OAL for 38 Sp

[murph50]

Fairly new to reloading and I have a question.
I have been loading 158 gr RNFP X-treme bullets for my 38 sp. I have been making the OAL 1.450. I have loaded and shot about 500 of these with no problems at all But..
I have been reading that if the bullet has a cannulure that you should crimp the bullet on the cannulure. If I do that the OAL is at 1.405. I have checked all my books and some internet searches and nothing says to make the OAL that short.
So--should I crimp at the cannulure and make OAL at 1.405 or should I stay at the OAL of 1.450 that I have been using? Is 1.405 too short for the gun or is that a non issue?
BTW--I did talk to X-treme bullets and they were really helpful with several things but for this issue they basically said whatever works.
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated
Oh yea--these are copper plated bullets

 

[ReloaderFred]

If you're not loading at the absolute maximum charge, it will work fine to shorten the overall length in a revolver cartridge. Crimping into the cannelure will ensure the bullets won't work out under recoil and lock up the cylinder.

I move bullets back and forth all the time in .38 special, depending on the bullet and the intended purpose.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[jfh]

Reloaderfred has it right, but I would add this caveat:

If you've been loading at 1.450, and loading "into the cannelure" results in a new LOA of 1.405, then,

a. if you been using MAX loads, then

b. back up your load a bit--perhaps 5%, and test it.

The firearm specs for revolvers make the LOA issue a function of ultimate accuracy, but not of hardware usage.

Other ways to deal with the issue of OVERMAX loads include checking your sources for pressure specs, and comparing those specs (particularly barrel length and powder burn rate) to what you currently are getting from your current load.

When I work at max loads--as I now do in 38 Special, I do crimp on the cannelure to lessen jump issues. I suppose I should mention that ALL my 38/357 bullets are cannelured....

Jim H.

 

[joneb]

I use the cannelure, roll crimping plated bullets with the absence of a cannelure can cut the plating and thats bad. I did find a .38 cal taper crimp die at a gun show for $5 and it works well for noncannelured bullets.
Post your load, seating the bullet deeper will increase the pressure so I would back off and load up.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Always crimp in the cannelure on .38 specials...They are a low pressure round and the quality guns are strong. If you don't. One of these days a bullet will move out and tie your gun up...

 

[murph50]

Thanks all
That really helps
The load I'm using is 3.4 grns of Bullseye

 

[ReloaderFred]

You'll be fine with that load in any quality revolver.

Hope this helps.

Fred