new to reloading, question about powder

[black_powder_Rob]

I am new to reloading and was just wondering what would be a good powder to use for reloading 38 spec. I will be firing them from a S&W 642 snub and a 1858 remmie conversion cylinder. I will be using 158gr LRN in both as well. Thanks in advance for any help with this matter.

 

[J_McLeod]

There are a lot of good options. You can look up the 158gr data in your reloading manual and buy any of the powders listed. The most commonly recommended are HP-38/231 and Unique. I would go with HP-38/231. HP-38 is so named because Hodgdon felt it was ideal for the .38.

 

[beatledog7]

My favorite powder for .38SPL is Bullseye.

 

[rfwobbly]

I'd have to go with HP-38 / Win231 also. It shoots great. It meters well for everyone. Load data is everywhere. And every local source for powder stocks one or the other.

And too it works well in almost every other pistol. So even if you move on to something else, you'll end up consuming it all. It's a very versatile powder.

Newbie Tip: Even though they're identical powders, HP-38 is typically cheaper by $2 per pound.

 

[Bud0505]

I have to agree with using either Unique or W231 for .38 spl. I've used both of them for years with good results. I did just recently buy a pound of Bullseye to try with some 148 gr WCBB bullets. I've loaded up the test loads but haven't been to the range yet to evaluate them. Been reloading for 24 years and this my first time trying Bullseye. I always liked W231 and Unique and I thought if it ain't broke........

 

[Steve C]

If you are going to reload on the cheap with the Lee die sets and using the included powder dipper you need to select your powder according to the enclosed chart and instructions. If you spend more money on loading equipment (scale and adjustable powder measure) and want more flexibility in loads from target to +P hunting and defense loads you can use a loading manual or on line data to produce loads with a larger variety of powders.

 

[Walkalong]

W-231 is a great powder for beginners. It will work great in .38 Spl, and works very well in other calibers as you branch out.

 

[coalman]

Unique.

 

[Skinnedknuckles]

Trail Boss is an ideal powder for target loads in .38 Special. It meter well and is impossible to double charge. HP-38 works well but it is very difficult to visually verify the powder drop in that large case.

 

[Josh45]

Unique or W-231.
Hard to beat these powders. I use W-231 in .38 Spcl with 125 Gr jacketed bullets. Good accuracy and manageable recoil. W-231 meters better than Unique depending on what measure you use. If it is the Lee one, It's gonna be a tough time with Unique. Not so much with W-231.

 

[gamestalker]

HS6, Longshot or any of the slow burning powders for a new reloader. This helps prevent double charges, and they also tollerate accidental over charges with far less risk of a KB. I don't think you can get enough of either of those in a case to cause a KB.
GS

 

[ranger335v]

"wondering what would be a good powder to use for reloading 38 spec.... Thanks in advance for any help with this matter."

The best help any of us can give you is to look in your loading manual for powder selections for any cartridge.

 

[tglazie]

HP38/W231 is ideal. I load at least a dozen different weights/types of bullets for .380/.38/9mm cartridges, lead/plated/jacketed, and always find a good load with this powder.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I like to try different powders and have loaded a lot of powders in the .38 Special. I always seem to come back to W231/HP-38, it's my favorite powder for loading the .38 Special and most other handgun calibers too.

It's clean, accurate, meters very well and is forgiving, what's not to like?

 

[4895]

Winchester 231 is my recommendation. It works great for .38 special with lead, plated, or jacketed bullets. I like about 3.3 grains with 158 grain plated or lead. Shoots great in my S&W 642. Really helps trigger control in that DA hand cannon.

 

[JSmith]

I'm new to reloading too. I'm using 231 in light loads for my .44 magnum and I plan to use it in .357 target loads also. It's easy to measure accurately and seems to be very clean-burning.

 

[black_powder_Rob]

I have the LEE improved powder measure kit and it looks like the W231 is going to be my ticket. Thanks for all of your help guys.

 

[zxcvbob]

There are about 100 different powders that will work well in .38 Special -- basically anything that's not too slow. I've been using a lot of American Select lately. If your powder measure doesn't handle flake powders well, try Bullseye or HP38 or 231.

 

[TonyT]

My favorite powder for cast bullets ion the old black powder cases is Trail Boss - easy to visually inspect the powder drop nad virtually impossible to have a double charge. There are also the old favorites - Bullseye and W-231/HP-38.