Should I increase powder for short barrel revolvers?

[powwowell]

I have found loads of load data for .38 Special! Most of it is for either 4, 5, or 6 inch barrels. I have revolvers with 2 and 3 inch barrels. I currently use 4.0 grains of HP-38 with 158 grain, plated, Berry Flat Points. OAL of 1.450. Will my short barrel revolvers be more accurate with a couple more tenths of powder?

 

[Walkalong]

No, use the same data, barrel length determines velocity, but little else. I am curious why you think it would however.

 

[powwowell]

I have read posts about not making power factor. Barrel length had been mentioned as a factor. A bit more powder was suggested to increase velocity, therefore maybe getting the reloader to the power factor they desire.

When it comes to reloading I've learned it best not to be reckless. That's why I asked. It's not what I thought.

Thanks for your input. You have forgotten more about reloading, a long time ago, than I'll ever know. I'll stick with the 4.0 grains of HP-38.

 

[Walkalong]

Barrel length had been mentioned as a factor. A bit more powder was suggested to increase velocity, therefore maybe getting the reloader to the power factor they desire.

Yes, as long as you don't exceed max. I may have misunderstood, but you asked about accuracy.

 

[fxvr5]

Power factor and accuracy are two completely different things and should not be confused.

That said, some bullets might produce better accuracy within a velocity window.

 

[powwowell]

I suppose I'm capable of convoluted thinking. I was reading about power factor and velocity. That led to my thinking that a bit more about how velocity, adds to accuracy. Once the best accuracy is reached, more powder is a waste. I'm satisfied I should have kept that question to myself. I'm good to go.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

More powder also means more flash and probably more recoil. Neither of those is terrific for shooting accurately. Q: did you work up to that load or start there? Sometimes it is the lighter load that shoots most accurately.

 

[fxvr5]

I'm satisfied I should have kept that question to myself.

Your question is fine. It's how we learn about this sport and what matters and what does not. Keep them coming.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I'm satisfied I should have kept that question to myself.

If you're not sure, it is better to ask the question and know for sure.

There are times, usually in rifles, where more velocity is needed for better accuracy/function.

I don't usually use HP-38/W231 for my competition .38Spl loads...I use Clays...but I seem to recall, when I was played around with HP-38, to loading 4.5grs, over a Federal SPP, and reducing it to 4.2grs under a 158gr Xtreme plated bullet