new reloader .38 special question

[WhiteT]

I was reading in a thread in here on .38 special. said bullseye was a good powder to try so I made 50 rounds. 158 gr lswc, 3.2 grains of bullseye, lee classic turret an I did use the fcd.
I was shooting out of a ruger sp101 3" barrel. the bullet shot just fine, but smokes like crazy. I black all over my fingers and hands. is this normal? if not what am I doing wrong

 

[Walkalong]

Lead bullets are smokey and dirty. Some worse than others. The type of lube makes a difference. Bullseye is fine for .38Spl and lead. It is a high Nitro content powder that burns hot. A low Nitro content powder (like American Select staying with Alliant) that burns a little cooler will help some, but lead is going to smoke.

 

[engineermike]

I get good results with HP-38

 

[WhiteT]

ok thanks alot, the load shot great but I have never shot reloads before, nor seen that much smoke come from my guns. this forum is great, I have learned a lot from you guys, thanks

 

[Minnesota Wild]

Like Walkalong said, lead bullets will cause what you describe (black soot that gets on the gun and your hands). That said, Bullseye is a classic powder for 38 Special. I've not had significantly cleaner loads with lead bullets in 38 Special using any other powder, and it creates some of the most accurate loads.

 

[Hondo 60]

Jacketed or plated bullets will shoot cleaner.
But of course they cost more.

.38 spl 158 gr
Berry's Plated = $106.53/1000
Missouri Bullet Co = $ 78.50/1000

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Bullseye is one of the dirtier powders around. Couple that to the smoke and soot produced by the lube on lead bullets and you have a mess. It does sound like you are getting more of a mess than most I think. Usually if you increase the pressure the powder will clean up a bit. Since Alliant lists a Max charge of 3.5gr Bullseye under that bullet you have some room.

There are cleaner powders like Clays, W231/HP-38 and a few others.

 

[BossHogg]

Dang I was just thinking of trying that exact same load 3.2 and 158 lswc. I'm just trying Bullseye for the first time. I got it for light loads but if light loads are going to be that messey I might have to go back to Universal Clays.

I got some sootie rounds when I loaded it at 4.5 gr for the 185 gr 45 acp. So I thought well I can use it for 38 spl and now this. Maybe we're going too light with the powder.

It's been around forever (Bullseye) so I think I've just got to figure out what's just right and not go too light.

 

[Galil5.56]

Dang I was just thinking of trying that exact same load 3.2 and 158 lswc. I'm just trying Bullseye for the first time. I got it for light loads but if light loads are going to be that messey I might have to go back to Universal Clays.

I got some sootie rounds when I loaded it at 4.5 gr for the 185 gr 45 acp. So I thought well I can use it for 38 spl and now this. Maybe we're going too light with the powder.

It's been around forever (Bullseye) so I think I've just got to figure out what's just right and not go too light.

IMO and experience with Bullseye, you might stick with it, and try varying your loads to perhaps see a slight improvement of cleanliness.

Yes, Bullseye can be sooty, even with moderate pressures, but it has been around for 100 years plus because a lot of folks find it works well, while a ton of other propellants have come and gone to the dustpan of history. Since I shoot 99% lead for .38 Special, most of that conventionally lubed, I fully expect "black hands" after shooting with any propellant, primarily because of the lube propellant mix (gunk) flying everywhere.

Might try Hornady swaged bullets with your Bullseye to see if the situation improves, as their mica coated bullets (over liquid lube) seem to be less smokey.

 

[BossHogg]

I've already gone to the Hornady swaged in 38 spl trying to keep the soot and smoke down. I guess I should build 20 swaged and 20 cast and see if the Hornady is worth the higher cost. Since I've never used Bullseye for the 38 I think this should be a great chance to compare swaged and cast.

To you folks that use Bullseye is the 3.2 gr a fair place to do this test or should I try a different starting load ?

 

[Galil5.56]

3.2 grains of Bullseye and a 158 grain LSWC loaded to a "proper" OAL for .38 Special is OK, and will be mild with regard to pressure and velocity.

There is a lot of variability in max published data concerning what charge weights stay within std pressure values for .38 Special ammo, made with 158 grain lead bullets. Careful work-up, preferably with a good quality chronograph is prudent IMO. Just an aside, but should you want to try Clays for .38 Special, be careful. This stuff in my experience is about the most unforgiving pistol propellant out there, and it's curve/behavior relative to charge weight makes Bullseye seem like coal.

 

[4895]

I recently loaded up some target .38 spl loads with HSM 158 grain round nose flat point low velocity lead bullets from sportsmans warehouse. I used 3.3 grains of BULLSEYE with CCI primers. This was a very 'soft' load, perfect for my airweight snubnose, and very accurate. I was on target at 40+ yards with 1 7/8" barrel. I would recommend this as a great starting point, but I am going to push the load up to 3.4, maybe 3.5 next. No leading with this combination. Be sure to match the type of lead with the best powder/velocity/chamber pressure combination. Hope this helps.

 

[Cop Bob]

FYI: 2.7gr of Bullseye behind a 148 HBWC has been the "Gold Standard" for mid-range match ammo for more years than anyone on this forum has been alive...

I get about the same velocities out of 2.8 gr of 700-x, with slightly less drop at the 50 yard line.. groups are nice and tight, holding MOA off a machine rest... The 700-X is a little bit cleaner, but not by much... as stated most of the soot that you are getting is the bullet lube...

You will find the the 38SPL is one of the easiest and most forgiving rounds to start loading for... it is a good training ground...

Be mindful of the faster burning powders and heavier bullets, approach max loads with both eyes open... the pressure curves can spike pretty quick... READ READ ans READ some more...

 

[Overkilll0084]

A little soot won't hurt you. Shoot more, worry less. I use 3.1 gr Bullseye w/ a 158 gr SWC. Sure it's a bit dirty. A few more minutes when you clean the gun, no problem. If this is a shooters biggest complaint, life is good.

 

[BYJO4]

I use Bullseye for 38, 357, 9MM, and 45 ACP/Auto Rim. While it is a little dirty, it produces great accuracy and very cost effective. I clean my guns after each use so no big deal.