Max safe bullet weight for .38 special?

[freakshow10mm]

I used to offer a .38 Special 180gr LFN and a 215gr LSWC load as a regular load in my commercial line. Actual weight lubed and gas checked was 187gr and 220gr, respectively. Didn't get the interest I though they would so I took them out of the catalog. The 180gr does about 800fps in a 6 inch. Never ran it in a 2 inch snubby. I think this pic is loaded in a Magnum case, but the same bullet. I ran it both in Special and Magnum cartridges. Nothing I ever loaded was ever a +P. All standard pressure. Thinking about bringing this load back on a limited basis.

 

[Landric]

Older Lyman manuals list a max load of 9.5 grains of 2400 with the 358430 195 grain bullet (mine with wheel weight lead run right at 200 grains). Out of a 4" revolver that load gets just under 900 fps in my testing. In my 2 1/4" SP101 its right at 800 fps. The Lyman manuals with this data pre-date +P designations, so it might work its way over into current +P territory, but I have found it pleasant to shoot.

 

[crusty81]

I will run my +p load 38 sp hornady 158 gr xtp against any heavy load you have, we have tested with water jugs and ballistic jellos, these things negate the need for heavy lead!!!speed and power win every time! remember proper placement prevents poor performance! shootem if ya got em!!

 

[freakshow10mm]

When I carried a .38, I went heavy bullets for everything. 158gr is a fine medium weight.

 

[Oyeboten]

Hi Landric,



Interesting...


What year or Edition are the Manuals?


My 1957 Lyman 41st Edition has no reference for any .38 Special Bullet heavier than 165 Grain, where, with 3.5 Grains of 'Bullseye' it claims 890 FPS, though I have not found what Barrel Length they use as a reference.


For 'Heavy Frame Guns Only', or used-to-be 38-44, they only go as high as 158 Grain, but, 1,210 FPS on 11.8 Grains of "2400 Rifle"...and, for 155 Grain 'Keith' HB, HP, 1,230, and, 12.0 respectively.

 

[freakshow10mm]

I've got a Lyman cast book 1973 copyright listing 4.5gr Unique as a 835fps load as the fastest with the 358430 in the Special. Magnum is 12.5gr max with #2400. None for #2400 Special loads.

 

[Landric]

I don't recall the Lyman manual number, but it was a late 60's or very early 70's edition with data for the 358430 and 2400, showing a max charge of 9.5 grains.

 

[rodinal220]

Ive shot 10s of thousands of the Lyman #358429 170gr Kieth bullet in .38 special and its a great bullet if you keep velocities reasonable.

In my S&W M19 with a 4" barrel I get averages of 720-725fps with light charges of Winchester 231.I use data from the Lyman reloading manuals.

I used this load many years ago to shoot action style sports when I couldnt afford a tricked out .45 or .38 super.I had NO problem knocking over pepper poppers and Bianchi plates.

Its also a great small game round,very accurate.

 

[arizonaguide]

I used this load many years ago to shoot action style sports when I couldnt afford a tricked out .45 or .38 super.I had NO problem knocking over pepper poppers and Bianchi plates.

That's what I'm talking about. The highest weight bullet I can get to +650fps (outta a snubby), and not require +(+P) pressures to get it there. Like the old .38/200 of days gone by. Something I can knock down a steelplate with...without having to try to knock it off balance with the first shot, then hit it again while it's "teetering". I HATE that!

 

[arizonaguide]

I used to offer a .38 Special 180gr LFN and a 215gr LSWC load as a regular load in my commercial line. Actual weight lubed and gas checked was 187gr and 220gr, respectively. Didn't get the interest I though they would so I took them out of the catalog. The 180gr does about 800fps in a 6 inch. Never ran it in a 2 inch snubby. I think this pic is loaded in a Magnum case, but the same bullet. I ran it both in Special and Magnum cartridges. Nothing I ever loaded was ever a +P. All standard pressure. Thinking about bringing this load back on a limited basis.

Freakshow, tell me more. Price/availability/web site/catalog? (see post above)

 

[revolvergeek]

There is an interesting thread on S&W forum about one of the members loading very heavy bullets (198 and !215! grn) in .38 S&W and .38 Special here.

 

[arizonaguide]

Thanks, RG.