Help, 38 Spcl / W231

[ferggie]

I tested some reloads today and it looked like I had some unfired powder (slight green granuals). The load was taken from the Hornady which lists the follows:

I used 3.1 gr's, 148 gr. DEWC

Hornady Data:
148 gr. HBWC, BBWC & DEWC - COL 1.180", W231: 2.2 - 3.5

Hodgdon Data:
148 gr. LHBWC - COL 1.160", W231: 3.5 - 4.0

Is the 3.1 gr to light of a load? Why such a big difference between the two? Hodgdon is starting at the max listed in the Hornady manual.

The gun used is a S&W 642 airlight.

 

[rfwobbly]

All guns will shoot any given ammo differently. Some faster; some slower. Some will hit higher; some lower. That's why a safe load range is given.

Hornady is only REPORTING how the load behaved in THEIR gun. Your results will vary based on something like 15 variables between the 2 guns and ammo. That's why you should use incremental loads to find out what shoots best in your gun.

If the range was 2.2 to 3.5, then load six at 2.2gr, six and 2.4gr, six at 2.8gr, etc. Shoot from a rest at a fresh target for each set of 6 cartridges. You'll get your answer and it will be definitive. For target shooting the lowest load that results in the tightest group will be your answer.

 

[rcmodel]

Yes, it's too light.

I always follow the powder manufactures data, and generally have pretty good results.

I'm really surprised Hornady even lists a 2.2 grain starting load giving 550 FPS.
That could stick a bullet in the barrel of a lot of guns woth rough bores of excess cyl gap.

148 HBWC generally stabilizes and gives best accuracy at around 750 - 800 FPS.
Find a load and shoot for that.

BTW: The Max load pressure is non-critical with published data for the Hornady HBWC.
It is not that the pressure is too high for a .38 Special.
The reason it is low is because the Hornady HBWC is a swaged bullet, made from very soft lead.
Drive it too fast, and it will strip in the rifling, or blow the skirt in the forcing cone and lead badly.

rc

 

[Haxby]

Hornady #3 shows 3.0 to 4.2 gr 231.
Speer #13 shows 3 to 3.3 gr for their HBWC.
3.1 is pretty light, but a few pieces of unburnt powder are nothing to be concerned about. How'd they shoot?

 

[Jim Watson]

Light loads are going to leave some unburnt powder; nothing to worry about.

I have loaded thousands of Speer HBWCs with 3.2 gr W231.
I would load DEWCs a little heavier, they have no hollow base or "skirt" to worry about. You will probably get enough recoil in that light gun to stop you before you max out the load.

 

[ferggie]

I am trying to come up with a nice target load for my wife. The 3.1's were real powder puffer's. I think I am going to step up to 3.4grs it sounds like a lot of folks think that is a great target load.

Thanks for the help, it is greatly appreciated.

 

[Walkalong]

WST may burn a little more completely at that light level. American Select or Red Dot may better as well.

But, as posted, really light loads tend to leave a bit of residue. 3.2 or 3.3 may clean it up some.

The last time I shot a lead HBWC in .38 using W-231 I used 3.2 Grs @ 1.190 OAL and got an Avg 742 FPS @ 64 degrees from a 4" Model 10. I did not note any unburned powder or undue residue in my log, so I can only assume that if there was any, it was not enough to bear writing down.

 

[joneb]

I find that Bullseye gives me better results than W-231 for WC, HBWC and cast DEWC. To get decent results with W-231 I find a max load or more is better for cast DEWC.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I load a lot of 148gr DEWC bullets in the .38 Special with W231. My charge weights are between 3.2gr and 3.4gr and lately it's been mostly 3.4gr W231. That is one of my two favorite .38 Special loads, the other being 4.0gr W231 under a 158gr LSWC.

 

[ferggie]

Thanks!

I really appreciate the feedback. I must say that this forum has some great individuals that are more than happy to help a fellow enthusiast out. Again thanks for all your feedback and take care.

 

[Husker_Fan]

I use 231 for 148 wc's all the time. I had the same issue and moved up the charge from 3.0 to 3.3. This gave a cleaner burn and better accuracy.

 

[biogenic]

. That is one of my two favorite .38 Special loads, the other being 4.0gr W231 under a 158gr LSWC.

Do you cast your own or you have a favorite place where you get them? What oal works best for you?

 

[Strongbad]

That load is pretty light. I run 3.2 gr. w/ 158 gr. LSWC in my 38 SPL and they're slow enough that on a sunny day I can see the bullet. Great shooter though.