Is this 45lc load safe in my Berreta Stampede?

[timothy75]

Ok I dont have a chronograph, load manual, or scale all I have is dippers and a Hodgdon catalog. I'm loading XXX Hp-38 with a 250gr LRN bullet. The catalog says 7.1 grains is max but thats in the cowboy loads section. In the regular section they dont have any loads listed for the 250 LRN. With 7.1 grains it should be going 916fps. So how fast do you think its going with XXX and is it safe? I've shot around 100 rounds with this load which I really like and the cases are fine they actually fall out of the cylinders nicely and show no signs of high pessure. So can anyone tell me if I can increase the powder safely? I'd really like to get them going around 1000fps if possible.

MODERATOR NOTE: Above-maximum load details seleted. Please see various entries below, urging proper documentation and extreme caution.
- - - THR Staff

 

[Car Knocker]

Just out of curiosity, how do you know just how much powder your dipper is picking up? Without a scale, it seems like an act of faith to me.

 

[The Bushmaster]

No scale, no load manual, no idea what he is doing....? I see hands, fingers and parts of face meeting gun parts.

How many times on how many strings must it be said...Read a manual and have equipment necessary to load properly....

 

[bakert]

The Lee dipper chart I have shows the 0.07 Lee dipper holding 7.6 grs of HP 38. Sincw the dippers actually hold a bit less than the chart show that load should be safe but I would sure invest in a scale and check to be sure that's what the dipper is holding. Never take anything for granted while reloading. The Lee scales are very cheap, the RCBS a bit more. A powder scale is one item no reloader should be without.
Baker

 

[Master Blaster]

Scale, 2 loading manuals, Speer and Lyman Lyman is preferred if you are only getting one manual. Cost less than $100 so are your fingers and eyes worth $100??????

 

[Ol` Joe]

The dippers USUALLY dip less then the wgt stated by Lee but it depends on how you use them. I can make them dip MORE then the listed wgt with a lot of powders quite easily by simply not following Lees directions to the "T". (ball is best, stick types are the worst) You need a scale!!

The poster says he is useing a load from a Hodgdon catalog, I take that to be their magazine type manual they now put out each year. The data is likely good but it`s obvious he needs something with a "how to" section. He stated he found a max load of 7.1gr in it for the cartridge he`s loading and has already just jumped a tenth gr, not a good practice........

 

[JNewell]

So can anyone tell me if I can increase the powder safely? I'd really like to get them going around 1000fps if possible.

Trying to be gentle here...no, no one can tell you if you can increase the powder safely. At least, no one here can tell you how far. You're already improvising on the manual. On the face of it, based on what you told us, your existing load is probably safe. But, how much you can add and still be safe, we don't know...and neither do you, without the right tools and manuals. It's a tough truth. No one should reload to save money, because in the short term you won't.

On a related point, I think we're all assuming that you know that the Colt clones are not safe with the "Ruger only" loads that you find online and in manuals...

 

[Linemup]

No manual!?

First off never load without A manual. In fact have two or three. Never use anyones's pet load. Work up your own. If you are going to venture into reloading ,be careful.check the manuals,watch for pressure signs. Otherwise stick with factory ammo. Best advice I can give.

 

[BluesBear]

correct reply to the original question

:banghead:

 

[Johnny Guest]

Woah! HOLD UP THERE, Friend!

timothy75, you're getting way ahead of yourself.

You need a few basic tools in order to do ANY load experimentation. At the very least, you need a couple of loading manuals and a good powder scale.

The Beretta Stampede, while a good, solid revolver, is NOT in a league with the Ruger Blackhawk, Redhawk, or old Vaquero series. The Stampede should be considered a straight-up Colt SAA clone, with NO particular strength factor above the late Colts. It is NOT SAFE to try for 1000+ fps loads in this revolver using 250 gr bullets. Besides, without access to a chronograph, how would you know when you attained this level?

The best you can do, using dippers, is to select a load well down in the Cowboy Action Shooting levels, and stick with that. Sounds as if you need another dipper, or a different powder. HP38 is a good powder, but you should not automatically assume you can load not only at top levels, but a few tenths ABOVE maximum.

If you aren't in a posiiton to purchase a powder scale, please obtain the Lee powder dipper set and choose one that will give you something like - -

7.5 gr. of Win 231, NOT TO EXCEED 7.8 gr.
6.3 gr of Bullseye, NOT TO EXCEED 6.6 gr.
8.0 gr of Unique, NOT TO EXCEED 8.8 gr.
8.0 gr of H. Universal, NOT TO EXCEED 8.8 gr.

Since you have HP38 on hand, and if you want to load with it, please, PLEASE, keep your charges well down into the Cowboy levels.

If you practice a uniform technique, dipped charges CAN be quite accurate and safe, but this procexure is BY NO MEANS to be used for even near max charges.

Sir, no one here wants to belittle you in your quest for economical shooting fun. Absolutely no disrespect is intended, but we are concerned for your safety.

Please proceed with extreme caution.

Johnny Guest
H&R Forum Moderator