Preferred projectile weight for 38 special plinking round? - Page 2

John D · March 2, 2019, 12:55 PM

158g LSWC runs real easy

Joe-ker · March 2, 2019, 07:20 PM

Quote:

That 140 Zinger is what I am currently shooting in my rifle but Penn's 158 gr TCFP is my favorite, giving an effortless action in the rifle. The difference is that the Penn has no leading band to hang up, unique for a TC.

Thanks Real gun. Definitely gonna check them out.

pete2 · March 2, 2019, 11:31 PM

I shoot 158 gr cast RN because that's what I shoot in IDPA. If you don't need to speed load then 148 HBWC ir 158 SWC will work just as well as the RN. Near as I can tell one bullet is just as accurate as another but SWC and WC cut cleaner holes in paper. WST powder burns cleaner than 231. I have some 125 TC cast that I'm going to try, 158s have quite a bit of recoil in an airweight 642 revolver.

kmw1954 · March 3, 2019, 10:30 AM

I do not have ATM a revolver to shoot and reload for but did start with a S&W Model 19 and all I ever loaded for it were 148gr WC or 158gr SWC from either Speer or Hornady, which is the type of bullet I would load again if/when the opportunity presents itself.

Reason being is because all have a crimp groove to accept a nice roll crimp which most plated bullets do not have. Then you don't have to worry about fracturing the plating. Or use a nice jacketed bullet with a cannelure groove

March 2, 2019, 12:55 PM	#26
John D Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2000 Location: No. Arizona Posts: 436	158g LSWC runs real easy

March 2, 2019, 11:31 PM	#28
pete2 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 2,566	I shoot 158 gr cast RN because that's what I shoot in IDPA. If you don't need to speed load then 148 HBWC ir 158 SWC will work just as well as the RN. Near as I can tell one bullet is just as accurate as another but SWC and WC cut cleaner holes in paper. WST powder burns cleaner than 231. I have some 125 TC cast that I'm going to try, 158s have quite a bit of recoil in an airweight 642 revolver.

March 3, 2019, 10:30 AM	#29
kmw1954 Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2016 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 1,524	I do not have ATM a revolver to shoot and reload for but did start with a S&W Model 19 and all I ever loaded for it were 148gr WC or 158gr SWC from either Speer or Hornady, which is the type of bullet I would load again if/when the opportunity presents itself. Reason being is because all have a crimp groove to accept a nice roll crimp which most plated bullets do not have. Then you don't have to worry about fracturing the plating. Or use a nice jacketed bullet with a cannelure groove