Colt 1902 38ACP Load Data

BossHoss · January 22, 2010, 05:23 PM

HI,

I want to work up a load for my '02 with Red Dot .

I have plenty of 38Auto brass, a set of 38 Super dies, and BTW I load a lot of 38 Super in different power levels, but do not quite know exactly where to start safely with the '02 and original 38 ACP.

I want to use 155gn LSWC I have for my Super.

Any Red Dot data out there?

spencerhut · January 22, 2010, 08:04 PM

No sure a Red Dot load with 155g bullets would be where I would start. The gun was never designed for that weight bullet. A new gun, yeah sure why not try whatever. But in your gun I think you might want to consider starting with a 115 to 130g bullet and work from there.

5.0g of W231/HP38 and a 115g bullet would be a good place to start.

BossHoss · January 23, 2010, 08:32 AM

Thanks for the load data Spenc.

I was just trying to use what I had on hand, but, with such an old girl, I will get the correct weight and powder. It would be a crime to hurt a first year production 1902.

I am not going to use this as an everyday shooter, but, when I do, I want to be sure of the load.

A nice plinking load is what I am looking for. And even once I work up a couple of loads, I will check them through the chrony.

January 22, 2010, 05:23 PM	#1
BossHoss Member Join Date: January 22, 2010 Posts: 25	Colt 1902 38ACP Load Data HI, I want to work up a load for my '02 with Red Dot . I have plenty of 38Auto brass, a set of 38 Super dies, and BTW I load a lot of 38 Super in different power levels, but do not quite know exactly where to start safely with the '02 and original 38 ACP. I want to use 155gn LSWC I have for my Super. Any Red Dot data out there?

January 22, 2010, 08:04 PM	#2
spencerhut Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 147	No sure a Red Dot load with 155g bullets would be where I would start. The gun was never designed for that weight bullet. A new gun, yeah sure why not try whatever. But in your gun I think you might want to consider starting with a 115 to 130g bullet and work from there. 5.0g of W231/HP38 and a 115g bullet would be a good place to start.

January 23, 2010, 08:32 AM	#3
BossHoss Member Join Date: January 22, 2010 Posts: 25	Thanks for the load data Spenc. I was just trying to use what I had on hand, but, with such an old girl, I will get the correct weight and powder. It would be a crime to hurt a first year production 1902. I am not going to use this as an everyday shooter, but, when I do, I want to be sure of the load. A nice plinking load is what I am looking for. And even once I work up a couple of loads, I will check them through the chrony.