38 special +p brass

[allain]

I would like to know if I can use regular 38 special brass with +p loads. I checked the 5 manuals I have and couldn't find anything to the contrary. The different +p powder difference is shown with the 38 special.

The Sierra manual does not have +p data.

I have 20 pcs. of +p brass, but can not find anything different.

Thanks for any info.

Roy

 

[allain]

Model #

I found the model # in the yoke of the revolver. 65-3.

However, I can find no reference to that model. Should I look somewhere else?

Thanks,

Roy

 

[Walkalong]

Yes you can. No worries. I like to use +P brass for easy identification, but it doesn't matter safety wise.

 

[rcmodel]

Your S&W 65-3 was made from 1982, until 1988 when the 65-4 change came out.

The important changes made when the 65-3 was introduced was the elimination of the pinned barrel and recessed chambers previously used on all S&W Magnum revolvers.
The cylinder was also shortened from 1.67" to 1.62".

rc

 

[HOWARD J]

I have been loading 38 spl. cases that have been loaded 3/4 times
5.5 to 6.0 gr. ( +P) of Power Pistol using 158 gr plated flat nose X-treme Co. --I have had no problems out of a Ruger Gp-100
If you use this load work up slowly from about 4.0 gr.
Have fun

 

[allain]

38 spc +p

Thanks guys. I knew I could count on THR.

One other question. I have a bunch of Bullseye and 231 I use for my 1911's.

My Lyman manual reccommends Bullseye and 231 in that order as the go to powders.

What do you say?

Thanks

Roy

 

[sixgunner455]

Bullseye and 231 are great powders for loading .38 Specials.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I use a lot of W231 for my .38 Special ammo but when loading .38 Special +P ammo I like to use a slower powder. I mostly use HS-6 but I have also had good success using AA#5, Longshot and Power Pistol.

It's difficult to safely achieve the velocities your looking to generate with a +P load without exceeding the SAAMI pressure limits with fast powders. It's easier when you use a slower powder. That said I would recommend using W231 over Bullseye because Bullseye is much faster than W231.

 

[CraigC]

Absolutely! The only difference is the headstamp. I have loaded standard .38 cases to .38-44 velocities as many as 20 times without so much as a mouth split.

 

[Steve C]

Case manufacturers will tell you that in the .38 spl and 9mm the +P stamp is for load discrimination only and the cases are identical to standard cases.

In the .45 ACP the +P case is different with a thicker web and slightly smaller capacity.

You can confirm this at www.starlinebrass.com

 

[rcmodel]

While generaly true, it is not always true.

I have a bunch of Remington +P .38 Spl cases that are much heavier & thicker then Rem standard .38 cases.
They are actually more like short .357 mag cases.

GI issue Remington .38 Spl ball ammo cases are also heavier & thicker then commercial cases.

Other brands will probably be the same capacity, weight & thickness.
The Win, Starline, and Federal +P I have are identical weight to the same brands of standard pressure cases.

rc

 

[camar]

I have been using .38 Spl. brass for the past 5+ yrs. loading +P. I check my brass when I get home and none are worse for wear.

 

[Guillermo]

there is no +P brass

There is not even +P+ brass

as RC pointed out, some companies make some heavy cases but it is rare and quite unnecessary

it is not as though +P is a hot load