38 Special / 125gr Winchester JHP Load Request

kron · January 30, 2009, 08:15 PM

Any of you have a recommendation for a load with the following:

* 125gr Winchester JHP (Have a box of 3000 from 10-15 yrs ago)
* Bullseye, or Accurate No7 (or something else?)

I'll be shooting the rounds in the following:

* Colt Python 6"
* Marlin 1894CB 24"

Would prefer something mild for 50yd target practice for my wife to shoot.

Any suggestions for the same components in a 357 Mag load?

Regards,
Kron

**Unclenick** · January 30, 2009, 08:40 PM

Try about 3.5 grains of Bullseye. If you don't like the accuracy, try 4.0 grains. If you don't like that, try 4.5 grains. Alliant lists 4.5 grains as their only suggested load for 125 grain Speer Gold Dots, which are likely close to what you have, but starting lighter should not be an issue and is a good safety precaution.

Bullseye burns fast enough that, in this instance, switching to the .357 case won't make a significant difference in the ballistics.

bullspotter · January 30, 2009, 11:59 PM

I like unique for my 357, im getting 1.5 inch groups at 35 yards with my scoped 686 with the loads, using the gold dots in 125gr 38 cases and the winchester 158 gr hollow points and 158 grain gold dots in my mag cases. Im running MAX LOADS in both so i wont post data, you need to work your loads up. I also made the mistake of trying some raineer bullets, I couldnt get anything under a 4-5 inch group at 35 yards, tried many loads in 357 and 38 casses and 2 powders, they all showed about the same results. IM really impressed with the winchester bulk bullets, will be shooting lots more of them.

jdscholer · January 31, 2009, 12:32 AM

I'll second the vote for Bullseye. In the 38 case, especially with the lighter bullets, I've just never found anything that does better.

That bullet/powder combination works real well if you want to jack it up for 357 cases also.

I used to shoot the heck out of those same bullets you've got until the cost plus shipping went too far north. You're lucky to have as many as ya do.

jd

kron · January 31, 2009, 07:31 AM

Thanks for the responses guys. I'll give it a shot with some bullseye loads and see how it goes next weekend.

And yeah, I was very surprised to find this case of bullets still kicking around in dad's reloading supplies. He and I bought the box from Dillon way back in the day when they still sold bullets. I think is was 1992 or 1993? He passed away last year, so will be fun shooting up some of our supplies.

Regards,
Kron

January 30, 2009, 08:15 PM	#1
kron Member Join Date: November 9, 2008 Posts: 36	38 Special / 125gr Winchester JHP Load Request Any of you have a recommendation for a load with the following: * 125gr Winchester JHP (Have a box of 3000 from 10-15 yrs ago) * Bullseye, or Accurate No7 (or something else?) I'll be shooting the rounds in the following: * Colt Python 6" * Marlin 1894CB 24" Would prefer something mild for 50yd target practice for my wife to shoot. Any suggestions for the same components in a 357 Mag load? Regards, Kron

January 30, 2009, 08:40 PM	#2
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	Try about 3.5 grains of Bullseye. If you don't like the accuracy, try 4.0 grains. If you don't like that, try 4.5 grains. Alliant lists 4.5 grains as their only suggested load for 125 grain Speer Gold Dots, which are likely close to what you have, but starting lighter should not be an issue and is a good safety precaution. Bullseye burns fast enough that, in this instance, switching to the .357 case won't make a significant difference in the ballistics. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

January 31, 2009, 12:32 AM	#4
jdscholer Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2008 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 1,197	I'll second the vote for Bullseye. In the 38 case, especially with the lighter bullets, I've just never found anything that does better. That bullet/powder combination works real well if you want to jack it up for 357 cases also. I used to shoot the heck out of those same bullets you've got until the cost plus shipping went too far north. You're lucky to have as many as ya do. jd __________________ "We're all dummies, just in different ways." Old Okie Philosopher

January 30, 2009, 11:59 PM	#3
bullspotter Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2008 Location: Montana Posts: 308	I like unique for my 357, im getting 1.5 inch groups at 35 yards with my scoped 686 with the loads, using the gold dots in 125gr 38 cases and the winchester 158 gr hollow points and 158 grain gold dots in my mag cases. Im running MAX LOADS in both so i wont post data, you need to work your loads up. I also made the mistake of trying some raineer bullets, I couldnt get anything under a 4-5 inch group at 35 yards, tried many loads in 357 and 38 casses and 2 powders, they all showed about the same results. IM really impressed with the winchester bulk bullets, will be shooting lots more of them.

January 31, 2009, 07:31 AM	#5
kron Member Join Date: November 9, 2008 Posts: 36	Thanks for the responses guys. I'll give it a shot with some bullseye loads and see how it goes next weekend. And yeah, I was very surprised to find this case of bullets still kicking around in dad's reloading supplies. He and I bought the box from Dillon way back in the day when they still sold bullets. I think is was 1992 or 1993? He passed away last year, so will be fun shooting up some of our supplies. Regards, Kron