HP-38 & W231 load data

[DBEAM]

I am looking at the Speer reloading manual #14 and am reloading 38 special and thinking of loading some .357. I am currently using 3.9 grains of HP-38 and speer 158 grain lswc bullets for 38 special loads. From my understanding HP-38 and W231 are the same powder but the Speer manual has different data for both powders 3.6-4.1 for hp-38 and 3.8-4.3 for 231 while hodgdons site has 3.1-3.7 listed for both (hodgdons site data is for cast lswc).

Basically I'm wondering should I be using the data listed for 231 or for HP-38 in the manual and is the data on hodgdon site lower because it is for cast as opposed to being cold formed? Also some of the .357 loads only have data for 231 listed which seems strange if both powders are the same.

 

[readyeddy]

Cast bullet loads usually have lower charge weights. Something about needing less powder to push lead bullets.

If you're using HP-38, then use HP-38 data. If they are different manufacturers but using the same recipe, then maybe there is some minor difference. Just guessing.

 

[Gadawg88]

They are exactly the same powder, different label. Load data is interchangeable.

 

[Walkalong]

Hodgdon says they are identical and always have been. Lot to lot differences might be the reason for some data not matching. Different pressure guns, etc etc.

The safe answer is to use the latest Hodgdon data.

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/

Or just keep using 3.9 Grs of either one you can find.

Welcome to THR.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Welcome to the forum.

One of my favorite .38 Special loads is a 158gr LSWC bullet over 4.0gr W231. Your load using 3.9gr W231/HP-38 is almost identical and if it shoots well for you in your gun, stick with it and don't worry about the confusing data.

 

[DBEAM]

Thanks for all the replies

I feel pretty good about my current load now. As far as when there are loads for 231 and not hp-38 in my manual, mainly 357 loads, would it probably be alright to use that data for loading the hp-38? I don't really like using Hodgdons information, I started with 3.1 grains like they said for a 158 lswc and it felt so weak I was afraid of getting a bullet stuck in the barrel. 3.9 grains feels just a little weaker then the factory ammo I have shot and their 3.7 limit (I test loads in my .357 revolvers before using them in my .38 specials).

 

[Dudedog]

Question answered already, but I wanted to say Welcome.
Lots of great people here on THR.

 

[Gadawg88]

Yes, you can use published load data for Win 231 when using HP-38. As always, start low and work up.

 

[fatal wound]

Here are a few other cross-over powders:
W231 = HP-38
W296 = H110
W540 = HS-6
W760 = H414

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Here are a few other cross-over powders:
W231 = HP-38
W296 = H110
W540 = HS-6
W760 = H414

Just to add to the above list:
W571 = HS-7 (both discontinued)
WAP = Silhouette
AA4100 = Enforcer

 

[steve4102]

Just to add to the above list:
W571 = HS-7 (both discontinued)
WAP = Silhouette
AA4100 = Enforcer

AA 2230 = Ramshot X-Terminator