Question about 38 special zinger

[adaptandovercome]

Ok I loaded 140 grain lead zinger bullets from Missouri bullet in 38 special cases with 4 grains of unique. I am not new to reloading but am new to using lead bullets. Friend of mine says this is a heavy load. I looked in my manuals and this bullet was not listed so I made what I thought was an educated guess. Please opinions on this would be appreciated.

 

[243winxb]

You have a light loading. My load in 38 special, 5.3gr of Alliant Unique with a cast 158 gr + bullet. Your .357 Zinger Bullet

#BB-358140M
358 Diameter
.357 Magnum
140 Grain TCFP
Brinell 18 Note: Alliant list 5.2 gr as maximum with a 158 gr lead bullet in 38 special +P .

 

[adaptandovercome]

Thanks for your response. I think I'm gonna like Missouri bullet. There quality seems good. Takes a while to get em though they tell you that on the website.

 

[LiveLife]

From 2004 Alliant load data:

 

[243winxb]

38 special & Alliant Unique

Using the 158 gr data for you 140 gr bullet should be very safe . As show by BDS correct data, there can be a difference from the exact same powder company. My 1999 Alliant data shows the same old data. This is the reason Different Components = Different Pressure. Use a starting load & work up as always.

 

[Wil Terry]

THESE ARE ALL GOOD ANSWERS, and I would add this; go find a smarter friend that knows what he is talking about.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

I don't know what your goal is. The bullet is designed to be pushed at high velocity by a 357 magnum. You will probably have leading issues at 38 spl pressure & velocities. As always with lead, ymmv.

 

[adaptandovercome]

The bullet is also for a 38 special. Depending on the load used should determine if I have leading issues. Correct

 

[ljnowell]

Adaptandovercome, your load is definately not too hot, but that has been answered above. As far as leading, its dependant on too many factors to say for sure if you will have issues. The charge is definately a factor. You have to have enough oooomph to obturate the base of the bullet to seal to the bore, but not too much. Bullet fit to throats/bore is also important. Moreso that hardness, IMO.

As far as the wait with Missouri Bullet, when we arent in the middle of a political crisis, Missouri bullet is the fastest turnaround of ANY cast bullet vendor. Usually two to three days, depending on where you live in the USA. We used to joke around that brad had psychic abilities and could ship a day before you ordered, lol. They are good people.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The bullet is also for a 38 special. Depending on the load used should determine if I have leading issues. Correct

Like said above, there are many factors that will determine if you will get leading. In your case you are more likely to get leading from too low a powder charge than too high because you're loading a bullet with a 18 BHN. Loading too light can cause just a much or more leading than loading too hot.

When I load for the 38/357 under 1000 fps I use a bullet with a BHN of 12.

 

[adaptandovercome]

Thanks everyone for your help. I will let you know how they did this weekend at the range.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

Shewt em, Lizabeth, shewt em.

 

[ljnowell]

When I load for the 38/357 under 1000 fps I use a bullet with a BHN of 12.

I always try to do the same thing, though I have a large stockpile of the Missouri Bullet 357 action(158gr SWC BHN18) so I do load them in 38 loads. I dont get leading, but they also have a good fit in the guns I shoot them in.