.38 Special Subsonic Levergun

[sbmitc2]

I'm new to the forum so " Hello everyone!" I was wondering if it's possible to load a bullet above 200 grains in a .38 Special case (but to .357 Magnum length) to achieve a subsonic and accurate round for plinking, varmint control, etc. Thanks!

Additional info: I don't reload but am thinking of getting into it (especially lately). I was thinking that a mild, quick burning powder charge in a .38 Special case that was loaded to .357 Mag length would allow you to push a heavier bullet without building up [excessive] chamber pressure in a Win 94AE carbine. Thoughts?

 

[rcmodel]

Off the top of my head, without wearing out books this late at night?

Any 200 grain standard pressure .38 Special load will be sub-sonic in a handgun, or carbine.
Any standard pressure 158 grain load will be too.

Bullets above 200 grains at .38 Spl velocity will probably not stabilize & will keyhole in normal .357 Carbine barrel 1/16 twist rates.

Gofer It.

rc

 

[PO2Hammer]

A 158 grain RN or SWC at 900-1,000 fps would probably be more accurate and would still be subsonic.

 

[rsrocket1]

I think a light charge of a fast powder like Red Dot or Clays would be just fine in a 158g bullet and keep it under 1000 fps even with a 16" barrel

 

[R.W.Dale]

I'm new to the forum so " Hello everyone!" I was wondering if it's possible to load a bullet above 200 grains in a .38 Special case (but to .357 Magnum length) to achieve a subsonic and accurate round for plinking, varmint control, etc. Thanks!

Additional info: I don't reload but am thinking of getting into it (especially lately). I was thinking that a mild, quick burning powder charge in a .38 Special case that was loaded to .357 Mag length would allow you to push a heavier bullet without building up chamber pressure in a Win 94AE carbine. Thoughts?

Yes you can. And if the tolerances stack up against the wrong way you might end up with the elusive 0 fps muzzle velocity.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=513183

Long bullets with lots of bearing surface in long barrels propelled by light charges are asking for trouble. Especially if your bbl has a "tight" bore.




posted via that mobile app with the sig lines everyone complains about

 

[sbmitc2]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=289149

Found what I was looking for! This older thread lists Penn Bullet website that has loads for a 230 grain hardcast bullet out off either .38 Special or .357 Mag brass. I bet it hits like brick and is quiet...