.38 special load data for 105 gr.

[littlejon78]

Looking for load data for a lead 105 grain 38 special bullet. want it for
cowboy action shooting and i tipacally use unique and red dot but am willing to try anything. I know people are shooting it I just cant find any load data on it.
Thanks

 

[loadedround]

I suggest you check out the data shown on Hodgdon'w website and pay special attention to the starting loads of Trail Boss powder with both the 95 and 125 gr lead bullets. I believe you will have found your answer in their 38 spl loading data. www.hodgdon.com

 

[LiveLife]

The following is from Hodgdon's website:

110 GR. HDY XTP SR 4756 .357" OAL 1.455" Start 5.5 gr (913 fps) - Max 6.2 gr 1083 (fps)

110 GR. HDY XTP HS-6 .357" OAL 1.455" Start 7.0 gr (1071 fps) - Max 7.8 gr (1178 fps)

110 GR. HDY XTP AutoComp .357" OAL 1.455" Start 5.8 gr (860 fps) - Max 6.4 gr (1101 fps)

110 GR. HDY XTP Universal .357" OAL 1.455" Start 5.0 gr (968 fps) - Max 5.6 gr (1143 fps)

110 GR. HDY XTP W231 .357" OAL 1.455" Start 4.6 gr (948 fps) - Max 5.5 gr (1096 fps)

110 GR. HDY XTP HP-38 .357" OAL 1.455" Start 4.6 gr (948 fps) - Max 5.5 gr (1096 fps)

110 GR. HDY XTP SR7625 .357" OAL 1.455" Start 4.9 gr (929 fps) - Max 5.5 gr (1092 fps)

110 GR. HDY XTP IMR PB .357" OAL 1.455" Start 4.3 gr (953 fps) - Max 4.8 gr (1063 fps)

110 GR. HDY XTP Titegroup .357" OAL 1.455" Start 4.3 gr (1011 fps) - Max 4.8 gr (1109 fps)

110 GR. HDY XTP 700-X .357" OAL 1.455" Start 4.0 gr (986 fps) - Max 4.6 gr (1078 fps)

110 GR. HDY XTP Clays .357" OAL 1.455" Start 4.0 gr (1002 fps) - Max 4.2 gr (1073 fps)

Although the load data is for the heavier 110 gr jacketed bullet, they should be good reference for the lighter 105 gr lead bullet. You could start just below the starting load and work up from there.

 

[rcmodel]

Lyman #49 has load data for 90 grain (95 lubed) lead bullets using Red Dot and five other powders, but not Unique.

Also 120 grain (125 lubed) using Red Dot & Unique, as well as six other powders.

Your 105 grain could be safely loaded with 4.0 grains of Red Dot.
Unique might not burn so clean with such a light bullet, and that is reflected by Lyman not using it with 90 grain bullets.

If you reload with lead bullets in any caliber, you really need to get a Lyman manual.

rc

 

[Red Cent]

If you are a gamer and are looking for a light, sensible load, here ya go. I shoot a 105gr in 38 Special over 3.3 American Select. The difference between AS and Red Dot ain't perceptible. 3.3 of RD and you might pick up 20-30 feet per second.
My load clocks at 795 fps. Light recoil for the other shots.
Put a good firm roll crimp (in the crimp groove) on those reloads.The light load requires that the brass holds onto the bullet as long as it can to seal the chamber. If your crimp is not tight, you will get blowback black streaks on your brass. And you will have a dirty pistol.
If yu shoot a '73, those little suckers will run great. I have two '73s and both eat 'em up like crazy.
Where do ya shoot?

 

[ReloaderFred]

Both my wife and I shoot the 105 gr. for Cowboy Action Shooting through our revolvers. We use Bullseye and I size the bullets to .358". They're suprisingly accurate for such a small bullet, with many ragged one hole groups at 7 yards when testing loads from all four revolvers.

Hope this helps.

Fred