38 special load

[fetch]

i hate to admit, but i may have made a mistake with a load and wanted some advice before either shooting the rounds or tearing them apart.

load data
5.0gr hp38
hornady 125gr xtp
Winchester small pistol magnum primer

From hodgdons site for
38 load.
max load is 4.8gr

38+p
5.3gr

My concern is the primer. With using a magnum primer does it push it over the limit? I will be shooting this load out a ruger gp100 6" barrel

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Magnum primers will burn a little hotter and a little longer but they are no flamethrowers. Since you're load is not at the top end of the pressure range it's perfectly safe with a magnum primer.

Even if it were overpressure for a .38 Special round or .38 Special +p round you're firing them in a .357 Magnum revolver. .38 Special = 17,000 PSI, .38 Special +P = 20,000 PSI, .357 Magnum = 35,000 PSI. You have a huge safety margin there and I highly doubt your load comes close to reaching 20,000 PSI...

Welcome to the forum...

 

[Waywatcher]

Definitely safe in your .357 chambered GP100. I would shoot them without a second thought.

 

[Hondo 60]

in a GP100??

Totally not an issue. Shoot away & have fun

 

[b money]

As said above not a problem at all, the GP100 is investment cast, just like the red/Blackhawk so it can shoot fairly heavy loads.