38 +p load for snub nose

SQUAREKNOT · November 30, 2009, 10:00 PM

I am trying to find a load that can duplicate the Speer 125gr JHP. I get 880fps from the 1 7/8" barrel with the factory Speer. Anyone have any idea's? I have a S&W 638 .38spl that's a +P
TIA

isanchez2008 · December 9, 2009, 08:37 PM

Here is my load. I still have room to increase the amount of powder. Just haven't gotten around to it.

USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The Firing Line, nor the staff of TFL assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.

.38special +p S&W 642
125gr Montana Gold JHP
4.9gr Alliant Bullseye
Winchester Small Pistol Primers
.38special +p cases (R-P)
COAL 1.435"
7 shots chronographed for an average of 877 f.p.s.

awaveritt · December 9, 2009, 09:01 PM

I think I remember reading where Hodgdon Titegroup can be used to closely approximate Speer's Gold Dot 135gr. HP for Short Barrel factory loads. My S&W 638 handles them well and this would be the round, IMO, that would be most effective in the short barrel snubbies, since, according to Speer, this particular bullet is designed for expansion at the lower velocities. FWIW

SQUAREKNOT · December 9, 2009, 10:43 PM

Thanks for getting back to guys.
I just checked Lymans #46 and they show a 125gr JHP +P load of Bullseye
@5.0grs
As far as the 135gr Speers-the local Scheel's store has the 125gr bullets
BUT the bullet is #4012 and they DO NOT HAVE THE DEEP CAVITY IN THEM!
You need bullet #4013 (I think it is) and thats special order.
I can't remember what I got for velocity's when I loaded my 125grs but they were way low with Unique ?? maybe 750 FPS??? I am going to try some HP-38 /w231 and will also try round up some Bullseye and Tightgroup.
BTW-I did try HS-6 and that was NOT the way to go-it needs a longer I guess
Thanks again- I will report if I fail or succeed.

mavracer · December 10, 2009, 07:58 AM

I use 5.5 of 231 with a winchester bulk 125 JHP, but have not chronoed that load yet.I have chronoed my 158gr hardcast load with 5.0 of 231 and it goes just over 900 out of my 2 1/8" SP101.I expect my 125gr load is going somewhere between 850 and 900.

Winterhawk56 · December 11, 2009, 01:15 AM

isanchez2008, how accurate is that load?

isanchez2008 · December 11, 2009, 02:54 PM

Quote:

isanchez2008, how accurate is that load?

I honestly haven't tested accuracy for that load in that gun. Off hand my shooting was not any worse than with factory. I'll tell you this it is just as snappy as factory +p 125's. The manual I was working off had a higher max charge than what I was using. Could be hotter

November 30, 2009, 10:00 PM	#1
SQUAREKNOT Senior Member Join Date: July 16, 2008 Posts: 263	38 +p load for snub nose I am trying to find a load that can duplicate the Speer 125gr JHP. I get 880fps from the 1 7/8" barrel with the factory Speer. Anyone have any idea's? I have a S&W 638 .38spl that's a +P TIA

December 9, 2009, 08:37 PM	#2
isanchez2008 Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 2008 Location: WA Posts: 344	Here is my load. I still have room to increase the amount of powder. Just haven't gotten around to it. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The Firing Line, nor the staff of TFL assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information. .38special +p S&W 642 125gr Montana Gold JHP 4.9gr Alliant Bullseye Winchester Small Pistol Primers .38special +p cases (R-P) COAL 1.435" 7 shots chronographed for an average of 877 f.p.s.

December 9, 2009, 09:01 PM	#3
awaveritt Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2008 Location: Central Texas Posts: 259	I think I remember reading where Hodgdon Titegroup can be used to closely approximate Speer's Gold Dot 135gr. HP for Short Barrel factory loads. My S&W 638 handles them well and this would be the round, IMO, that would be most effective in the short barrel snubbies, since, according to Speer, this particular bullet is designed for expansion at the lower velocities. FWIW

December 9, 2009, 10:43 PM	#4
SQUAREKNOT Senior Member Join Date: July 16, 2008 Posts: 263	Thanks for getting back to guys. I just checked Lymans #46 and they show a 125gr JHP +P load of Bullseye @5.0grs As far as the 135gr Speers-the local Scheel's store has the 125gr bullets BUT the bullet is #4012 and they DO NOT HAVE THE DEEP CAVITY IN THEM! You need bullet #4013 (I think it is) and thats special order. I can't remember what I got for velocity's when I loaded my 125grs but they were way low with Unique ?? maybe 750 FPS??? I am going to try some HP-38 /w231 and will also try round up some Bullseye and Tightgroup. BTW-I did try HS-6 and that was NOT the way to go-it needs a longer I guess Thanks again- I will report if I fail or succeed.

December 11, 2009, 01:15 AM	#6
Winterhawk56 Senior Member Join Date: March 9, 2008 Location: Southern California Posts: 228	isanchez2008, how accurate is that load?