Another novice 38spl reload question(or two)

[stonebuster]

My initial reloading attempt was 38spl 158gr Xtreme (copper plated)FP over 4.0 grains of HP-38. I want to bump it up to 4.2gr. Hodgdons shows data for jacketed Hornady XTP 38+P at 4.6 grains. Am i safe working up to +P shooting out of a 38+P rated revolver(4")? I also bought Hornady XTP 125gr HP since Hodgdon lists this exact bullet in their data which is start 4.3gr to max 4.9gr HP-38. I've had trouble finding plated bullet data for the powder(HP-38) I've got.

 

[kmw1954]

Just a quick look in my Hornady #10 which was sitting here on my desk it show cast lead 158gr RN and SWC loads with Win231/hp-38 @3.2 to 4.4gr and a jacketed 158gr bullets from 3.7 to 4.9gr so I would guess you are safe to 4.4gr and maybe to 4.6gr with the plated but I myself would not venture above that level. but that is me.

 

[George P]

Plated data has been mentioned here time and time again; use mid-range jacketed data generally not to exceed 1200fps.

 

[Archie]

Having loaded and over loaded .38 Special rounds for decades, I suggest one use a slower burning powder for heavier loads. Like +P type stuff.

I'm looking at the Hodgdon 2021 Annual Manual as I type. In the .38 Special +p listings, HP-38 is shown as 4.6 grains as maximum.
In Hodgdon #26 (book format) the maximum load of 5.2 grains of HP-38 is shown. That book (and information) has a publishing date of 1992. Since then, pressure testing has been advanced and loads that used to be used are now determined to be above the allowed industry (SAAMI) standards of pressure.

Important note: Exceeding the maximum charge will probably NOT result in a first shot catastrophic failure (blowing up and bits of what used to be a revolver and casing falling from the sky). But it will wear out the firearm sooner; probably in the realm of stretching the top strap of a revolver, ending in excessive end play. And it could blow up completely on the 21st or 22nd shot.

That same 2021 Hodgdon manual lists at least three other loadings for the same caliber and bullet going faster than the one with which you're experimenting, some resulting in lower pressures.

Do be careful, old boy.

 

[Steve51]

With X-Treme plated bullets, I stay at max or near max levels for cast lead bullets. Some of my manuals show a max load of 4.2 grains of HP-38 for a 158 gr. lead bullet and one manual shows a max load of 4.4 grains of HP-38 for a 158 gr. lead bullet. Personally I use 4.2 grains of HP-38 for 158 gr. plated bullets. It is a good & accurate load for me. I really don't want a hotter load for my Ruger LCRx 38 Spl+P and it is a very pleasant load to shoot in my .357 Taurus and Ruger revolvers.

 

[stonebuster]

Thanks and sorry if this is a repetitive question but I've searched and heard a variety of different answers about plated bullets. I have been using data from Hodgdons website.

 

[rfwobbly]

Thanks and sorry if this is a repetitive question but I've searched and heard a variety of different answers about plated bullets. I have been using data from Hodgdons website.

All plated bullets are not created alike. No one answer fits them all due to wide variations in the plating thickness. You should should consult the makers web page for FAQ answers or some type of advice. When you know what the true bullet parameters are, then you can consult the load recipes.

 

[Zendude]

Thanks and sorry if this is a repetitive question but I've searched and heard a variety of different answers about plated bullets. I have been using data from Hodgdons website.

The website for the plated bullet manufacturer will usually say to use either lead or jacketed bullet data. Then, it should say what the maximum velocity is for the plated bullet. Xtreme makes plated bullets two different thickness of plating, so make sure to use the correct maximum.
When the manufacturer says to use jacketed data, I have had the best results with a powder charge in the middle of the minimum and maximum charge weight for jacketed load data.
Also, don’t be surprised if you find load data for 38 special from different sources that don’t seem to be very consistent at all.

 

[George P]

I have been loading lead, plated and jacketed 38s for quite a few years and have never found an accurate load that was ta or very near max. Most tended to be in the middle of the pack.

 

[jimboecv]

Consider case overall length. Same powder & charge will give higher pressure if the case is shorter. Also, the measure of your crimp will make a difference in pressure.

 

[NapalmMan67]

My initial reloading attempt was 38spl 158gr Xtreme (copper plated)FP over 4.0 grains of HP-38. I want to bump it up to 4.2gr. Hodgdons shows data for jacketed Hornady XTP 38+P at 5.3grains. Am i safe working up to 5.0gr shooting out of a 38+P rated revolver(4")? I also bought Hornady XTP 125gr HP since Hodgdon lists this exact bullet in their data which is start 4.3gr to max 4.9gr HP-38. I've had trouble finding plated bullet data for the powder(HP-38) I've got.

I just looked at Hodgon's website data for 38 w/ 158gr Hornady XTP and current data shows 3.8-4.3 standard and 4.6 for +P.

When all else fails... https://www.xtremebullets.com/Bullet-Load-Info-s/1952.htm







FWIW- I've been sending 158gr LSWC (12 Brin) downrange for years with a 3.8-4.0 charge of 231/HP38 with great success. 4.2 with a plated slug would seem reasonable to me. YMMV.


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[kmw1954]

Thanks and sorry if this is a repetitive question but I've searched and heard a variety of different answers about plated bullets. I have been using data from Hodgdons website.

Which is the primary reason I have switched to mostly using Western Powders such as Accurate and Ramshot because I find they offer the most comprehensive listing of plated bullets for most of their powders..

 

[joneb]

Personally I use 4.2 grains of HP-38 for 158 gr. plated bullets. It is a good & accurate load for me. I really don't want a hotter load for my Ruger LCRx 38 Spl+P and it is a very pleasant load to shoot in my .357 Taurus and Ruger revolvers.

That is the load I settled on for my 38 spl snubs.