New Reloader-Quick Question

[jpalusk]

I just started with reloading and am using a lee classic turret. When I bought my first round of supplies at a local gun show This is what I purchased:

Win 231 powder
500 Once fired Whinchester .38 Special Brass
500 125 grain JHP
500 WInchester Small pistol Primers

Using information in my book I loaded my first 50 rounds with 4.6 grains of the Win 231. The start load was 4.3 and the never exceed was 4.9 so I figured I would split the difference. I plan to use these in my Rossi R92 levergun for some basic plinking. Does this sound like a decent load? If others have any advice given my components it would also be appreciated. Next time I will be getting basic lead bullets or wadcutters, but this is what I have for now. Thanks in advance for the help.

Jake

 

[rcmodel]

It's going to be a pretty light load in a carbine.

But it should be safe.

Before you buy 500 LSWC, be advised that some lever-guns won't feed them.

You should only buy enough to test before jumping in with a large purchase.

rc

 

[45lcshooter]

Pistol rounds in a rifle, should be on the hotter side, because you need to push the bullet through the barrel. Just make sure you don't double charge the case. Pistol cases are sometimes easy to double charge using low grains of powder.

 

[Hondo 60]

Don't make too many before you try it.
Otherwise you may have to redo a whole box!


Like rc said, "You should only buy enough to test before jumping in with a large purchase."

 

[Hondo 60]

Oops dbl post

 

[jpalusk]

That does make sense to only buy enough to try at first. I think I just got excited and thought I was going to get a deal buying in larger quantities. Thanks, and I will definitely keep that in mind next time.

Since it is going to be a light load should I try to load closer to 4.8 or 4.9 grains? I have been diligently checking for double charges and weighing the powder to make sure I'm getting the correct amount in.

 

[rcmodel]

I probably would.

Lyman #49 says 5.1 grain is MAX in Standard pressure
+P is 5.4 MAX

That with a 125 grain Hornady JHP bullet.

rc

 

[myg30]

Old rule of thumb was to work up a load. If its to light, bump it up. You might want to slug your bbl first, find out what size boolit is best for it. Then buy a bunch of em.
I never start at middle. So you load 5 of each starting at low and work up by .2-.3grs till you find a sweet load that you and your gun like. Different dia. boolits will change the pressure so remember if you do buy a different dia. to START NEW LOAD again and work up.
Be careful with low volume powders.

Mike