38spl and Trail Boss

[bensdad]

I found this: http://www.imrpowder.com/data/handgun/trailboss-feb2005.php
but can't find confirmation. My manuals predate this powder (they were made before donuts became gunpowder). Can anyone confirm a safe starting load (and a max load) for TB with 158gr. lswc? I'll start at 2.7, then try 3.0 if you guys don't save me from myself.

 

[918v]

You think IMR's data is unsafe?

 

[Walkalong]

Ditto.

Go with the folks who make it. IMR

 

[bensdad]

I'm a nervous pervis. Just gotta hear things twice. Thanks guys.

 

[Walkalong]

TB is hard to get into trouble with.

Do NOT compress it....per IMR.

 

[bensdad]

I can actually see 2.7 in the 38 case. If it shoots good, this is awsome. Metered a bit rough though. Set the uniflow at 2.7, triple checked it, threw 10 rds., then checked the weight again - 2.9.
Prolly not enough difference for my purposes.
I'm using up some sp mag. primers. That's not gonna matter is it?

 

[Walkalong]

It makes a difference, but at 2.7 grs (even 2.9) it's not going to get you in trouble.

Always throw 10 or so charges to let things settle before getting weights.

 

[bensdad]

Thanks!

 

[Jesse Heywood]

IMR also has a data page for Trail Boss reduced loads.
http://www.imrpowder.com/PDF/Trail-Boss-data.pdf

In layman's terms, fill a case to where the bullet base will be seated and measure the charge. That is your maximum load. To calculate the start for a reduced load multiply the max load by .7 (70%) and work up.

Trail Boss was designed to fill the case. As Walkalong said, do not compress the charge.

 

[TonyT]

You can find the data for Trail Boss on Hodgdon's website.

 

[DUCKNDAWG]

I'm useing TB in my 38 sp. derringer with a 92 gr. boolit. I'm down to 1.5 gr. and no issues yet. Thinking about trying to get it down to 1 gr. maybe less. I only use the derringer at CAS side matches.

 

[joneb]

With 158gr LSWC I've loaded up to 4.2gr of TB with good results and no signs of over pressure, but I can achieve better accuracy with Bullseye and W-231.