Range Report M642-2 125gr Rem Semi JHP

[Slip Shooter]

Since my last post, 2-04-05, I have loaded Remington's 125gr Semi JHP in 38 Special with Accurate Arms #2, Bullseye and Win 231 powders for my S&W M642-2.

I used the Speer #13 Loading Manual page 521 (Non +P loads). Only one load was given for each powder with a Do Not Reduce (DNR) caution. All loads are with Winchester Nickel Brass, Winchester WSP standard primers and a heavy crimp. Charges thrown with Little Dandy rotor powder measure. Chrony Chronograph at 10 feet.



Results: S&W M642-2 1 7/8 inch barrel

Powder Charge Velocity Vel Hi/Low Impact on Target (7yds)

AA# 2 5.4 gr 910 fps 32 fps Point-of-Aim
AA# 2 5.2 gr 882 fps 19 fps Centered 2 inches low

Bullseye 4.5 gr 789 fps 26 fps Point-of-Aim

Win 231 5.6 gr 874 fps 36 fps Centered 2 inches low
Win 231 5.3 gr 819 fps 33 fps Centered 1.5 inches low

The 5.4 gr AA# 2 gave best accuracy. All others very worthy groups.



Here are the results in my S&W M19-5 4 inch barrel

AA# 2 5.4 gr Not tested
AA# 2 5.2 gr 933 fps 19 fps point-of-Aim 1" group

Win 231 5.6 gr Not tested
Win 231 5.3 gr 931 fps 60 fps Centered 1 inch low 1" gp

Again the AA# 2 load gave the best accuracy



I also tested some Winchester 158 gr LSWCHP +P (X38SPD +P)

S&W M642-2 793 fps 33 fps Shoots Point-of-Aim
(Carry load)

S&W M19-5 4" 889 fps 25 fps Shoots point-of -Aim



In my original post I was concerned about the 125 gr Remington Semi JHP bullet sheading it's jacket in the barrel. I observed no problems in either firearm. the M642's recoil was quite robust right up there with factory loads. Loads were very mild in the M19. I would not reduce loads in the 4 inch M19 more than I have listed. Stay with the Speer Manual for 4 and 6 inch barrels. The Speer # 13 manual is an excellent reference. I have checked several other manuals and considered them all. Speer #13 for me was the way to go.

For a mild load, I purchased 4 boxes of Aguila 148 gr Wadcutters. They chronographed at 603 fps from the M642 and also shot Point-of-Aim.



There you have it:

S&W M642-2
148 gr Wadcutters for practice
125 gr Remington Semi JHP for power

Slip Shooter

 

[The Bushmaster]

Slip Shooter. That Mod 19 is a magnum revolver. Boost that W-231 up to 7.6 to 8.0 with that Remington 125 gr SJHP and have some real fun. (you might want to start about 10% below the 8,0 grain). That Remington bullet will not "Shread" it's jacket at the velocities that I send it out of my mod 19 2 1/2". 7.6gr of W-231=1080fps. At 8.0gr of W-231=1130fps And no shreaded jackets. Chronied with a Pact mod 1 at 8 ft. Using either CCI550 or WSPM primers. I load predominately Remington bulk bullets with great success.