.38 special target loads

[xring44]

Whats your favorite target loads for the .38 special.

I've been in the loading game a long, long time,,,but never loaded for the .38 special. Thanks

 

[Canuck-IL]

2.7 Bullseye with a 148gr lead WC or SWC is kind of a classic load.
/B

 

[bakert]

When I first started reloading I used the 148 gr LWCs and small charges of HP38 or Win 231. Friends of mine used light charges of Bullseye. Nowadays I use only the 158 gr LSWCs with suitable charges of 231 or AA 5. I can't see any difference in practical accuracy in my guns and the loads are much more versatile at least in my opinion. Others may not agree with this but it works for me.

 

[Citadel99]

I use 158 gr HBWC with 3.2 gr of W231. Works great for me. Check your manuals for confirmation, though.

Mark

 

[HSMITH]

I like 158's in 38. A good 158 and a light charge of Clays has been very accurate for me. The same bullet with a light charge of Bullseye works very well too.

 

[LeonCarr]

148 grain swaged HBWC with 2.7 grains of Bullseye, or a 158 grain SWC/RN/RNFP with 3.2 grains of Bullseye.

Either one had been accurate for me in many different revolvers. Please check your manuals to confirm, and follow all safe handloading procedures.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[The Bushmaster]

W-231 in moderate loadings either using a 140 grain SJHP or a 125 SJHP. Both Remington bullets...It really wouldn't make much difference as most .38 Special loadings including factory have very little recoil in the first place...That and .38 Specials accuracy is what makes .38 Specials so popular. Especially with the women...I know as I have 3 S&W Mod 10's in this house. One is a 2" bull barrel and two are 4" barrels.

 

[Dr.Who]

125 JSP grain with 3.1 Grains of Bullseye. Very acurate in my Colts...

 

[xring44]

Within hours of posting this thread, I reviewed a few "answer" posts, went back to my loading room, loaded 10 rounds of 2.8 grains Bullseye, 148 grain wadcutters, stepped out on my back porch, first 3 shots cut one ragged hole at 15 yds. Living in the country has its avantages!
This is a wonderful site, I appreciate all the replies, I will try some AA#5 and clays today. Thanks everyone!

 

[Quantrill]

2.5gr 700X under a 148gr wadcutter (H&G#50, Lyman #35891 or #358495) has worked for me in bullseye and PPC competition. Quantrill

 

[MCgunner]

148 grain swaged HBWC with 2.7 grains of Bullseye, or a 158 grain SWC/RN/RNFP with 3.2 grains of Bullseye.

Either one had been accurate for me in many different revolvers. Please check your manuals to confirm, and follow all safe handloading procedures.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

Ditto on both loads except that I use a cast Lee 148 grain WC. My 158 grain bullet is the Lee tumble lube SWC.

Also, for a warmish load, 5.0 grains Unique behind the 158 grain SWC is an old stand by that works for me.

 

[RON in PA]

As an general use load I use 4.4 grains of 231 under a cast 158 grain SWC. This charge works well with both Speer swaged 158 grain SWC and 148 grain solid base WCs. For 148 grain hollow base WC I use 3.1 grains of 231.

 

[rchernandez]

2.7 Bullseye with a 148gr lead WC or SWC is kind of a classic load.

+1 ...classic and it works well! Good results from 2.7gr BE behind 158gr LSWC.

 

[xring44]

Just a update on my .38 special load. I have tryed almost every load mentioned above, with no bad results, all proved highly accurate in my .38, I just settled on a load which gave me exceptional accuracy, it is 2/10ths of a grain less than one mentioned above since that was what my powder measure threw, I just shot 5 shots from 15 yards in a.457 group, outside to outside was .817,,,THANKS to everyone who offered their knowledge and load data.

The load I have settled on consists of 4.2 grains of winchester 231 and a 158 grain SWC ignited with a federal primer and COAL of 1.440

This group was fired with open sights from a sand bag rest useing my Colt Diamondback 4" revolver......A diopter helped these old tired eyes focus on the sights...Thanks again for everyones input...xring44