Which powder to use?

[devildog2120]

I plan on reloading 148g DEWC in .38 cal with a Lee Classic Turret Press.
What type of powder would you recommend
I was thinking of using either WIN540 or WIN 231. I also will be reloading
9mm Luger 147g FP and was hoping to use the same powder

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

Bullseye is a good powder to use for cast slugs.
147 I'm unsure but think it would do well. I don't load that one.

 

[joneb]

Are the 147gr FP lead, plated or jacketed ? 148gr DEWC ?
The Win540 maybe to slow for .38spl, I prefer swaged WC for .38spl with Bullseye. Cast DEWC shoot about the same accuracy as cast 158gr SWC for me.

 

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

Double Ended Wad Cutter

Work up a light target load of Unique with your choice of standard small pistol primer. You'll be happy you did.

-Steve

 

[chriske]

Between the two you mention, I'd pick W-231, 3.0 to 3.1 Gr. for the wadcutter loads.

I'm not familiar with loaading 9mm, though.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I use the same press and reload for both the 9mm and .38 Special. I use W231 for both because it's a clean accurate powder that meters extremely well in a Lee Pro Auto-Disk Powder Measure.

 

[evan price]

For what you are mentioning I would go with Win231 or Hodgdon HP38 (Same powder). The old standby for .38 special.

 

[rg1]

Since Win 540 is obsolete I thought I'd add some data from Winchesters Load Guide booklet 15th Edition from 1997.
.38 Special with Win 231 powder, Win components
148gr Lead Hollow base WC--231--start 2.9 grains-690fps-12400 psi
--max 3.3--------770fps-16100 psi
148gr Lead Bevel base WC--231--start 3.0-690fps--13600 psi
--max 3.4-760fps--16400 psi
158gr Lead SWC-----------------start 4.0=745fps--12600 psi
--max 4.5-830fps--15800 psi
_____________________________________________
38 Special with Winchester 540 powder, Win components
148gr Lead Hollow base WC--540--start 4.6-720fps--12100 psi
--max 5.1-800fps--15300 psi
148gr Lead Bevel Base WC--------start 4.7-700fps--13100 psi
--max 5.2-785fps--16300 psi
158gr Lead SWC----------------start 6.2-805fps--13200 psi
--max 6.8-880fps--15900 psi
____________________________________________________
9MM Luger handgun data from Win 15th Edition loading guide
Winchester 540 powder, Win components
Win 540---115fmj bullet--start 6.1 gr-1040fps--28300 psi
max 6.7 gr-1135fps--33400 psi
--115 JHP------start 6.1-1050fps--28600 psi
max 6.6-1130fps--33400 psi
--124 Lead RN--start 5.0-950fps--28400 psi
max--5.7-1050fps--33500 psi
--147gr Lead Cast Flat Point---------Start 4.5-840fps--26900 psi
max--5.0-925fps--32500 psi
--147gr FMJ--------start 4.7-855fps--30600 psi
max 5.1-890fps--33300 psi
--147gr JHP--------start 4.3-800fps--30200 psi
max 4.8-885fps--33300 psi
This data is for comparison to other data you may have. No overall lengths were given and shorter overall lengths especially in 9mm will increase pressure.

 

[tbtrout]

Win 231