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mjes92 · February 10, 2013, 08:26 PM

Loaned a Chonograph & went to the range.
Loading .38 Special
I'm casting Lee 158 grain .358" SWC tumble lube,
3.0 grs. Clays, CCI small pistol primers

Two different C.O.L & two different revolvers
6" barrel
1.475" average velocity = 702 fps
1.445" average velocity = 754 fps

2" barrel
1.475" average velocity = 645 fps
1.445" average velocity = 690 fps

I was suprised to see the 50 fps increase with only a difference in the depth I seated the bullet. I seated them shorter than spec only becase the crip ended up on top of a tumble lube ridge. Why the diiference?

Any opinions on the bullet velocity?

By comparison Winchester (white box) 158 grain copper jacket
6" barrel Ruger
average velocity = 779 fps

2" barrel Taurus
average velocity = 680 fps

Lead fouling seems minimal
Bullets are dropping at 160 to 153 grains.
Still working on the hardness tester.

Thanks

February 10, 2013, 08:26 PM	#12
mjes92 Senior Member Join Date: January 28, 2013 Location: Land of 10,000 taxes Posts: 211	Test result Loaned a Chonograph & went to the range. Loading .38 Special I'm casting Lee 158 grain .358" SWC tumble lube, 3.0 grs. Clays, CCI small pistol primers Two different C.O.L & two different revolvers 6" barrel 1.475" average velocity = 702 fps 1.445" average velocity = 754 fps 2" barrel 1.475" average velocity = 645 fps 1.445" average velocity = 690 fps I was suprised to see the 50 fps increase with only a difference in the depth I seated the bullet. I seated them shorter than spec only becase the crip ended up on top of a tumble lube ridge. Why the diiference? Any opinions on the bullet velocity? By comparison Winchester (white box) 158 grain copper jacket 6" barrel Ruger average velocity = 779 fps 2" barrel Taurus average velocity = 680 fps Lead fouling seems minimal Bullets are dropping at 160 to 153 grains. Still working on the hardness tester. Thanks