I have several 1000 125gr LRN .357 bullets and some AA#2 powder. I can't seem to find any load data for this powder/bullet combo in .38Spl. The guns they will be shot in are 4" S&W Model-19, a 6" Python, a Colt Det Spl, and a 4" S&W Model 686. I want a good,accurate target/plinking load. Anyone have a pet load they can share? Thanks.
.38Spl Load Data
- Thread starter Ky Larry
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Ozarkrick
Member
I shoot a bunch of MBC 125 grain LFN in my S&W Mod 10 / 586 / 686 and one load that seems to be the best (accurate, mild recoil, flat shooting, no leading) is : 5.2 grains of Unique, Wolf Sm Std Pistol primer, seated in crimp groove, finished off with Lee factory crimp die. Velocity is in the 800-850 fps range based on bbl lenght. I have tried various loads using bullseye, universal clays, tightgroup, and clays- but Unique seems to be the most accurate accross the board. Good luck & happy shooting
ScratchnDent
Member
I have used 4 gr of AA #2 in a 38 spl case and a 125 gr LRNFP.
It was a nice, mild load,and shot well.
Accurate Arms lists 4.8 grains as max charge for a 125 gr XTP.
http://www.accuratepowder.com/reloading.htm
It was a nice, mild load,and shot well.
Accurate Arms lists 4.8 grains as max charge for a 125 gr XTP.
http://www.accuratepowder.com/reloading.htm
Waywatcher
Member
Powder is the single cheapest component of reloading, get some more.
(On average powder accounts for less than 15% of the cost of the reload, and even less if you figure in the prices of brass)
I really like shooting Trail Boss with lead, I highly recommend it. I have gotten 2" groups out of my gun with the max load of Trail Boss using 158 grain LRN in my GP100. There are loads for it with 125 grain on the IMR website.
It also fills the case very nicely and is impossible to double charge a .38. Their listed maximum loads are usually because they cannot fit any more powder in the case with a bullet on top, not because of pressure.
(On average powder accounts for less than 15% of the cost of the reload, and even less if you figure in the prices of brass)
I really like shooting Trail Boss with lead, I highly recommend it. I have gotten 2" groups out of my gun with the max load of Trail Boss using 158 grain LRN in my GP100. There are loads for it with 125 grain on the IMR website.
It also fills the case very nicely and is impossible to double charge a .38. Their listed maximum loads are usually because they cannot fit any more powder in the case with a bullet on top, not because of pressure.
For lead bullets use the start load for jacketed bullets of the same weight as the maximum for your lead bullet. Grain for grain the lead bullet will have higher velocity than a jacketed bullet and in my experience the start load of a jacketed bullet will develop the same velocity as the maximum load when using a lead bullet. Drop that load by 10% to get your start and work up is desired.
According to Accurate's free on line PDF manual, the start load for 125gr XTP using AA2 is 4.8grs so for your 125 gr lead bullet start at 4.3grs and work up to 4.8 grs looking for best accuracy.
According to Accurate's free on line PDF manual, the start load for 125gr XTP using AA2 is 4.8grs so for your 125 gr lead bullet start at 4.3grs and work up to 4.8 grs looking for best accuracy.
dagger dog
Member
Here is data on 38 Special 125 gr copper plated bullet that starts with
4.2 grains ACCUR #2 @ 953 FPS
and maxes out at 4.7 grains @ 1083 fps
with a pressure of 17,00 psi
your lead bullet will be less pressure than the plated,jacketed.
4.2 grains ACCUR #2 @ 953 FPS
and maxes out at 4.7 grains @ 1083 fps
with a pressure of 17,00 psi
your lead bullet will be less pressure than the plated,jacketed.
Waywatcher
Member
6lbs is an awful lot. Best of luck!
MMCSRET
Member
I use a lot of A#2 in 38 Special, easy measuring, clean burning and very uniform performance. Your combination will be a fun, accurate round.
Good shooting!!!!
Good shooting!!!!
RevolverDan
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I made up a batch today of 125 grain cowboy .38 w/ 4.2 grains of Accurate #2. It was a very mild plinking round, but tight at 7 yards from my Model 19. VERY manageable in my LCP too. I'll likely load a few hundred more like that, and try a few closer to 4.7 or 4.8 to see how it goes.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I have a 2003 Accurate Arms guide and this is what they have listed for a 158gr LSWC bullet:
No.2 3.6gr 799 fps 4.0gr 868 fps
Since you can use a heavier charge with the lighter bullet that data is safe to start with and you can work from there. I'm guessing that 4.0gr charge is probably a good number like said above...
M. D. Smith's reloading pages lists a Max charge of AA#2 of 4.8gr using a 125gr LRN bullet.
No.2 3.6gr 799 fps 4.0gr 868 fps
Since you can use a heavier charge with the lighter bullet that data is safe to start with and you can work from there. I'm guessing that 4.0gr charge is probably a good number like said above...
M. D. Smith's reloading pages lists a Max charge of AA#2 of 4.8gr using a 125gr LRN bullet.
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