Well here I am scratching my head over modern reloading manuals again! For over 30 years I have been pushing 38 SPL - 158G LSWC in front of 4.5 GR of Red Dot. It was a load from the Hornady reloading manual (Vol 2)from 1979. The top charge listed is 4.9Gr. I distinctly remember working up from a start of 4.0gr and wound up at the noted 4.5gr I found this to be a very accurate and consistent performing load. I have loaded and fired literally thousands of rounds through my eclectic mix of revolvers and have not seen one sign of high pressure. They chrono right at 925 fps out of my 6 inch Model 19 and are extremely consistent. Yes they are a stout load but one that feels good to me.
Now 30 years later, all the modern manuals state that this is in the +P loading pressure range and way over pressure for a standard 38 spl. . The few loadings I did find for Red Dot behind the 158 LSWC were down in the 3 to 3.4gr.
Just for the heck of it, I loaded 5 each of various charges up again today and the low end of 3.2 was so tame it was pathetic. I worked all the way back up to the 4.5gr that I have used all these years and still find it the best combo!
So to heck with the manuals! I will continue to do what I have always done! Find a middle of the line start charge and work up a load that provides the accuracy and constant results I expect without showing any signs of pressure and checking velocity with an accurate chrono. I realize that the Chrono won’t tell me internal pressures, but it does give me a darn good idea of what’s happening. After some 35 years of shooting I think I could spot signs of high pressure.
Please no replies stating that Red Dot is not recommended for handgun loads, after 30 years’ experience with this powder in 38s and 45acp I don’t intend to change. I use Bullseye, Unique, Accurate #5 for other pistol calibers and each one has been selected for a specific job over a long period in time.
Back to the original point! Has any one else noticed this tendency to keep lowering the recommended powder charges? Could it be that the threat of a liability suit has led to this?
Happy trails
Roger
Now 30 years later, all the modern manuals state that this is in the +P loading pressure range and way over pressure for a standard 38 spl. . The few loadings I did find for Red Dot behind the 158 LSWC were down in the 3 to 3.4gr.
Just for the heck of it, I loaded 5 each of various charges up again today and the low end of 3.2 was so tame it was pathetic. I worked all the way back up to the 4.5gr that I have used all these years and still find it the best combo!
So to heck with the manuals! I will continue to do what I have always done! Find a middle of the line start charge and work up a load that provides the accuracy and constant results I expect without showing any signs of pressure and checking velocity with an accurate chrono. I realize that the Chrono won’t tell me internal pressures, but it does give me a darn good idea of what’s happening. After some 35 years of shooting I think I could spot signs of high pressure.
Please no replies stating that Red Dot is not recommended for handgun loads, after 30 years’ experience with this powder in 38s and 45acp I don’t intend to change. I use Bullseye, Unique, Accurate #5 for other pistol calibers and each one has been selected for a specific job over a long period in time.
Back to the original point! Has any one else noticed this tendency to keep lowering the recommended powder charges? Could it be that the threat of a liability suit has led to this?
Happy trails
Roger
Last edited:
