotor #4.

My most accurate cast lead bullet load so far is with 4.3 grains (Lee Dipper 0.3) Ramshot True Blue with a Hunter's Choice Keith-style 158 grain hard-cast semi-wadcutter in a 357 Mag brass case with a Winchester standard primer. This load beat my 4.0 grains of Trail Boss (Lee Dipper 1.0) and my 3.3 grains of Titegroup (Lee Dipper 0.3). I didn't expect this.

I intend to continue using True Blue unless I start getting squib loads.

 

[LiveLife]

When using Pro Auto Disk, you don't have to limit yourself to the preset holes. Buy the Double Disk kit with 4 extra disks for $11 and drill out in-between or custom sized holes. I usually pick up extra disks at gun shows for cheap.

Most of the times, I could find an accurate usable load from the preset holes, but it sure is nice to have extra disks. I do my "rough" workup using the preset holes and do the final workup with hand weighed .1 gr increment charges to determine the most accurate load. If I really like a particular powder charge, a custom hole gets made and marked for future reference.

 

[HOWARD J]

I have an old Smith Airweight 38 spl.-- alum. frame.
I have to be careful what I use or the frame will bend.
I have been using 158grJSN with 4 gr Unique--works OK