.38 S&W Question: Velocity

[otisrush]

I'd like to get some input.....

I shot my first .38 S&W loads today. The pistol is a Colt Police Positive; 4" barrel. Manufactured in 1912. 145gr MBC Hi-Tek coated bullet - .361 diameter.

Hodgdon's site shows 2.2gr - 2.5gr of HP-38. I've had to load these cartridges short to get them to fit. (Hodgdon documents 1.200" and I loaded them to 1.145".)

I loaded up 2.2gr and 2.3gr. The 2.3gr performed most consistently velocity wise. Average (only over 6 shots) was 670 ft/sec. Hodgdon's data shows their 2.5gr load achieved 630 ft/sec.

Is that speed too fast? I think I'm concluding it's OK, but might be a little on the high side. Based on some Googling I think I'm concluding 670 for the 145gr is in line - but I'd be interested in thoughts from folks around here.

Thanks!

OR

 

[mcb]

You are probably OK. The fact that you loaded them short is in part why they are probably faster than expected. Loading them short causes a higher peak pressure resulting in slightly move velocity. In your case probably not enough to cause issues but be aware that loading shorter than the load data calls for will increase peak pressure in most loads.