Ruger LCR +P

[peterk1234]

New toy on the way. So I am thinking about a proper +P bullet. I believe the classic bullet is/was a 158 grain LSWC. And I am guessing the the modern bullet is probably something like a Hornady XTP, probably around 125 grains.

I really like the idea of using a the LSWC for practice and as a self defense round. Just seems appropriate for the modern version of the classic LEO backup gun. So my question is this............I currently have in stock MBC's coated .358 diameter 18 Brinell hardness LSWC. I use this for my 357 mag loading. Would it be appropriate to use this for the P+, or will the extra hardness cause some unnecessary leading?

I am probably over thinking it and should just shut up and make some up

Thx Pete

 

[tightgroup tiger]

To me, 18 brinell is pretty hard for a 38 spl, +p or not.
I would probably jump down to 12 Brinell for that.
Being yours are coated bullets you will just have to try some and find out.

 

[Dudedog]

I always preferred the BHN 12 ones in .357 for anything that was not on the upper side of the .357 range.
As mentioned you just need to try the ones you have and see how they work out.
Then on your next order try some of the BHN 12 ones and see if they make a difference.
The BHN 18 ones shot fine at midrange .357 vels but the 12s were more accurate for me.

 

[mdi]

The lead/coated 158 gr. SWC will depend on bullet shape for it's effectiveness and the 125 gr jackets will expand as designed for effectiveness. Kinda the old "discussion", slow and fat, vs light and fast. I never liked shooting heavy bullet, heavy charge loads in my short barreled revolvers, but in the case of the Ruger I would prolly go with a 125 JHP (there are a bunch of very good bullets on the market and you could reload with some inexpensive jacketed bullets and just use premium bullets for your SD ammo). FWIW; one of my house guns, a 3", 38, uses a 150 gr. DEWC loaded over a max. charge of W231. Not really unpleasant to shoot a bunch in one session and I believe it would be an effective round at across the room distances.

And nope, I am not trying to open the "handloads for SD" argument again...

 

[Livin_Cincy]

Richard Lee in Modern Reloading has a pretty good explanation on Pressure & BHN.

They are related. As pressure goes up a higher BHN is needed.

For expansion at 38 & 38+P Velocity a soft lead is needed. For paper punching Hardness is fine. Oregon Trail's bullets are around a 26 BHN.

Your Bullet Weight will be limited by the way the sights are set by Ruger. You may have difficulty shooting 148 gr WC or 158 gr SWC hitting point of aim. More than likely the sights will be set up for a lighter, faster, hollow point.

 

[peterk1234]

Thank you guys. Really thoughtful answers. I have some round nose 158 gr that is 12 BHN. I will also pickup some lighter weight bullets to try. @Livin_Cincy, interesting comment about the sights. I never would have thought of that. Thank you.

I am really looking forward to shooting the snubbie. It will be a first for me. I have really fallen in love with revolvers for some reason. Plus it gives me a reason to screw around with some new loads Pete

 

[mdi]

If the lead bullets I had were 26 BHN(!!!) I'd just as soon shoot jacketed or add them to some pure lead to get a sane cast bullet hardness. I read Lee's explanation of Pressure vs. BHN, and the formula may work (didn't for me) but I don't have any handgun alloys that run over 15-18 BHN and that is for my rifles and 9mms. I have fired 240 gr LSWC to 1,200+ fps and 160 gr, LSWC to approx. 1,400+ fps in my Magnums and they ran about 12 BHN, plain base, air cooled. Very minimal leading

For 38 Special even at +P, don't rely on expansion, but rather bullet shape using cast lead bullets...