38 special powder

[22lr]

I am seeing powder threads for different calipers but I haven't seen one for 38s. I am brand new at the reloading game so I didn't want to take advice for 9mm loads on 38s. basically my question is what is a good powder for use in 38 special. Nothing special and just for target/plinking. Ill be using cast 155 grain SWC and Winchester primers if that matters. Thanks

22lr

 

[MMCSRET]

Bullseye is the "go to" for 38 Special. Backed up by AA#2, Winchester 231, HP-38. There are a lot more that work just as well.

 

[jfh]

You'll get a number of responses, I suspect--so start with these:

1. For low-to-midrange / accuracy: Win 231.

2. For low / accuracy: Bullseye.

3. Across the full spectrum: AA#5.

4. Across the full spectrum: True Blue.

(Ramshot's) True Blue is my personal favorite, particularly for higher-pressure 38 CIP loads with 158-gr. bullets. However, it also exhibits the broadest "sweet spot" I've found--with little shift in POA.

Jim H.

 

[homers]

titegroup
clays

 

[22lr]

Ok thanks, now here is a really noob question to follow up on that. How many rounds can you get out of a pound on average? Thanks

22lr

 

[easyrider604]

Have used 231, titegroup, bullseye and 700x, all to my satisfaction

 

[jfh]

With an equally general response to a general question: "about 1000 to 2000 charges per pound."

And, that, combined with careful study of (on-line) manuals, will get you a cost-per-round down to 0.001 cents, plus-or-minus 100 percent.

Jim H.

 

[22lr]

Ok, thank you guys, I am really looking forward to getting started loading for my S&W 10. Ive got everything on the way and hopefully by next week I can get a few of my own rounds downrange. Thanks again.

 

[rcmodel]

7,000 grains to the pound.

SO, a 3.0 charge of Bullseye would get you 2,333.33 rounds.

A 5.0 grain charge of something else would get you 1,400.

7000 / Charge Weight = # of rounds per pound.

rc

 

[CSA 357]

Bullseye:d

 

[22lr]

Just ordered a pound of bullseye. Cant wait to get started.

 

[oneounceload]

don't forget to include Unique and Universal Clays......4 to 4.5 with a 158 LSWC will group nicely all day long in my S&W 66

 

[floydster]

Two good powders for the 38 Spl.
TrailBoss and Red Dot

 

[something vague]

Universal Clays, I have just become a convert from Unique and W231.

 

[novaDAK]

I'm using Unique and am very satisfied. A bit dirty, but it works well.

I've been toying with the idea of trying W231 but am not sure at this point. I may just stick with Unique.

 

[pmeisel]

I have stuck with Unique because it works well for mid range 357 as well. Just didn't want to have more cans of powder, Unique, 2400, and 4227 do it all right now.

 

[Eagle103]

You made a good choice with Bullseye for plinking.

 

[Slamfire]

I have shot case loads of a 158 grain lead (LSWC, RN) and 3.5 grs Bullseye. This load shoots exceptionally well in ever 38 Spl I have tried it in. And that has got to be around 20 revolvers, mostly snubbies and a few 357's.

This load is not sensitive to primer or case. As the data below shows. Going from a lead to a JHP made a velocity difference, but I cannot tell it on target.


Colt Police Positive Special 4" Barrel


158 LRN 3.5grs Bullseye Mixed cases Fed 100 4-Sep-05 T = 72 F
Ave Vel =759.2
Std Dev =36
ES 104.8
High 813
Low 709
N = 50

158 LRN 3.5grs Bullseye Mixed cases WSP 29-Jan-06 T = 68 F
Ave Vel =760.3
Std Dev =27.53
ES 111.4
High 814.1
Low 702.6
N = 29

158 JHP 3.5grs Bullseye Mixed cases WSP 29-Jan-06 T = 68 F
Ave Vel =633.1
Std Dev =41.32
ES 113.2
High 706.7
Low 593.5
N = 6

4" S&W M10-5

158 LRN 3.5grs Bullseye Mixed cases WSP
19-Mar-06 T = 52 °F
Ave Vel =749.2
Std Dev =20.97
ES = 83.49
High = 793.7
Low = 710.2
N = 32

Elevation good
Windage centered
accurate
low recoil
no leading

 

[22lr]

Awesome, ill definitely save that info, much oblige.

 

[Walkalong]

I'll throw in Clays and American Select as well as the already good suggestions. Lots of good choices in .38 Spl.

 

[Kernel]

Trailboss is a new one I've been playing with. Not just for cowboy shooters. It was specificaly designed for large cases (like the .38 SPL) and lead bullets. It's among the safest powders - due to it's bulk density there is little chance of double loads.

For .38 SPL plinking loads in the past I've had good results with: W231, Red Dot, H38, Universal Clays, Bullseye, & Unique.

 

[arizona98tj]

I've shot lots of Bulleye behind .38 special wadcutters for many, many years. It works quite well and is cost effective.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Like said above, there are MANY good selections when it comes to loading the .38 Special. My favorite powder for the .38 is W231/HP-38. I've used Clays, AA#5, Unique, Power Pistol, Longshot, HS-6 and a few others. All did the job but I keep coming back to W231.

IMO there's no better powder when loading a 148gr WC or 158gr SWC. It's clean, accurate and a fairly low flash powder too.

Be very careful when loading with Bullseye. It's a very fast powder and will spike pressures quickly if you are off on the charge weights.

 

[lgbloader]

Trailboss is a new one I've been playing with.

Fun stuff...

LGB

 

[Peter M. Eick]

For lead bullets, Trailboss.

I like it because it is powerful enough for fun. Accurate enough for fun and on a progressive I don't have to worry about a double charge. It would spill out because it is so fluffy.