Berry’s 38 caliber 148 grain HBWC range report.

[whatnickname]

Loaded up 50 rounds using my favorite load for HBWC bullets…2.8 grains of Bullseye. Loaded up another 50 rounds using 3.1 grains of Bullseye. I can say, without any reservation, the results were absolutely, positively mediocre!!! The 2.8 grain load shot the best with groups in the 2” range. The 3.1 grain charge consistently shot 3” groups. All testing was done at 25 yards over a solid rest. The guns used were a 1951 vintage Smith & Wesson K38 and a Smith & Wesson Model 14-7 in like new condition. Both guns will shoot sub 1” groups with the right ammunition. This stuff wasn’t it.

After considerable thought and study, I have hit upon a solution. Went on line and ordered 1000 rounds of Speer 148 grain HBWC. Those bullets will shoot one hole groups at 25 yards over 2.8 grains of Bullseye.

 

[kcofohio]

Just a thought, but have you compared lead vs plated (or jacketed) with a chronograph with the same powder charge. There could be a considerable difference in fps between the two. A well lubed lead being faster.

 

[whatnickname]

Just a thought, but have you compared lead vs plated (or jacketed) with a chronograph with the same powder charge. There could be a considerable difference in fps between the two. A well lubed lead being faster.

I haven’t chronographed either load.

 

[Starter52]

I love plated bullets for indoor range use. My local range won't permit swaged lead bullets, but I've always found that Speer swaged lead wadcutters shoot tighter groups.

 

[murf]

probably the difference between swaged and non-swaged hbwc bullets. bump the charge up on non-swaged bullets for better accuracy.

luck,

murf

 

[J-Bar]

I'm loving your testing guns!