Xtreme .38 SP 158 gr RNFP and Titegroup?

[StrutStopper]

I'm new to reloading .38 Special. I've only loaded .45 ACP and .40 S&W to date. I picked up some Xtreme plated 158 gr RNFPs and was planning to use titegroup. Loading data is pretty scarce. I wanted to start light, so I was going to load a few over 3.2 gr and see how they work in my 4" GP100. I'm not sure what the min OAL should be. I see some load data for 158 grain bullets saying the OAL should be 1.475. When I adjust my dies for that length, the case mouth doesn't even reach the cannelure. Any suggestions on length for this bullet style/weight with this powder? Is it okay to crimp below the cannelure or should I seat deeper? Anyone have any tips for this particular bullet with Titegroup?

 

[Gadawg88]

Roll crimp into the cannelure. That's your OAL. Work up your powder charge from there.

 

[VThillman]

Yep. Plenty of room in the case. Also, you can start gently with the roll crimp. If you inspect the last cartridge in the cylinder before firing it, it's easy to see when the bullet shifts from recoil (because you can go by the cannelure).

 

[joneb]

What I don't like about that bullet is the so called cannelure, they can't seem to get it in the same place every time

 

[gonoles_1980]

I use that bullet with my 357mag cases, I have tried it with the 38spl cases. I take the longest case, and seat the bullet to the top of the cannelure, then crimp with a taper crimp (I have a taper crimp die for copper plated bullets).

 

[Jim Watson]

Seat to and crimp in the cannelure.

Do not load too light. It is quite possible to stick a jacketed or plated bullet with an underload. 90% of maximum is a reasonable starting load.

 

[Walkalong]

Use a very light roll crimp in those roll marks ("cannelure"), or better yet, a taper crimp. Notice the "bright" mark on the case at the case mouth.

Up close on a very heavy taper crimp. I rarely go this heavy. Those were some +P loads.

 

[Artofgolf]

Excellent digital photos, Walkalong!
First-class presentation

 

[StrutStopper]

Thanks everyone, and nice photos Walkalong. I have confidence that my hand will remain intact if I seat to and crimp in the "cannelure." Not to open a can of worms in this thread, but I'll probably crimp with my Lee FCD.

 

[Gadawg88]

That is what I use without issue. With the plated bullets, pay close attention to the amount of the roll crimp. I prefer not to bite into the copper plating and with a light to medium 38sp load you don't really need that much of a crimp. As Walkalong pointed out, you can buy a taper crimp die and do it that way also.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Thanks for the great pictures.

I just went out to the garage to check the .38 Spls I put together yesterday...I'm over crimping

 

[evan price]

I use and reccomend 3.5 of titegroup for 158gr 38spl.

 

[9mmepiphany]

What kind of velocity are you getting with the 3.5gr of Titegroup

 

[lauderdale]

Kudo's on the PIC'S Walk Along!