Where do I find hsm reloading data

[Brokenneknbak]

I picked up a box of hsm 38/357 158gr plated hollow point bullets and I can't seem to find any data for them I was planning on using hodgdon universal powder. I'm not sure where I can reference this mix of powder and bullet. Does anyone have an idea? Hornadys xtp is somewhat similar but it not the same thing. Could I use their data minus 10% powder charge?

 

[horseman1]

From the HSM website:

http://www.thehuntingshack.com/catalog/retail/Load Data Plated and Cast bullets.pdf

Plated Bullets:
Jackets on plated bullets are applied using an
electroplating process and therefore are not
as thick or sturdy as on jacketed bullets.
These bullets fall between regular cast and
jacketed bullets for load data. We recommend
using lead bullet load data choosing the
same weight and similar design.
You should not exceed 1250 fps using our plated bullets.

45 caliber bullets should be loaded to no
more than 850-900 fps for best results.
We recommend a slight taper crimp using the Lee Factory Crimp die. As the jacket is not
as thick as a regular jacket, take care to
not over crimp as it will deform the bullet and
degrade accuracy.
--------------------------------------

I see Hodgdon has data for a 158gr LSWC with Universal for 38 special. Also, I see the data for the 158 Hornady XTP is nearly the same.

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

Hope this is what you were looking for.

 

[rcmodel]

Mid-level jacketed loads using the same weight & shape jacketed bullets will work just fine.

Starting load lead bullet loads might not be, because copper has a higher coefficient of friction then grease lubed lead.

Your gun doesn't care what brand a bullet is.

It cares about bullet weight, and shape, being similar enough seating depth / OAL is about the same.

rc

 

[longdayjake]

I second that. Furthermore, may I recommend that you NOT use the lee factory crimp die? It will cause you way more headaches than what good you gain from it. The crimp on any seating/crimp die set will work just fine so long as you set it up right. I don't know why, but when I have a customer who is having loading issues with plated bullets they almost always mention that they used the LFCD. It has the tendency to resize bullets. Especially plated ones. I have even heard of guys who have loaded for 50 years who suddenly can't get it right and then blame the bullets. Once the LFCD is removed from the loading process, suddenly everything works. Am I the only one who sees issues with the LFCD?

 

[rcmodel]

No!

The FCD is An Ingenious Solution to a Non-Existent Problem.

If you set your seating / crimping die right in the first place.

Many of us reloaded perfectly fine ammo for 50 or more years before Mr. Lee invented the post-sizing crimp die to make it fit.
Even if it didn't.

Even if something else was already wrong with your reloads.

That's my story.
And I'm sticking too it!

rc

 

[sbrader]

As a new reloader, I was told to get the FCD for each caliber I reload. I had major accuracy problems and found the die to be shaving the bullet. Another reloader told me how to set up my seat/crimp die properly and I haven't picked up the FCD since.

Fortunately it was one of the cheaper lessons I've learned the hard way in my life.

 

[Brokenneknbak]

Thanks for some good info

 

[horseman1]

Hey guys, dont blame me for the FCD part. I just copied this from their web site!

 

[longdayjake]

Nobody blames you. We love you. That's why we warned you about it.

 

[horseman1]

Thanks Man, I'll leave it in the box!

 

[zaphar]

The lead data for 158gr in my Lyman book worked for me (same HSM bullets as you). The starting load for 158gr lead in 38 Super is 4.4gr of Unique for 958fps out of a 5" barrel, I used 4.2gr since the bullets are slightly larger than my 4.5" .356 barrel. My 14 shot sample had an average of 836fps (~3880' above sea level at ~70oF). The action cycled fine although the spread was 98fps which is pretty high and may be due to trouble getting a consistent OAL.