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Old May 13, 2005, 12:01 AM   #1
Tim B.
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Help with 38 special Remington bullets

I'm new to reloading and purchased some .357 Remington 125gr jacketed softpoints and 158 gr lead SWC bullets.

None of my books have any loading data on Remington. I was hoping the 38 special loadbooks would have information, but it doesn't.

What do you recommend? I also have a Speer and Nosler book.

TIA

Tim
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Old May 13, 2005, 01:42 AM   #2
Leftoverdj
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Tim, brand of bullet is rarely a major factor. Establish a starting load by consulting the manuals you have handy, start there, and you'll have more than enough safety margin to cover a simple bullet change. There might be a difference at the top end, but you should stick to starting loads until you get the hang of reloading, anyway.

Have fun!
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Old May 13, 2005, 07:32 AM   #3
Thirties
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Look at the Speer Loading Manual #13. They don't mention the Remington name, but they have load data for the bullets you mention.
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Old May 13, 2005, 07:51 AM   #4
ulflyer
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Tim, I shoot 158 gr lead SWC in my M-15 with a mild load of 3.5 of Win 231. I use these for paper plinking with decent accuracy.

I've loaded down to 3.0 gr 231 for beginners to plink with.
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Old May 13, 2005, 12:12 PM   #5
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Include the powder you would be using then could be more help
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Old May 13, 2005, 03:10 PM   #6
G56
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Generally speaking, you should be able to use the loading data for any brand 125 gr jacketed bullet, the brands would be interchangeable for a similar design and weight.
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Old May 14, 2005, 12:07 AM   #7
Tim B.
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Thanks very much! I really appreciate your help!

Best Regards,
Tim
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Old May 14, 2005, 12:19 AM   #8
Tim B.
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Sorry, forgot to mention I haven't purchased any powder yet. What do you recommend for someone starting out?
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Old May 14, 2005, 01:28 AM   #9
41special
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Unique or 2400, they seem to have the most amount of loads in all manual's.
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Old May 14, 2005, 05:27 AM   #10
38Mike
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WW 231 is good for both of your bullet weights.......

also, I just picked up Lyman's ( 48th, I think ) reloading book...TONS of good info............
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Old May 14, 2005, 06:10 AM   #11
Swamp Yankee
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Echo the good advice so far

Only thing I would add is start with the minimum data listed in the manual(s) and work up. Bullet designs of the same weight do alter pressures and ballistics, but if you start with the min for a similar bullet you should be OK.
I would also recommend WW231 for the particular loads you're making.

Take Care
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Old May 14, 2005, 08:54 AM   #12
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and

Hodgdon Universal Clays

Alliant Power Pistol

Winchester 231

Accurate Arms AA5

and a million others.........

Me? I use Universal Clays for plinking-type loads.
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Old May 14, 2005, 12:10 PM   #13
Unclenick
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Tim,

For .38 Special, 2.8 to 3.0 grains of Bullseye are old standards for 148 grain wadcutters. You can launch the slightly heavier 158 lead bullets for plinking with this load, since the seating depth won't be as great as the hollow base wadcutters are made. Pressures are about 1/2 SAMMI max for a 1.55" overall cartridge length.

I assume the 125 grain bullets are for more like factory defense loads. About 5 grains of Hodgdon Universal will make a good defense load, but start at 4.5 grains and work up. The assumptions are:

• Bullet seated to OAL of 1.55 inches.
• Bullet not greater than 0.55 inches in length.
• Cartridge case water capacity of at least 23.1 grains.

Be careful and have fun,
Nick

Last edited by Unclenick; May 14, 2005 at 12:44 PM.
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Old May 14, 2005, 03:39 PM   #14
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WW231 is a great powder for pistol use, very versatile, I use it in all my pistol calibers, 9mm, 38 Special, 357 Magnum, and 45 ACP. It is best for light to medium loads, not the greatest for "warm" loads, but those should come later with more experience.

WW231 is one of the best for a new reloader to get started with.
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Old May 14, 2005, 10:11 PM   #15
Tim B.
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Thank you again
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