Question re: loading .38 special

Sid · February 16, 2016, 12:19 PM

Can you really use the same charge weight of Accurate #5 as you do with 231? For many years I have been using 3.1 grains of 231 behind a 148 grain HBWD.
TIA

BBarn · February 16, 2016, 12:29 PM

3.1 gr. is below the 38 Special starting load for both powders according to the respective powder manufacturer's published data. In case you didn't check there already, the powder manufacturer's online data sources are a good place to begin when looking for suitable powder charges.

T. O'Heir · February 16, 2016, 02:47 PM

231 is quite a bit faster burning than No. 5. Number 28 vs Number 41 on the burn rate chart.
Like BBarn says, 3.1 is below minimum for either powder with a 148. 3.5 is the start load for 231. 3.6 of No. 5.(was 4.0 is 1988) So no, you can't.

mikld · February 16, 2016, 03:38 PM

Not a good idea to substitute powder charges among different powders, and even the "close" ones aren't the same (ie.; Unique and Universal). Even though they may be next to each other on a Relative Burn Rate chart, they may be way different in burn speed, there might not be a powder in between. Use only what is the recommended charges...

Mobuck · February 16, 2016, 08:51 PM

My 2000 issue Accurate data manual specifies 3.6 to 4.0 of #5 with that bullet.

Lost Sheep · February 16, 2016, 10:03 PM

Burn rate, "Quickness" and ENERGY CONTENT (by weight or by volume) may or may not be related to one another.

My money is on the not related.

Unless you have your own ballistics lab, pay close attention to the published, authoritative loading data. Deviate from that under advisement and very cautiously because stretching the established performance envelope is even more at your own risk than loading your own.

Reloading is not rocket science, but it does involve smoke and flame and objects and event that move and happen very fast.

Be safe. Always, all ways.

Lost Sheep

Nick_C_S · February 16, 2016, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Not a good idea to substitute powder charges among different powders

Like mikld, I found the OP's question itself concerning.

Every propellant is of its own merit and has nothing to do with another. It is just not a good idea to take a mindset of relating one powder's charge weight characteristics with another's. If that made any sense.

View them individually.

February 16, 2016, 12:19 PM	#1
Sid Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 2009 Posts: 362	Question re: loading .38 special Can you really use the same charge weight of Accurate #5 as you do with 231? For many years I have been using 3.1 grains of 231 behind a 148 grain HBWD. TIA

February 16, 2016, 02:47 PM	#3
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	231 is quite a bit faster burning than No. 5. Number 28 vs Number 41 on the burn rate chart. Like BBarn says, 3.1 is below minimum for either powder with a 148. 3.5 is the start load for 231. 3.6 of No. 5.(was 4.0 is 1988) So no, you can't. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

February 16, 2016, 03:38 PM	#4
mikld Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2009 Location: Southern Oregon! Posts: 2,891	Not a good idea to substitute powder charges among different powders, and even the "close" ones aren't the same (ie.; Unique and Universal). Even though they may be next to each other on a Relative Burn Rate chart, they may be way different in burn speed, there might not be a powder in between. Use only what is the recommended charges... __________________ My Anchor is holding fast! I've learned how to stand on my own two knees...

February 16, 2016, 12:29 PM	#2
BBarn Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2015 Posts: 887	3.1 gr. is below the 38 Special starting load for both powders according to the respective powder manufacturer's published data. In case you didn't check there already, the powder manufacturer's online data sources are a good place to begin when looking for suitable powder charges.

February 16, 2016, 08:51 PM	#5
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	My 2000 issue Accurate data manual specifies 3.6 to 4.0 of #5 with that bullet.

February 16, 2016, 10:03 PM	#6
Lost Sheep Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2009 Location: Anchorage Alaska Posts: 3,341	Burn rate, "Quickness" and ENERGY CONTENT (by weight or by volume) may or may not be related to one another. My money is on the not related. Unless you have your own ballistics lab, pay close attention to the published, authoritative loading data. Deviate from that under advisement and very cautiously because stretching the established performance envelope is even more at your own risk than loading your own. Reloading is not rocket science, but it does involve smoke and flame and objects and event that move and happen very fast. Be safe. Always, all ways. Lost Sheep