Good .38spl Load /w Bullseye and ~125gr Projectiles

[Arch]

I am loading .38 Specials with a 128gr semi wadcutter and Federal primers, but have just switched my powder to Bullseye.

Has anyone used Bullseye for the .38s using a projectile of a similar weight (125gr would probably be the more conventional weight), and found a good load?

Just thought I might ask here, so that I can protentially save myself some fiddling time as I work up a prefered configuration.

Cheers.

 

[HSMITH]

I use a lot of BE in 38. Start at 3.0 and work up to the recoil level you want. 3.0 will clear the barrel with plenty of room but is very light with a 125.

I picked up a 15 pound can of BE for $50 a couple years ago, and it goes a LONG way!!!

 

[Sunray]

You make that bullet weight yourself? I have data for 121 grain cast, but not 128 grain. Mind you, there's one load for 128 grain RN's here. http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=38+Special&Weight=All&type=Handgun

 

[Ifishsum]

I like 3.5-4gr bullseye behind a 125gr LRNFP...nice accurate load and pleasant to shoot.

 

[Arch]

Thanks for the replys guys.

128gr is an odd weight, but they are comming from a factory and not my cast.

I am currently loading 3.9gr of BE behind them, but get alot of flash and gas as one would expect. Though the recoil is fine, and the acuraccy is pretty damn good.

As per your suggestions I will tone it down to 3.5 and see what happens.

I initally thought it was a little odd that the starting load for a 148gr wadcutter was 2.8gr and that for a much lighter 125gr round nose it was 3.9gr. I guess seating depth makes quite a difference.

Cheers.

 

[shu]

i would think peak pressure is the controlling factor here.

lighter bullet will have less inertia and less surface contact on case or barrel wall; will start moving sooner and accelerate faster; opening the combustion camber (volume between rear of cartridge case and rear of bullet) faster.

heavier bullet will start moving later and accelerater slower. to keep the peak pressure down (particularly with a fast powder like bullseye) requires that powder charge be less.

 

[Arch]

Yup, that too