38 Special light or heavy bullets for low recoil?

[IMtheNRA]

I need to make some low recoil loads in 38 Special and I have bullets ranging from 110 grains to 158. Generally speaking, is a slow, heavy bullet going to give me less recoil than a light, slow bullet, or is it the other way around?

I have seen both sides argued intelligently...

The powders available for experimenting are Win-231 and Viht-340.

 

[rcmodel]

Actual f/p of recoil energy will be less with lighter bullets if velocity is the same.

Actual felt recoil may feel sharper with light bullets driven very much faster then heavy bullets.
IE: More of a slap then a shove.

rc

 

[IMtheNRA]

That's what I thought. For this very light load, I'd like a push rather than a slap. Thank you.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The powder also changes the felt recoil. A medium speed powder will probably be best for your application. (like W231)

 

[16in50calNavalRifle]

One suggestion

For light 38 special loads you might consider Trail Boss. I have a load using Trail Boss and 125-grain Missouri RNFP bullets that produces very light recoil in an S&W Model 66 4-inch. Don't know what sort of firearm you're loading for, or what sort of bullets you are using, but Trail Boss is easy to use (good case-fill makes it easy to monitor for squib loads and makes double-charges unlikely as it overflows the case) and likes lead.

 

[anothernewb]

I just got a .357 and I'm loving TB. 2.3gr under a 148 wadcutter in 38 cases. more like a poof than a bang. barely moves the GP100. First time I fired one I thought it was a squib, it was that soft.

 

[Steve C]

Recoil is a function of momentum that is mass of the bullet and powde x their velocities and inversly proportional to the weight of the firearm. Lower the mass of the bullet, the powder and/or their velocity and you will lower the recoil if fired from the same gun. Increasing the weight of the gun used also reduces recoil.

Your lowest recoil will come from a 110gr bullet at low velocity.

 

[Bud0505]

You don't state why you need low recoil loads but if your looking for paper punchers you might want to try 148 gr HBWC with 2.8 grs of Bullseye.

 

[sellersm]

You've been given good answers for both felt recoil and the real (mathematical) recoil.

For me, I prefer heavier bullets with lighter charges as it feels better to my arthritic hands/wrists (stupid RA). I like 158gr LSWC with about 3.2gr Bullseye.

 

[earplug]

Competition revolver shooters likes

In USPSA shooting where a power factor is required. Heavy bullets are favored for the less apparent recoil in revolvers. Heavy bullets give a soft feeling recoil with less blast effect.
If power is not needed, the suggested 148 grain target loads are ideal.
Most revolvers have their fixed sights designed for 158 grain bullets.

 

[germ]

One other factor you may want to consider is point of impact, especially if the gun has non adjustable sights. From what I've read, generally, most 38's are sighted for 158gr bullets. Lighter bullets hit low. Toss in light charges and who know where you'll end up.

I have an S&W 64 with non adjustable sights and I found it best to stick with 158-160gr, even with fairly light loads of BE. Hey, my wife and my 80yr old mother shoot these (usually with a much heavier 686 though).

I'm sure those with more experience will correct me where I'm wrong if necessary.