A .38 Special Question!

Powderman · April 28, 2006, 05:56 AM

To all:

I need a good load for the .38 Special. Here are the specifications:

1. I intend to use the 148 gr. HBWC--possibly Hornady.
2. The finished ctg. will be seated slightly below flush, with the case mouth rolled just a bit over the leading edge of the bullet.

This load will be used in a minty S&W Model 52-1. I'd love to get a good load with Clays, because that's the powder I use the most; however, I also like HP38 for my fast pistol loads.

So, fire away!

maxwayne · April 28, 2006, 07:01 AM

I use 3.0 of 231 which is very similar, if not the same as the HP38.

Leftoverdj · April 28, 2006, 09:37 AM

We just talked about Clays in .38 Special and the starting load is 2.5 grains in .38 Special WC.

You may need to fiddle a bit with that seating depth but not enough to affect pressure. The guys I shot with loaded flush or with the bullet peeking out just a hair. We're only talking a few thous.

JJB2 · April 30, 2006, 08:06 PM

i load 3 grs. of bullseye under a hbwc seated flush with the case mouth... you might try that load to see how it functions in an auto......

April 28, 2006, 05:56 AM	#1
Powderman Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2001 Location: Washington State Posts: 2,166	A .38 Special Question! To all: I need a good load for the .38 Special. Here are the specifications: 1. I intend to use the 148 gr. HBWC--possibly Hornady. 2. The finished ctg. will be seated slightly below flush, with the case mouth rolled just a bit over the leading edge of the bullet. This load will be used in a minty S&W Model 52-1. I'd love to get a good load with Clays, because that's the powder I use the most; however, I also like HP38 for my fast pistol loads. So, fire away! __________________ Hiding in plain sight...

April 28, 2006, 07:01 AM	#2
maxwayne Senior Member Join Date: March 10, 2001 Posts: 402	I use 3.0 of 231 which is very similar, if not the same as the HP38.

April 28, 2006, 09:37 AM	#3
Leftoverdj Senior Member Join Date: October 15, 2004 Posts: 934	We just talked about Clays in .38 Special and the starting load is 2.5 grains in .38 Special WC. You may need to fiddle a bit with that seating depth but not enough to affect pressure. The guys I shot with loaded flush or with the bullet peeking out just a hair. We're only talking a few thous.

April 30, 2006, 08:06 PM	#4
JJB2 Junior member Join Date: December 14, 2005 Posts: 558	i load 3 grs. of bullseye under a hbwc seated flush with the case mouth... you might try that load to see how it functions in an auto......