Need Target Load for .38 Special WC

[HammeringHank]

Hey Guy's, I am looking for a target load for the .38 Special with cast 148gr. wadcutters. I will be shooting indoors. I would like the powder to be clean burning with low smoke if posible. Thanks,Hank

 

[Walkalong]

The classic Bullseye load with a lead 148 Gr HBWC is 2.7 grains. It will take a little more with cast DEWC's.

 

[Galil5.56]

Since I shoot outdoors at my home, I have always liked Bullseye/WW231 and any W/C I have on hand... Smoke is no concern for me. In my experience, if lowest smoke and cleanliness is desired using a plain lead bullet, Clays and a Swaged Hornady W/C fits the bill. If you substitute a copper plated W/C for plain lead, you will really dial in on what you want.

The type, quantity, and quality of the lube is what will most critically dictate the amount of smoke, so in my experience the Hornady swaged bullets that are dip lubed, then dry coated (mica I think), seem to work best to keep smoke down.

 

[indiandave]

I shoot cast wadcutters with Winchester 231.

The smoke you see when shooting lead can be from the lube as much or more than from the powder.

 

[Slamfire]

I will second 2.7 grains bullseye with a 148 LWC as an accurate load, have no idea if it is low smoke as I shoot outside.

Velocities in a snub and a 4" barrel.

S&W M638-3 Airweight Bodyguard

148 LWC Lead 2.7 grs Bullseye thrown Mixed Brass WSP
18-Mar-07 T = 52 °F
Ave Vel = 611.6
Std Dev = 22.04
ES 75.92
High 648.1
Low 572.2
N = 25
little high

4" S&W M10-5

148 LWC Valiant 2.7grs Bullseye W/W cases WSP
19-Apr-09 T ≈ 60-65 ° F

Ave Vel = 696.2
Std Dev = 12.04
ES = 48
High = 721.3
Low = 673.3
N = 32
v accurate, about 2" low, no leading, mild recoil

 

[Cop Bob]

2.7 Bullseye.... or 2.8 700-X... both loads have been pretty much the gold standard forever....

 

[Sunray]

2.5 to 2.8 grains of Bullseye is the classic 148 grain WC load. Works just fine if you're loading .357 brass to .38 velocities too.

 

[loadedround]

Ditto on 2.7 gr Bullseye with a 148 gr wc lead bullet. This was the standard loading back in the days of my bullseye shooting. If I were starting over , I might consider using the starting load of 231 for a possibly cleaner load.

 

[3leggeddog]

148gr wc

I've used both Bullseye and w-231 for a 150gr swc and I like w-231 best, for it doesnt smoke as much as Bullseye. Try 3.0 grs of w-231.
My Ruger GP100 6" likes 3.5 grs of w-231 !!!!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I charge between 3.2gr and 3.4gr W231 under a 148gr DEWC. The 3.4gr load seems to smoke less. Like all powders, they clean up when the pressure rises.

 

[Overkilll0084]

If you want less smoke, you need plated or jacketed. Cast bullets are smokey, no getting around it.
This may or may not help:
http://www.berrysmfg.com/product-i14487-c13-g8-b0-p0-.38_Cal_148gr_HBWC.aspx

Bullseye is a bit dirtier than some powders. But it's a known good performer.
A guy I know loves his AA#2. It might be worth a look.