Need load data for .38 spl wadcutters

[MoreIsLess]

Can some one suggest some load data for .38 special wadcutters. I just recently bought my first revolver (Ruger Security Six, I love it. I have been loading 9mm and 45acp semi ammo but this is my first foray into revolver reloading. I have a Lymans 49th edition but, while it has load data for 38 spl, I don't think it lists anything for double ended wadcutters. I have Win 231 powder, so I'd like to use that. I'll be using 148 Grain DEWC-BB lead bullets, btw.

 

[Wil Terry]

MY LYMAN loading manual has much loading data and information on 38SPL wadcutter loads. You better look closer.

 

[rcmodel]

Lyman #49.
.38 Special data.

Page 354.
Bullet #358091 - 150 gr wadcutter.

But all you really need to know is use about 3.5 in .357 Mag cases for target shooting.

rc

 

[MoreIsLess]

Mine are 148gr, double ended wc's. They are also lead.

 

[JRH6856]

I'd start with 3.1grns of 231. If I may ask, why the DEWC? I always found HBWC a bit more accurate.

 

[MoreIsLess]

I'd start with 3.1grns of 231. If I may ask, why the DEWC? I always found HBWC a bit more accurate.

No particular reason for DEWC. The place I got mine from did not offer HBWC (I assume that means hollow base). Please tell me where I can get HBWC's and I will try them next time.

 

[JRH6856]

Please tell me where I can get HBWC's and I will try them next time.

Try ammozone

 

[ranger335v]

"Mine are 148gr, double ended wc's. They are also lead."

You have a 148 WC. Neither your load nor your handgun will care if it's double ended, HB, or flat based. And all WC's are lead, no one makes a flat point jacketed bullet.

 

[rcmodel]

HBWC are most usually soft swaged lead.

DEWC are most often cast of a little harder alloy.

The advantage to the DEWC is, they work in a automated bullet feeder on a progressive press, as it doen't matter which end ends up in the case.

rc

 

[TonyT]

The gold standard in gthe good lold days was 2.7 gr. Bullseye behing the 148 gr. LHBWC. I believe that 3.2 gr W-231 provides similar velocity but you had better check the Alliant and Hodgdon websites.

 

[edwin41]

hello
i m shooting with the exact bullet rcmodel has mentioned in his reply.
i cast them myself and size them up to .358 size.
i use the cci 500 primer and 3.1 gr of alliant bullseye powder in .38 spec cases.
for me it works great and the accuracy is outstanding.

 

[moxie]

I have experienced occasional leading in the past with swaged HBWCs, even those driven at very low velocities, .e.g, with 2.7 gr. Bullseye. Nary a problem with the hard cast types, DEWC, BBWC, etc. Don't see the swaged bullets much anymore.

 

[JRH6856]

I have experienced occasional leading in the past with swaged HBWCs, even those driven at very low velocities, .e.g, with 2.7 gr. Bullseye.

More lube helps. Hornady's seems to hold more lube than Speer's,

 

[bluetopper]

Double ended and not hollow based is the way to go unless you're competing at Camp Perry. A much, much more versatile and common bullet.

 

[zxcvbob]

You can load those bullets anywhere from 600 fps to well over 1200. You can't do the upper end with hollow-base WC's. The HBWC's probably do a better job at the extreme low end. In the low-to-mid range, you can use exactly the same load data for both HBWC and DEWC's.

I've been loaded DEWC's in .38 Special brass for target shooting using 2.8 grains of International. I've recently switched to 2.5 grains of Promo when I figured out that my progressive press powder measure can handle Promo.

For a fun "light magnum" load, use .357 brass and load DEWC's to about 1.35" OAL with 7 grains of Herco or 6.5 grains of Unique.

 

[bluetopper]

True, I've loaded double ended wadcutters in 357 cases then 12gr of 2400 powder. They make for a devastating round.

 

[loadedround]

"True, I've loaded double ended wadcutters in 357 cases then 12gr of 2400 powder. They make for a devastating round."

Also true: Accuracy goes to hell after 12-15 ft. Better off just using hp semi- wad cutter bullets instead.

 

[zxcvbob]

Also true: Accuracy goes to hell after 12-15 ft. Better off just using hp semi- wad cutter bullets instead.

Accuracy is just fine at 50' using DEWC's at about 1200 fps muzzle velocity from a 4" revolver. I don't know why pushing them a little harder -- to about 1400 fps using 2400 powder -- should make them totally fall apart. Have you actually tried it?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have 2 favorite .38 Special loads, one a 158gr LSWC and the other a 148gr WC. The 148gr DEWC load is 3.4gr W231 in a .38 Special case with a very light crimp in the crimp groove that's about 1/8" from the end of the bullet.

The 158gr LSWC is made with 4.0gr W231...

 

[loadedround]

"Accuracy is just fine at 50' using DEWC's at about 1200 fps muzzle velocity from a 4" revolver. I don't know why pushing them a little harder -- to about 1400 fps using 2400 powder -- should make them totally fall apart. Have you actually tried it?"

I was referring to HBWC loaded backwards for defensive use. I have shot bullseye for many years using both HBWC and DBWW over both Bullsye and 231 powders. Both were extremly accurate in my S&W 52-2 at 25 yds. My pistol actually prefered the HB bullets for slight better accruracy. Never found the need to use 2400 with a target round.
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