The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - How to reduce smokiness of 38 Special handloads?

Tennessee Jed · June 27, 2013, 10:07 AM

My favorite 38 Special handload is a cast 158 grain swc, using 3.4 grains of Bullseye. I'm shooting it primarily out of a Ruger GP100 with a 4 inch barrel. The bullets I use come from RimRock Bullets.

Recently, I fired some factory 158 grain, 38 Special rounds and noticed how less smokey they are than my handloads. (Federal American Eagle LRN and Winchester semi-wadcutters). The difference in the clouds of smoke was huge.

I'm shooting more often at indoor ranges, and I'm not thrilled with the cloud of smoke coming out the end of my barrel with my handloads. My question is, does anyone know why the factory rounds are much less smokey?

I've done some research, and I know that smokiness is usually the lube from the bullet burning off. If that's the case, then do the factories usually use swaged bullets? And are there some 38 Special swaged bullets that are less smokey than others?

Thanks so much.

June 27, 2013, 10:07 AM	#1
Tennessee Jed Member Join Date: July 14, 2010 Posts: 92	How to reduce smokiness of 38 Special handloads? My favorite 38 Special handload is a cast 158 grain swc, using 3.4 grains of Bullseye. I'm shooting it primarily out of a Ruger GP100 with a 4 inch barrel. The bullets I use come from RimRock Bullets. Recently, I fired some factory 158 grain, 38 Special rounds and noticed how less smokey they are than my handloads. (Federal American Eagle LRN and Winchester semi-wadcutters). The difference in the clouds of smoke was huge. I'm shooting more often at indoor ranges, and I'm not thrilled with the cloud of smoke coming out the end of my barrel with my handloads. My question is, does anyone know why the factory rounds are much less smokey? I've done some research, and I know that smokiness is usually the lube from the bullet burning off. If that's the case, then do the factories usually use swaged bullets? And are there some 38 Special swaged bullets that are less smokey than others? Thanks so much.