I have been loading 38spl with 5.5grns of AA#5 and a magma 158 BB LSWC.
This has been a VERY accurate load out of my S&W model 19, more than once I've been able to put all 6 shots with in roughly a silver dollar size area at 25yards. But the problem I'm having is there is so much soot and unburned powder. So much so I have to clean the gun after about 100rounds due to buildup in the cylinders. I re-checked all my manuals and they all say the load is safe but Lyman 49th says its near max, where as Speer 14th and Accurate's own 2nd manual say it's just above or at starting load. I put a medium crimp on most but I did experiment with heavier crimping somewhat but it was still a very dirty load. I don't know where to go because I am very happy with the accuracy of this load I just want it cleaner if possible.
I am going to experiment with 148grn Wad cutters(because I have about 60LBS of them) using red-dot, unique, bullseye, clays, and HP38/W231 soon so input there would be welcome as well.
Thanks
This has been a VERY accurate load out of my S&W model 19, more than once I've been able to put all 6 shots with in roughly a silver dollar size area at 25yards. But the problem I'm having is there is so much soot and unburned powder. So much so I have to clean the gun after about 100rounds due to buildup in the cylinders. I re-checked all my manuals and they all say the load is safe but Lyman 49th says its near max, where as Speer 14th and Accurate's own 2nd manual say it's just above or at starting load. I put a medium crimp on most but I did experiment with heavier crimping somewhat but it was still a very dirty load. I don't know where to go because I am very happy with the accuracy of this load I just want it cleaner if possible.
I am going to experiment with 148grn Wad cutters(because I have about 60LBS of them) using red-dot, unique, bullseye, clays, and HP38/W231 soon so input there would be welcome as well.
Thanks