snub nose 38 load ?

rebs · August 31, 2012, 01:19 PM

I have a snub nose 38 and it is not rated for +P loads so I am looking for a place to start. I believe I want to use a 158 gr bullet.
what is your favorite load for self defense ?
What is your favorite load for target and practice ?

djcantr · August 31, 2012, 01:23 PM

I load a 158 grain LSWC with 3.5 grains of Bullseye for target practice and plinking. It's one of the more popular 158 grain LSWC .38 special loads.

jmortimer · August 31, 2012, 02:04 PM

The best option is a 148 grain wadcutter. Once again, maximum meplat, inherent accuracy, low recoil, and fantastic straight-line penetration. Only downside is potential problem with speed loaders and maximum meplat.

oldpapps · August 31, 2012, 04:30 PM

I vote for the 148gr hollow base wad cutter too. They invert well and make a nasty hollow point. But reduce your load to compensate for the loss of case/powder volume. They do very well to 21 feet.

As for speed loaders. I've burned cases of wad cutters under time.

Enjoy,

OSOK

Skadoosh · August 31, 2012, 04:48 PM

wait...this is the handloading forum! Doh!

joneb · August 31, 2012, 11:32 PM

For 38spl using 158 LSWC in my S&W 36 1.875" barrel I use Bullseye or W231.
With a LWC I use Bullseye, all with standard small primers.

Cajun Ken · September 1, 2012, 08:58 AM

For practice, I use 158gr LSWC with both Unique and Universal powders. I find the Universal much better to work with.

August 31, 2012, 01:19 PM	#1
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	snub nose 38 load ? I have a snub nose 38 and it is not rated for +P loads so I am looking for a place to start. I believe I want to use a 158 gr bullet. what is your favorite load for self defense ? What is your favorite load for target and practice ?

August 31, 2012, 04:48 PM	#5
Skadoosh Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2010 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 2,016	wait...this is the handloading forum! Doh! __________________ NRA Life Member USN Retired Last edited by Skadoosh; September 1, 2012 at 07:23 AM.

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August 31, 2012, 01:23 PM	#2
djcantr Senior Member Join Date: January 28, 2012 Posts: 215	I load a 158 grain LSWC with 3.5 grains of Bullseye for target practice and plinking. It's one of the more popular 158 grain LSWC .38 special loads.

August 31, 2012, 02:04 PM	#3
jmortimer Junior member Join Date: January 24, 2010 Location: South West Riverside County California Posts: 2,763	The best option is a 148 grain wadcutter. Once again, maximum meplat, inherent accuracy, low recoil, and fantastic straight-line penetration. Only downside is potential problem with speed loaders and maximum meplat.

August 31, 2012, 04:30 PM	#4
oldpapps Senior Member Join Date: September 22, 2011 Location: Middle America Posts: 518	I vote for the 148gr hollow base wad cutter too. They invert well and make a nasty hollow point. But reduce your load to compensate for the loss of case/powder volume. They do very well to 21 feet. As for speed loaders. I've burned cases of wad cutters under time. Enjoy, OSOK

August 31, 2012, 11:32 PM	#6
joneb Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2005 Location: Central , OR Posts: 1,888	For 38spl using 158 LSWC in my S&W 36 1.875" barrel I use Bullseye or W231. With a LWC I use Bullseye, all with standard small primers.

September 1, 2012, 08:58 AM	#7
Cajun Ken Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2009 Location: Tennessee Posts: 119	For practice, I use 158gr LSWC with both Unique and Universal powders. I find the Universal much better to work with.