According to the Hodgens data, the max load for 38 Special with 158 gr Hornady XTP is 5.3 grains. I am actually using Remington 158 gr SJHP bullets. My weapon of choice is the 6" stainless GP-100. I know... why reload 38 for the GP-100. The anwser is that I just got into reloading and had a crap load of white box winchester cases.
Using 5.3 grains with my bullets resulted in some unburned powder (a few flakes here and there) and lots of carbon on the spent cases. Much worse than the Winchester white box 38s. Reading on the web, this problem may be related to insufficient pressure. A firmer crimp is recommended. My first batch had a light to medium crimp. I'll try a firm crimp on the next batch.
I am also wondering if increasing the charge a bit would help. I know the answer is to start low and slowly work your way up. I also know it will vary from gun to gun. How many folks are loading more than 5.3 grains of SR 4756 with a 158 grain SJHP 38 special bullet? If so, how much, what bullet, what case, and what gun?
Using 5.3 grains with my bullets resulted in some unburned powder (a few flakes here and there) and lots of carbon on the spent cases. Much worse than the Winchester white box 38s. Reading on the web, this problem may be related to insufficient pressure. A firmer crimp is recommended. My first batch had a light to medium crimp. I'll try a firm crimp on the next batch.
I am also wondering if increasing the charge a bit would help. I know the answer is to start low and slowly work your way up. I also know it will vary from gun to gun. How many folks are loading more than 5.3 grains of SR 4756 with a 158 grain SJHP 38 special bullet? If so, how much, what bullet, what case, and what gun?