Getting correct seating depth for .38 Special

[RM]

I am making my first practice attempt at seating .38 Special bullets. I am using Berry's plated 158gr. RN bullets- no cannelure groove. The Lee Manual lists a maximum OAL of 1.550 for .38 Special. It lists minimum length for copper plated bullets as 1.430. So to what depth should I seat the bullet? I have a factory Sellier and Bellot 158 gr. FMJ round which is 1.510 inches in length. Do you recommend seating to that depth? Thank you for any assistance.

 

[Walkalong]

I like to seat Berrys or Raniers bullets deep enough to get most of the bearing surface in the case. This helps neck tension and getting a good burn. Sometimes seating them out further will be more accurate in your gun though. You just have to try it. 1.550 is awfully long.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Start at 1.500" and work up or down until you see which works best for you and your revolver...Do not exceed 1.550" or go below 1.430"...I would not start with a maximum powder charge while doing this. especially when going down to shorter OAL. Work with a moderate loading...You'll probably have best results at mid range loads anyway. Once hou have found what you are looking for. Increase or lower powder gharges watching for over pressure signs. If it is a later S&W or Ruger you will be hard pressed to hurt it as long as you stay within reason and follow your manual specifications.

Incidently Lyman lists OAL at 1.480" for a 158 grain JHP and a 160 grain lead RN at 1.550"...

 

[.38 Special]

It's not critically important. If you want, you can experiment, as noted above. There is a whole host of factors at play here, and if you want to complicate matters, you can take up the study of it and learn everything possible.

Or you can just pick a spot in the middle of the various COL recommendations and call it good -- which will work just fine.

 

[ranger335v]

Keep it simple. Seat so you can lightly crimp into a crimping groove OR where the groove would be in a simular bullet that has a groove, usually just below the beginning of the ogive.