.38 SPL - 158gr LSWC. What do you like?

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gwalchmai

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I need a few hundred middlin range loads. I've been using Titegroup but I thought I might try something else to see how it does.

I have Unique, HS-6, 2400, AA #5, Clays, Solo-1000, and Universal on hand.

Thanks!
 
AA#5. It won't be clean until you find the right combination, so to speak--but it can be loaded across a broad range of min and max and will work well. It ended up being my preferred powder for working up 357 short barrel loads until I found True Blue.

Jim H.
 
Speer 158g LSWCHP
CCI 500 Primer
Red Dot 3.6g
Chronied average at728 FPS
New Starline Nickel Plated Brass
Firm Crimp using dedicated process with Lee FCD.
This is out of a S&W 642 - 1 7/8" barrel

Work up to this load.
Use at your own risk.
Take all precautions.
 
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Of the powders you have, Clays & Solo 1000 for light loads, Unique for anything heavier.

As jfh posted, AA #5 & True Blue are very good choices for midrange and up as well, if you are hankering to buy a new powder.
 
Unique works fine for 158gr loads. I ran the loads below on the same day. These where +P loads using data from Speer #13. Note the difference in velocity between Winchester primers and CCI. 2/10ths grains more of Unique was required to get almost equal velocity using CCI and the Standard Deviation was higher. I think the WSP primers are hotter.

Despite the StDev's being rather high it doesn't make a difference on paper. If you want a lighter load drop down to 4.5grs of Unique.
 

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3.2 grains of Clay's will move a 158LSWC around 790 fps out of my 637 and 860 out of my 6" model 28. I've played with Solo in my .38 super and it works great for min PF loads. You should check out HP-38/231 for your mid-light level loads as well you'll love it.

Sorry about the 7900fps, I've edited the number.
 
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I like 4.0gr of Trail Boss or 3.8gr of AA#2 with 158gr LSWC's in all my .38spl/.357's. Shot about 50rnds this mourning (3.8gr AA#2-158gr LSWC) in my 6" Python. At 20yrds, those pop cans didn't have a chance.:D
 
Clifford said:
3.2 grains of Clay's will move a 158LSWC around 7900fps out of my 637
Click to expand...
That's cooking! Also a good reason to double-check data you get online (not bagging on ya, Clifford :) ).
Another +1 on 4.5g of Unique.
 
Yes, Unique will do it. I have been using Titergoup for light loads lately. Just because I had never used it and wanted to try it. Have fun.
 
Lately I've been loading 158gr LSWC with 4.2-4.4gr of W231.
AA#5 has worked well for me with .358 dia. LSWC in my S&W M-10, and as jfh said it takes a little work to find the right load.
If I had some Universal on hand I would try it, Unique is a great powder bot it does not meter well in my powder throw.
 
It's not what you asked but I like loading 148gr double ended wadcutters in 38's and 158gr SWC in 357. They seem to perform the best for me in those calibers.
 
I agree W231/HP-38 is probably your best bet even though you don't have any. My very favorite 158gr LSWC load is 4.0gr W231... It's accurate and clean.

Of the powders you have Unique or Universal are probably the best choices for a mid-range .38 Special load. Like said above HS-6, AA#5 and 2400 are just too slow for efficient mid-range loads.

(I see you also use the same name over on the S&W forum)
 
In 38 spl 3.1g Clays under MB 158g RNFP gives me 779 FPS, ES 41.79, SD 15.35 out of a 6" barrel. Burns clean and is accurate for me, this is my go to plinking load.
 
I would be happy to just be able to find some SWCHPs. I am out and haven't seen any for sale in many many months.
 
Bunnie, Midway can usually get Speer LSWCHPs, although you may have to wait for a backorder. I think my last order had a 2 week b/o, and that was January or so.
 
Ah, maybe that is it. I never bother with backorders but I guess those that do get them all! I also use magnus bullets HBWCs and I love them but they said no SWCHP will be available until August and then not many.

It drives me nuts that once I find a load that I like, I cant get the bullets.
 
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