38 Special Powder
- Thread starter viking499
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beatledog7
Member
Bullseye!
Also Titegroup and W231.
Also Titegroup and W231.
4895
Member
I like W-231 for my .38 spl loads. I am almost out of it (less than 1/4 lb.) and went to buy some more. Ha-Ha. I don't know what I was thinking. It is all out of stock at LGS and online. I did buy a lb. of Universal Clay's to try instead. I have never used it but I know it has a lot of recommendations here. Seems like now is the time to bring the load manual to the LGS and buy whatever powder onhand that will work. Might find a new favorite.
Miata Mike
Member
HP-38/W231. Bullseye should work well in a short barrel I would think.
Magnum Shooter
Member
The 38spl has been loaded with Bullseye for over 100 years and still going strong. HP38 was made for the 38spl and W231 is the same powder.
Starter52
Member
Another vote for WW 231. Red Dot is good also; 5.0 grains of Red Dot and a 158 grain Lead SWC is my favorite +P load for larger revolvers.
oneounceload
member
You can also use any good powder designed for 12 gauge target loads, like Clays, Universal Clays, Red Dot, Clay Dot, etc.
USSR
Member
+1. Same goes for .45 ACP loads.
Don
oldpapps
Member
I used 231, before that 230, before that Unque. Haven't loaded 38s in close to 30 years. Can't see where much would change.
ETXhiker
Member
Bullseye is economical and generally very accurate in .38 SPL. Be aware that this powder doesn't fill the case very much and if you double charge one you have to look closely to notice. Fast powders are like that. Just do a visual check of all the cases before you seat the bullets.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I use almost nothing other than W231/HP-38...
Kevin Rohrer
Member
Smart reloaders go *safe* 
over *economical* 
. Use a powder (e.g. Unique) that fills the case at least half way. Using such a powder lets you know when you double-charge a case. 
over *economical* . Use a powder (e.g. Unique) that fills the case at least half way. Using such a powder lets you know when you double-charge a case. gamestalker
member
I have been going with Longshot and HS6 with excellent results. At the upper end of the data, Longshot gets me in the mid 1200's fps shooting a 125 gr. JHP, HS6 about the same.
GS
GS
beatledog7
Member
Smart reloaders use the powder that's best for the application and double check their charges.
Kevin Rohrer
Member
Not too smart in my book. Mistakes happen, even with the most careful reloaders. Using a bulky powder is a failsafe.
gamestalker
member
I'm with loading smart over economical, which is why I like HS6 and Longshot.
GS
GS
Mistakes do not happen if one looks inside the case prior to bullet seating.
Even Unique does not fill half the case with most book loads. The only powders that fit your paranoid requirement are Blue Dot, 2400, Trail Boss, and those meant for high pressure magnum applications. They are inappropriate for the 38 Special.
Reloaders need to pay attention to reloading.
Cervus canadensis
Member
I have been using W231 with good results.
Kevin Rohrer
Member
I have never heard taking a reasonable step to prevent unsafe charges as being "paranoid". It takes all kinds...
I disagree when it comes to Trail Boss. I use TB all the time for light recoiling loads rounds for my wife. It's a great powder for that and impossible to accidentally double charge.
sellersm
Member
For the higher velocity for SD, I'd look at HS-6 or Unique.
ScratchnDent
Member
I use Bullseye for my snubs and Unique for anything with a barrel over 3.5 inches.
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