Light (110-124gr) .38 cast bullets, anyone?

cornered rat · January 18, 1999, 01:21 PM

I am trying to load up some very mild .38 rounds for teaching. So far I have found 148gr cast wadcutters but nothing lighter? Could anyone suggest URL or phone # for light cast (unjacketed) bullets? Thanks.

Walt Welch · January 18, 1999, 11:24 PM

What is wrong with the 148 gr. FWC, with a very light load, such as 2.5 to 2.7gr. of Bullseye? My daughters shot this load when they were 6 to 8 years old, and didn't have any problems. Today, one shoots a SP101 with 3" bbl. .357, and does so very accurately.

Use a shooting muff and ear plugs; it is frequently the noise rather than the recoil that bothers beginners.

You can get lighter bullets, such as the 125 gr. LRN, designed for the 9 x 19mm, but you must be very careful with the greatly increased case volume, and use a fairly stout load of powder, thus, negating any benefit of the lighter bullet.

One other option is to use the plastic bullets offered by various manufacturers which are propelled by the primer only. These have virtually no recoil at all.

Hope this helps, Walt Welch

Cheapo · January 21, 1999, 01:21 PM

I like the Oregon Trail Bullet Co. ("Laser-Cast") 125-gr TC. Just tested a batch with a moderate load of Unique, which produced 939 fps in a 6-inch, and 913 fps in a 4-inch.

Will post more details if you want.
Cheapo.

Cheapo · January 22, 1999, 03:18 AM

Aw heck, here's the data. My velocities were with 5.4 of Unique. Their minimum charge weight is 4.1, which should be a really light "slingshot" load.

Their max is a secret. I know too many lawyers...

Cheapo · February 12, 1999, 12:32 AM

Update for Cornered Rat:
For a really light load with OTBC 125-gr TCs, try 4.3 of WW231. Out of a six-inch, they go about 750 fps and generate very little recoil. OTBC's book lists 4.2 as the minimum.

Methinks they'd be good for training, too, as they run through speedloaders easier than the traditional 148-gr wadcutters.

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January 18, 1999, 01:21 PM	#1
cornered rat Junior member Join Date: November 30, 1998 Location: Minnesota Posts: 920	I am trying to load up some very mild .38 rounds for teaching. So far I have found 148gr cast wadcutters but nothing lighter? Could anyone suggest URL or phone # for light cast (unjacketed) bullets? Thanks.

January 18, 1999, 11:24 PM	#2
Walt Welch Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 1998 Location: Alamo, CA Posts: 424	What is wrong with the 148 gr. FWC, with a very light load, such as 2.5 to 2.7gr. of Bullseye? My daughters shot this load when they were 6 to 8 years old, and didn't have any problems. Today, one shoots a SP101 with 3" bbl. .357, and does so very accurately. Use a shooting muff and ear plugs; it is frequently the noise rather than the recoil that bothers beginners. You can get lighter bullets, such as the 125 gr. LRN, designed for the 9 x 19mm, but you must be very careful with the greatly increased case volume, and use a fairly stout load of powder, thus, negating any benefit of the lighter bullet. One other option is to use the plastic bullets offered by various manufacturers which are propelled by the primer only. These have virtually no recoil at all. Hope this helps, Walt Welch

January 21, 1999, 01:21 PM	#3
Cheapo Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 1998 Posts: 986	I like the Oregon Trail Bullet Co. ("Laser-Cast") 125-gr TC. Just tested a batch with a moderate load of Unique, which produced 939 fps in a 6-inch, and 913 fps in a 4-inch. Will post more details if you want. Cheapo.

January 22, 1999, 03:18 AM	#4
Cheapo Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 1998 Posts: 986	Aw heck, here's the data. My velocities were with 5.4 of Unique. Their minimum charge weight is 4.1, which should be a really light "slingshot" load. Their max is a secret. I know too many lawyers...

February 12, 1999, 12:32 AM	#5
Cheapo Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 1998 Posts: 986	Update for Cornered Rat: For a really light load with OTBC 125-gr TCs, try 4.3 of WW231. Out of a six-inch, they go about 750 fps and generate very little recoil. OTBC's book lists 4.2 as the minimum. Methinks they'd be good for training, too, as they run through speedloaders easier than the traditional 148-gr wadcutters.