Powder puff .38spcl loads for a LCR

Status
Not open for further replies.
I use Hodgdon PB. 4.4 grains with a 125gr xtreme plated and magnum primer.
Felt recoil is almost non-existent and don't have unburned powder. They keep my stainless revolver cleaner than some other powders.
 
For a really soft load, try RimRock's 80 grain wadcutters and a fast powder like Clays or Red Dot. If you have a .357 and cases, you can put two in one case for some interesting shooting.
 
ArchAngelCD said:
IMO a magnum primer is a must when loading HS-6. I can't tell you how many reloaders swear a magnum primer is not necessary but in the very next sentence complain about it being dirty or leaving unburned powder. I have found several very accurate +P loads using HS-6 including an FBI replica load.
Click to expand...
I will make a note of that for the next time I use HS-6 38/357. :)
 
XTPs are awful expensive for punching paper, and they don't even punch it well.

You really need to go to UNPLATED lead to do reduced loads safely, without the danger of bullets getting stuck. Several people mentioned 148gr wadcutters which can be loaded very mild, and cut nice little circles in the paper so its easy to see. You can also use 158gr SWC and load them almost as mild. If you use SWC get the softer BRN12 or less "cowboy load" version for 38spl.

Missouribullet.com can fix you up for $34.50 + flat rate shipping for 500 and there is a discount code for THR members, and I forget what it is. (doh!)
 
Last edited:
Save those nice JHP's for a rainy day. I use a 125 grain coated/cast RN and a light charge of Bullseye for 38 and 357 target loads. You can start out low for easy recoil, and go all the way up to factory speed with coated bullets and never get any leading and they price is right.
HP38 or Unique would work fine but will be a bit dirty on the low end, more so with plain cast/lubed bullets. Pick up some Bullseye or Trail Boss if you find it, both of them are better (cleaner) choices for target loads, plus you can go quite fast with Bullseye if you want.
 
XTPs are awful expensive for punching paper, and they don't even punch it well.

You really need to go to lead to do reduced loads safely, without the danger of bullets getting stuck. Several people mentioned 148gr wadcutters which can be loaded very mild, and cut nice little circles in the paper so its easy to see. You can also use 158gr SWC and load them almost as mild. If you use SWC get the softer BRN12 or less "cowboy load" version for 38spl.

Missouribullet.com can fix you up for $34.50 + flat rate shipping for 500 and there is a discount code for THR members, and I forget what it is. (doh!)
Click to expand...

XTP's are pricey but I usually get them for $20/100 but I don't need them for punching paper for sure. One of the other members of my range gave me some of his cast/lubed 150g SWC's and I loaded them up. They shot really nice with some 231 under them.

I will check out Missouri Bullet

Save those nice JHP's for a rainy day. I use a 125 grain coated/cast RN and a light charge of Bullseye for 38 and 357 target loads. You can start out low for easy recoil, and go all the way up to factory speed with coated bullets and never get any leading and they price is right.
HP38 or Unique would work fine but will be a bit dirty on the low end, more so with plain cast/lubed bullets. Pick up some Bullseye or Trail Boss if you find it, both of them are better (cleaner) choices for target loads, plus you can go quite fast with Bullseye if you want.
Click to expand...

Trail Boss is easy to find, Bullseye, not so much. There are a lot of CAS shooters around here so the local shops keep them supplied. I will pick some up.
 
TimSr said:
XTPs are awful expensive for punching paper, and they don't even punch it well.

You really need to go to lead to do reduced loads safely, without the danger of bullets getting stuck. Several people mentioned 148gr wadcutters which can be loaded very mild, and cut nice little circles in the paper so its easy to see. You can also use 158gr SWC and load them almost as mild. If you use SWC get the softer BRN12 or less "cowboy load" version for 38spl.

Missouribullet.com can fix you up for $34.50 + flat rate shipping for 500 and there is a discount code for THR members, and I forget what it is. (doh!)
Click to expand...
Is is my answer. 158 gr lswc is perfect in a light gun like a j-frame. All the starting loads with powders in the 2-3 gr area are easy recoiling.
 
I searched for light .38 loads a while back and trail boss with 125 LRN is lighter than any 158 starting loads FYI. In my experience of course.
 
my light load is dewc 148gr and 2.0gr 700x in my .38sp snub. in the .357 mag i load the .38sp shells with 2.5 gr and they feel like .22's. 700x is a fast powder.

v-fib
 
An LCR is not a range gun; it's a self defense tool & there is no defensive situation that would require "A good many rounds." In a defensive situation, I doubt anyone would feel any recoil & some have said they don't remember hearing any gunfire. When you two are at the range, she should fire many rounds in a heavier, more comfortable gun & fire a few rounds in the LCR.
 
An LCR is not a range gun; it's a self defense tool & there is no defensive situation that would require "A good many rounds." In a defensive situation, I doubt anyone would feel any recoil & some have said they don't remember hearing any gunfire. When you two are at the range, she should fire many rounds in a heavier, more comfortable gun & fire a few rounds in the LCR.
Click to expand...

I agree, read my original post. I handed her my Security Six but she insists on practicing with what she carries. I applaud her for that and I wont discourage it. That's why I am making her up some light loads.
 
You're not gonna have a squib with 4.1 of 231, I'll pile on with the switch to a cast or plated bullet too.
 
tcj said:
Softest loads will be with heaviest bullet and a fast powder.

I like 158gr SWC coated lead bullets (Bayou) over 3.2 gr of Bullseye. Could probably go with a lower charge but this works well in our revolvers as well as lever action rifles.
Click to expand...
Sorry, but I disagree. Cowboy action shooters try to reduce recoil as much as possible and go with very light bullets. Newton's laws apply...the heavier bullet is going to have more momentum, and therefore more felt recoil.

If you can find an acceptable bullet weighing less than 125 grains, go for it. I like Hodgdon's Titegroup for reduced loads in a roomy case. 3.4 grains of Titegroup under a 125 grain cast lead bullet in a .38 Special case is a very mild load.

Clays is another very mild shooting powder in light .38 Special loads. Check Hodgdon's online charts for Clays and Titegroup recipes.
 
Last edited:
I still think you will get your best outcome with a Wadcutter bullet and low target velocities. 3.2gr W231 under a 148gr WC bullet is a great practice load like I said in my last post. A 125gr coated LRN bullet will work well to if she wants to practice reloading with a speedloader at the range.
 
The advantage of a 125 rn is that you can gradually increase your charges go match her recoil tolerance as she improves. With a WC, your stuck at the bottom with nowhere to go.
 
I'm with the crowd that says a 148 gr HBWC, over a mild load of Bullseye is the way to go. With 3.0 gr you'd be amazed at the groups, and for a bonus you can watch your rounds go downrange.

I've actually had people comment on my "suppressed" revolver.:rolleyes:
 
Not sure if it has been shared yet...
But I love 4.1gr Unique pushing a 158 gr hardcast slug. Feels nice in my Detective Special; should work well in other snubs, too. YMMV
 
Last edited:
I shoot a lot of hard cast 148g wadcutters. In my airweight they shoot to poa and they're mild. 2.8g of Bullseye is the load I use. I do also like a cast 125 rnfp over about 4g of bullseye. A little snappier, but not painful. Drop the charge down to 3.5g and I bet it's a go. They will shoot close enough at poa at defensive ranges.
 
I found some Trail Boss, Bullseye is no where to be found around here.

I'm waiting on my bullets. Went with MBC
 
Best answer is not a load its another gun period. Whether its just to practice with or the much more preferred replacement carry. Stop trying to train a pit bull that bites the owner and get another dog.
 
Another vote for 148 Wadcutters in the .38 Special. In my LCR the 148 HBWC with 2.7 of Bullseye shoots to the same point of impact as the Speer Gold Dot 135 +P .38 Special Load.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr
 
Best answer is not a load its another gun period. Whether its just to practice with or the much more preferred replacement carry. Stop trying to train a pit bull that bites the owner and get another dog.
Click to expand...

Read my original post. This is her carry weapon and she wants to practice with it. If that is her will, then I can load some ammo to help her do so. I have plenty of other .38's, this is the gun she chooses to shoot.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

B
  • Locked
AA#9 Unburned Powder & Crimp
Replies
4
Views
504
gamestalker
G
anothernewb
  • Locked
45acp 185hp full power loads. Powders?
Replies
14
Views
2K
Kaldor
Kaldor
D
  • Locked
Low end .357 load
Replies
20
Views
2K
340PD
3
E
  • Locked
9mm 90 gr. XTP load?
2
Replies
33
Views
13K
Rule3
Rule3
K
  • Locked
Home defence round
Replies
5
Views
395
rcmodel
R
Back
Top