Anyone use 135 GR. Bullets in 38 Special?

[santacruzdave]

I'm looking at the 135 gr RN Bayou Bullet for a fun experiment creating a "practice" load using this bullet and a "SD" load using Speer's 135 gr Gold Dot. Wondering if anyone has experience with the Bayou bullet or either one actually now that I think of it.

These loads will be shot out of a GP100 4". I'll be loading these rounds in .38 special cases to .38 +P pressures. Theoretically the GD 135 is intended for short barrel stubbies and should expand well at lower velocities, say 850 to 950 fps. I'm thinking this would be an easy to control round for those with less than magnum rated hands and wrists, my adult daughter for example.

Speer has a few loads for the gold dot using a number of powders. 4" barrel load data shows the highest velocity is obtainable with Power Pistol. There is also load date for Unique. I'm currently thinking of splitting the difference between Unique and PP, and using BE-86. I understand BE-86 has a burn rate between PP and Unique. In addition for a theoretical self-defence load, I think PP would have too much muzzle flash. And BE-86 has a flash suppressant. I have plenty of BE-86 on hand, so starting out with this powder is a no-brainer I think.

I've not been reloading for a long time and I am concerned about safety so that's one reason to stay within SAMMI specs for .38 special cases. I have a number of Starline +P labeled nickel cases that I'll use for the practice and "SD" loads. Who knows what gun a round might end up in?

If you have shot either of these bullets, I look forward to hearing of your experience. Or if you have comments on my powder choice I welcome them. BTW, after looking at the Speer load data for .38 Special, .38 Special +P and .357 magnum as well as Alliant load data for BE-86, PP and Unique I'm thinking about starting with 6.0 gr of BE-86.

So far this is all on paper. I'll order the bullets in a few days. It's been a fun thought experiment so far.

I welcome your comments.

 

[ray15]

I use 6.0gr. of BE86 with a 125gr. plated bullet, that's 0.1gr shy of the +P max. I would think the same 6gr. would put you over +P max with the heavier bullet. My guess is 5.5gr. would do it.

I do find BE86 to work well in this application. My 125gr. load shoots really well, and the 158gr. version is excellent.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I did a lot of work developing a replica load for the Speer 135gr .38 Special +P a few years back. I also did a replica for their Short Barrel 135gr .357 Magnum ammo too.

At the time I was able to buy a good number of Hornady 140gr XTP bullets for a very low price so I used them in the load development. I also tested the replica with the actual 135gr Speer bullets but I didn't use any cast bullets. I did some research on powders and discussed it with a Speer rep by email. Their help saved me a lot of components and time.

I found that 6.8gr AA#5 delivers the same velocity and very similar felt recoil too. I have been shooting them for years now.

With the same bullets I found a charge of 8.8gr Power Pistol deliver a replica for their Short Barrel .357 Magnum ammo.

As for their 135gr a bullet Speer has said it was designed to reliably expand at 800 fps and above.
I hope this helps you.

 

[brewer12345]

For the lead, I load a 138 grain home cast RNFP in a 38 special case. I wasn't trying for +P, just an accurate load in my rifle. 4.4 grains of HP38 and 4.2 grains of bullseye shoot really well. I think these are on the high end of standard pressure.