Montana Gold 142 gr FMJ, 38

[ntruitt80]

Hey everyone,
I am not having much success finding a recipe for the Montana Gold 142 FMJ in 38 or 357 using Unique or Power Pistol. Both manuals that I have do not have a recipe for 142 gr bullet, and the internet is not providing any information on this bullet either. Any advice to get me started on this would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

 

[3leggeddog]

38/ 357, Unique

My "NEW" Lyman book shows a 140 FMJ = 4.3 to 5.3 max FOR THE 38special.. small pistol primers.

For the 357 using CCI550 primers it shows a 140 gr jhp, start 7.0 grs = 949 fps , at max 8.9 grs =1233fps [8.9grs] this seems a little high to me.. If it was me I'd start at 7.5 grs and work up slow. Some one else may help you better on the max load.

You should be able to use this data. I use 4.5grs in the 38special for punching paper.

 

[ntruitt80]

Thanks for the info, I have that Lyman book also, was just wandering how much difference the 2 gr in the bullet weight would make. Haven't been reloading long and really have only used exact recipes out of the major publications, so not having one in print for that exact bullet makes me a little leary at my abilities, haha.
I think I will start at the 4.5grs and see how it works, thanks again.

 

[357Shooter]

I've been loading the Montana Gold 142 FMJ all summer, I use the 140g charts and work my loads up as with any. They are a great plinking bullet. I contacted MG when I got my shipment, having your same concerns, they recommend using "Jacketed" data for their bullets. It being a heavier bullet you should have no problem with any 140g data, BUT as all guns differ, start low and work up! They shoot very well in my Marlin 1894 also.

 

[noylj]

A 142gn bullet = a 140gn bullet = a 145gn bullet.
If you can't find your weight bullet, go to a heavier bullet.
I am thinking about trying that bullet in .38 super.
I could tell you of the days when load data was few-and-far-between and you had to work up your own loads.