.38 Special & Win 231

[MissouriCrowinMass]

It was cold today but I felt like getting outside. I tested out a GP100 w/ a 6" barrel and 3 loads of .38 Special. I was using 158 gr. LRN from BetterBullets and Win 231 in 3.8 grains, 4.0 grains and 4.2 grains. I didn't shoot alot cause it was darn cold. All shots from 50' and a rest. POA 6:00 o'clock.

I like the 3.8 grain load. All the loads shot as well or better than the American Eagle Factory. Although to be fair, they were the cold bore shots. I had no leading in the barrel. I haven't reloaded much lead before......kind of like it.

Got lucky this weekend. Scored 2 bricks of Small Pistol Primers at my favorite Gun Shop in New Hampshire. The big Shop in Maine will only sell 200 of any one SKU.

 

[MissouriCrowinMass]

Didn't attach the shots?!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

One of my favorite .38 Special loads is a 158gr LSWC bullet over 4.0gr W231. Same charge works just as well with a LRN bullet. Sounds like you got similar results, glad to see the load I shoot is verified by other reloaders.

 

[flipajig]

Looks like 3.8 to me im using 3.2 i think of hp38.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Looks like 3.8 to me im using 3.2 i think of hp38.

As most already know W231 = HP-38.

"flipajig", a charge of only 3.2gr W231/HP-38 is close to the starting load and probably gives you a nice light plinking load. How accurate is that load? I have never used less than 3.4gr W231/HP-38 with a 158gr lead bullet in the .38 Special. I do charge 3.2gr W231 with a 148gr HBWC and 3.4gr/3.5gr W231 with a 148gr DEWC bullet.

 

[RainDodger]

I've been loading 3.2 gr. of W231/HP-38 with a 148 gr. FBWC for years. EXTREMELY accurate for me - at least in my 4" S&W Combat Masterpiece. It's a light load and excellent for punching paper. I estimated it at 800 FPS (no chrono).

 

[mbopp]

I've been up and down loading BBWC's for my M19 in .357 cases using 231, this gun likes Unique better.
But I use 231 for popgun loads in my .44 Mag. Nice groups & very little recoil.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I've been loading 3.2 gr. of W231/HP-38 with a 148 gr. FBWC for years. EXTREMELY accurate for me - at least in my 4" S&W Combat Masterpiece. It's a light load and excellent for punching paper. I estimated it at 800 FPS (no chrono).

I doubt you're getting 800 fps from that load but I have no doubt at all it is very accurate. I find a similar load to be very accurate too and from several different .357 Magnum and .38 Special S&W revolvers.

 

[RippinSVT]

Isn't it nice to cook up a few batches and just have them shoot WELL? I can't tell you how many times I've made up some handloads and have them shoot groups, only to come upon one or two loads that really are tack-drivers.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Isn't it nice to cook up a few batches and just have them shoot WELL? I can't tell you how many times I've made up some handloads and have them shoot groups, only to come upon one or two loads that really are tack-drivers.

Yes, it sure does feel good when the ammo you build makes you look good!!