Load Question for SWC 38 Special

[WildeKurt]

I'm working up to my first loading experience and have a question about bullets. In Lee's book modern reloading for this calibre he gives some data for 148 grain WC's but in most wieghts just data for cast lead bullets. Can I substitute SWC for WC? Or SWC for cast? As another source, the chapter on competitive loading in "The ABC's of Reloading" gives some data for SWC 158 grain bullets that is very similar to Lee's data for cast lead bullets.

BTW, my goal is working up a good IPSC load and I'd like to use SWC or RN cast.

 

[Walkalong]

Can I substitute SWC for WC? Or SWC for cast?

Nope

Stick with what it says. It makes a difference in case capacity and thus pressure as to far and how much bullet is in the case and how deep at a given O.A.L.

I said that and it confused me.

 

[WildeKurt]

Ok, so if load data in the Lee books says 158 grain cast lead, are they talking about round nose, flat nose? either? something else?

Anyone ever try the competition loads in chapter 23 of the ABC's?

 

[Walkalong]

They are most likely talking about a round nosed bullet. Pretty standard .38 fare.

RN = Round Nose

RnFP = Round Flat Point

TR = Trunacated or TrFP = Trunacated Flat Point

WC = Wad Cutter

SWC = Semi Wad Cutter

HBWC = Hollow Base Wad Cutter

Research these typical shapes.

I have never seen that book. If it does not describe these types and show the usual loading for them then get a SPEER #13 manual.

You should be able to research all this online.

 

[Jim Watson]

if load data in the Lee books says 158 grain cast lead, are they talking about round nose, flat nose? either? something else?

Nose shape has no effect on the loading, so long as the seating depth in the case and the bearing surface in the bore are about the same. I load cast SWC and RN interchangeably. Full wadcutters load differently due to being seated largely or entirely down in the case.

If you are loading for IPSC, you need at least the use of a chronograph. There are a lot of .38 Special "recipes" that will not make Minor power factor in a real revolver, and a full charge .357 is usually overkill for Major power factor. Handbook numbers for velocity are not dependable.

 

[Ol` Joe]

You should find the starting load for a similar one (bullet) OK with your bullet, it is the heavier charges that you don`t know about. Stay with the same bullet wgt and as close as possible the same bullet geometery. DON`T sub Jacketed for lead or vice-versa.
You don`t say what powder you have but if you go to the manufactures web site they will have data and may have what you are looking for. They will usually offer data if you e-mail or call their tech lines also.

This is Hodgdon they also handle Winchest and IMR powders

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

Alliant

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/index.aspx

 

[WildeKurt]

I figure on using W231 or Unique. I've heard they meter consistantly in a Lee Pro Disk Measure which I have. At the moment I'm just shooting at the club level, they don't make much of a deal about power factor; take your word for it. I'm only looking for minor at the moment anyway.