38 spcl Plated Bullet Recipe for a Beginner

[ekohler]

I new to reloading and I am planning to start with a .38 spcl load for use in my Ruger Security-Six 357 magnum. I wanted to my first reloads to be shot from something strong, basic, and simple to start off with . . .

My uncle has loaned me his Dillon 550 press for the summer and we did a few 9mm rounds for practice before I brought it all home. I cannot reach him for a couple more weeks so I wanted to ask ya’ll (Texan for you all) if I am on the right track:

- I have found some new Winchester small pistol primers,
- Bullseye powder,
- mixed, cleaned, .38 spcl. brass
- Berry’s (Premium Swaged – Precision Plated) .38 158gr RN bullets (I could not find any lead bullets locally) The box does not specifically state .38 special / .357 but from what I can research it is the same .357 diameter bullet . . .
- A few books, lots lurking around different forums for the past several weeks, and again, very little real experience !!!

My first recipe is going to be 3.5 grains of Bullseye.

My question is if that would be good to use with the Berry’s plated RN bullets since most of what I read is based on lead bullets? Also, what would be the maximum upper and lower range that would be recommended so I can try out a couple of different loads when I head off to the range with my reloads for the first time?

I want crawl before I walk, and walk before I run, so any comments and constructive criticism is welcome input. While I am looking forward to doing this for the fun and experience, I want it to be safe and repeatable.

Thanks in advance for everyone’s time and effort in responding and I look forward to lots of good advice for a beginner.

 

[Canuck-IL]

Plated heads can run with lead data (Rainier's recommendation) up to roughly mid-range jacketed loads (Berry's std advice). Make the low end 2.7 grains of BE which is a classic accuracy load for 148 WC & 158 SWC lead rounds in 38Spc brass.
/Bryan

 

[zxcvbob]

3.5 grains of Bullseye should be a very good starting place. If it's too light for you, try 3.8.

 

[HuntAndFish]

Also, what would be the maximum upper and lower range that would be recommended so I can try out a couple of different loads when I head off to the range with my reloads for the first time?

Looking at Hornady and Lyman I would put the lower end at 3.0 grains and the high end at 4.2 grains of Bullseye. You should confirm this in your own reloading handbooks before using something at the high end. Work up slowly and watch for pressure signs.

 

[fourdollarbill]

I keep that load @ 3.2gr bullseye with a taper crimp. I like the lower recoil.

 

[ekohler]

Thanks to everyone that as replied. I am heading out to start reloading this morning and look forward to a successful day of having some fun.

It will be off to the range this week to try them out.