38 Spcl/Bullseye question

[murph50]

I have been reloading for a couple years. I reload 38 specials for my wife's revolvers. I have really had a tough time finding good info using Bullseye powder with a 158 grn FMJ RN. The Speer book lists lead bullets at 3.1 to 3.5 for 158 grn but they say that more powder may be needed for FMJ's. My Sierra manuel says 3.4 to 4.5 but they list nothing for RN. I went to local GS and checked some manuels there and still no good info found.
I have been loading them with 3.3 and 3.4 grns and they work but does anyone have any data on the max load for 158grn FMJ RN with Bullseye powder?
Thanks
I appreciate any info

 

[Wil Terry]

I would make a small wager the ALLIANT company has what you're looking for.
NOW, why in the world would you be loading 158GR FULL METAL JACKET bullets at standard velocities in 38SPL ???

 

[murph50]

My wife is severely disabled and does not want to handle lead directly.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

murph50,
FMJ bullets are very expensive but in your case I totally understand you incurring the added cost. You might want to save some money and still protect your wife's health by using moly-coated or poly-coated bullets. The coating keeps you from contacting the Lead and are much more accurate than plated bullets.
http://www.pathfindersports.com/p/pathfindersports/default.asp?S=500&A=F&SearchText=&CategoryID=521
http://precisionbullets.com/index.html
http://www.masterblastersbullets.com/

 

[murph50]

Thanks Archangel
I will check into them--yes the FMJ's are expensive but my wife doesn't get to shoot that much. When she does --she shoots from her wheelchair and she's usually burned out in less than 100 rds.
Thanks again

 

[Guy B. Meredith]

Plated bullets guarantee you are not handling lead and should be accurate enough for anything short of benchrest shooting.

 

[Eightball]

Along with his more-than-adequate reason, maybe he just doesn't enjoy cleaning extra lead out of his (her?) barrel?

 

[JNewell]

Don't confuse real FMJ bullets with plated. The plating is very thin and if you push them a little too fast you'll get leading. However, you'll still achieve the goal of avoiding handling exposed lead surfaces while loading the revolver...

 

[murph50]

Last night I did some reloading. The bullets that I'm using are copper plated not FMJ. Says it right on the box. I feel a little stupid--but hey--not the first time and probably not the last. Like I said I'm a long time shooter but only reloading a couple years now--wish I had started ealier than in my mid fifties. I keep learning new stuff all the time.
BTW--I did up 100 rds with 3.5 of Bullseye
Thank you for the responses. I will be checking out some of those poly bullets too.

 

[Walkalong]

The Berry's plated bullets shoot great in the .38 Spl. So do the X-Treme plated bullets, and don't forget the Raniers.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

murph50,
I did mention the bullets I suggested were more accurate than plated bullets. FMJ bullets are usually very accurate but plated bullets have a so-so reputation for accuracy. The coated bullets are more accurate than plated so your wife will probably enjoy herself more with them. Hey, it's always more fun to hit what you aim at!! LOL

 

[Guy B. Meredith]

I wouldn't worry too much about speed in a .38 spl. Some of the plated bullets are now made for rifles. My standard load is 4.8 gr 231 and WSP for 900 fps with a 158 gr X-treme Bullet RNFP in .38 spl.

I have gone over 1300 fps in .357 magnum, but have loaded only a couple hundred to learn the ins and outs of the magnums and did not really track leading or accuracy.

 

[murph50]

Yea the plated bullets I'm using are the X-treme 158 gr. I do want to check out some of the coated ones too.
Again --Thanks for the responses--this really helps.
The learning curve for reloading is a big one--but I'm gettin' there