Favorite load for S&W 442?

[John Wayne]

I've been trying out a few new loads in my Airweight. Before, I was getting excellent results with 125 gr. LRNFP over 3.0 gr. Trail Boss, the minimum load.

I bought some 158 gr. bullets, which shot better in my 10-7, to try out. They seem to be shooting high in the 442. The loads I've tried are 3.0 gr. Trail Boss, 4.0 gr. Trail Boss, and 6.2 gr. HS-6, all with 158 gr. LSWC bullets.

All the 158 gr. loads print 3-4" high out of the J-frame, are dead on with the K-frame. The K-frame hits low with factory 130 gr. FMJ, and the Airweight is dead on.

Anyone else experienced similar results?

 

[BADUNAME4]

110 gr. Winchester Silvertips non +P

 

[wrs840]

Hornady 110gr FTX. +P or not. Optimized for SD use out of short barrels.

Les

 

[jfh]

158s will have a higher print, due to their lower velocity than the 125s you are used to. the lower velocity means a longer time in the barrel--and longer time for recoil and muzzle rise before the bullet exits the barrel.

You've gotten used to shooting powderpuff loads with a lighter bullet--so your grip and handling are 'set' to respond that way. Practice with the 158s, and you'll get them down. Many people report the S&W lightweights are adjusted to a POA for 158s--i.e., the 38+P FBI load. I know mine are.

Jim H.

 

[9mmepiphany]

get the round specifically designed for the J-frame's 1 7/8" barrel...the Speer 135gr +P JHP

 

[DBR]

The Speer load is a true +P load with a chamber pressure of 20,000 PSI. I would not use it in a non +P rated aluminum frame revolver - steel frame OK for limited use.

Better loads IMO are the new (old) Federal 125gr Nyclad Chief Special or the Buffalo Bore 150gr Hardcast standard pressure wadcutter (my choice).

 

[7an]

I like and trust Gold Dot in +P for short barrels.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I shoot the "FBI Load" in my Airweight.

 

[thomis]

ArchAngelCD

What is your recipe?
Powder type and how many grains?
Bullet make?

I finally was able to procure some primers at the local gunshop but the True Blue will have to be ordered. I'm interested in the details of your load ArchAngelCD, the one you refer to as the FBI. I'm currently loading rounds for the 340 PD.

Thanks~

Thomis

 

[John Wayne]

Ok, I should have been more specific. Any favorite 158 gr. HANDloads for the Airweight? I already have a commercially manufactured carry load.

 

[floridaboy]

Look in any reputable loading manual for the 158gr using Unique or 231. You should be well pleased.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

ArchAngelCD

What is your recipe?
Powder type and how many grains?
Bullet make?

I finally was able to procure some primers at the local gunshop but the True Blue will have to be ordered. I'm interested in the details of your load ArchAngelCD, the one you refer to as the FBI. I'm currently loading rounds for the 340 PD.

Thanks~

Thomis

Since the OP is asking about carry ammo I was talking about commercial factory ammo. I was specifically referring to a 158gr LSWC/HP bullet at +P pressures like the Remington R38S12 ammo. I do have a reload which will do 889 fps average from a 2" barrel but I hesitate to post the recipe here because I can't prove it's below the 20,000 PSI SAAMI pressure limits. (but it is)