load for 38 LC 125 gn heeled bullet

[Mataham]

Hello there,

I just received some 38 colt 125 gn heeled bullet probably molded from this old Idea mold (source) :



This is way lighter than long colt's equivalent. What load would work inside a 38 LC case (BP only)?
Would it be OK to charge it like a short colt, then add lots of filler to get propre compression?

 

[Navy Six 2]

I have a 120 gr heel bullet mold from Accurate Molds(#38-120 C) that I load in 38LC cases. I get about the same powder column with 17grs 3F Swiss or 18grs 3F Olde Enysford. Both of those loads will compress a bit upon bullet seating but still fit comfortably in the 38LC case.

 

[Mataham]

Thanks for sharing.

Have you an idea of the speed? The seller told me that I could go up to about 13.1 grs (0.85g) (not 1F Swiss, but a french equivalent, PNF2).

Plus, your mold seems interesting, but where do you put the grease?

 

[AntiqueSledMan]

Hello Mataham,

This is what I have listed,
The .38 Short Colt propelled a 125 grain lead bullet at 730 fps and 150 ft-lbs of energy.
The .38 Long Colt propelled a 150 grain lead bullet at 770 fps and 195 ft-lbs of energy.
Of course you don't want any airspace between charge & projectile.

AntiqueSledMan.

 

[Navy Six 2]

Thanks for sharing.

Have you an idea of the speed? The seller told me that I could go up to about 13.1 grs (0.85g) (not 1F Swiss, but a french equivalent, PNF2).

Plus, your mold seems interesting, but where do you put the grease?

Mataham, after the cartridge is completed I dip the bullet in melted lubricant. The nice thing about that particular bullet is that it loads great in the .36 Navy, either over loose powder or attached to a paper cartridge. Sorry I don't have any exact chronograph numbers as to the velocity. That 13.1 grs of powder that was recommended sounds more appropriate for the 38 Short Colt.

 

[Ugly Sauce]

With any BP cartridge one wants a full, and compressed case of powder. There would be no reason to choose a specific weight, and then add a filler. At least a full case, no air space, some compression is better. Choose a volume of powder that achieves that, don't worry about weight.

 

[Mataham]

Mataham, after the cartridge is completed I dip the bullet in melted lubricant.

Thanks! Do you think this one gonna work for cartridge-only 38 LC ?