Planning to reload .38 Special, 9 mm and .357

[Jack Ryan]

I got less than stellar performance in .357 but it did really, really well in .38Spl for me. What was happening was I was not getting consistency. TB seems to like having very little head room so a by-the-book .357 load gave it too much space to blow around in and it didn't burn consistently. With less air space in the .38Spl case, it burned better and my groups tightened up. Keep in mind, I shoot free hand, typically one hand, switch hands, and don't use things like benches or bags you can't haul around with you all the time. Also, most of my .38Spl loads are really "special light magnums" or what used to be called "Heavy Duty" loads.

I like heavy for caliber bullets moving at light for caliber bullet speeds.

I load up some green dot in 9mm and it seems to get a little hotter than the book says a charge will be but still that could possibly be my scale. I'm pretty happy with those loads though. I would think it would be great in 38 sp. All that free hand and stuff like that is good and I agree with you, EXCEPT when I am testing the equipment, reloads, the guns or scopes. If you are just shooting those free hand instead of off a bench or a rest, you don't know what you are getting from the reloads. Test your equipment from the bench so you KNOW what it is capable. Once that is established as good then you test your self with equipment you KNOW is good.

 

[joneb]

So, did I waste my money or are these decent?

I have not used Green Dot but it will likely do well for 9x19 Luger, and upper end 38spl. http://www.tacticoolproducts.com/powder.pdf
I have not tried the V 3n38, I would guess it may do well for short barrel .357 magnum.

 

[bluetopper]

Green Dot works superb for 9mm and 38 Special and mid power 357. loadings. Your other two powders will work great in 357 upper end loads. Enjoy!