.38 Special - 125 or 158 Grain?

[sequins]

I only load 158 these days. They just shoot the best out of any of mine or my friends revolvers. I don't like the blast or handling of 125s in comparison, either.

 

[JimmyMac69]

Usually 3.5 grn. In a 2 inch barrel, I’ve loaded as light as 3.0 grn. I haven’t tried anything less than 4.0 grn out of a 4 inch barrel, so I don’t know if the lighter ones would stick or not.

Thanks for the info I’ll give it a try

 

[Cokeman]

I am about to load my first .38 Specials. The bullets are Berry’s 125 flat points. My powder is Hodgdon HP-38. I am going to use this data from the Hodgdon site. Does this look good?

 

[mcb]

I am about to load my first .38 Specials. The bullets are Berry’s 125 flat points. My powder is Hodgdon HP-38. I am going to use this data from the Hodgdon site. Does this look good?

View attachment 943714

That should work fine. Start with the Starting Load and work your way up (not exceeding Maximum Load) in powder charge till you get the velocity and/or accuracy you want.

 

[Bfh_auto]

Since my 38 Special had fixed sights, I loaded the bullet weight that shot to POA. For my pistol, that was 125gr.

Same here. Except mine likes 158s.
Nothing like sights mandating your ammo.

 

[nevadabob]

I shoot either one but prefer the 158 lswc overall in my 2 inch snubbys. I always use projectiles that have a crimp groove as the bullets tend to "walk" with the smaller length barrel. Not sure if that will be that critical in your 3 inch gun.

 

[Cokeman]

I hope not. I’m a bit unsure on how crimping is going to go. I’m going to do some 9mm too.

 

[hdwhit]

I have always wondered about this.

My Grandmother always used 158 grain wad-cutters in her .38.

From the age of 12, it was family lore that she never missed a target. Apparently, the household rule was that if you took 5 rounds (most often .22 long rifle), you brought back 5 carcasses, or you got a spanking. She learned to make every shot count.

 

[JimmyMac69]

That sounds like my grandfather you just didn’t go out and waste ammo, you brought something home to eat.