Data

westfi1 · November 14, 2006, 01:09 PM

I have been away from handloading for a while. What is the current thinking on the most accurate .38 special target loads as far as powder type, charges, bullets, etc. Thanks very much.

rwilson452 · November 14, 2006, 03:33 PM

I don't think things have changed much over the years. Everyone that reloads has their own favorite.

WSM MAGNUM · November 14, 2006, 04:35 PM

I think it`s mostly the powder brands that have changed the most in data books over the years. I have some old Hornady books and compared to the new ones, it mostly the powder changes in the data. I could still use the old books if I can still get the powder brands that I used for my favorite loads.

**Unclenick** · November 14, 2006, 05:17 PM

A couple of thoughts: In some experimenting with my K-frame Smith, I found the Lee Tumble Lube wadcutters, fired as-cast and with the Lee Liquid Alox lube coating, make groups almost half the size of any commercial wadcutter I could buy for .38 Special.

You will find that some of the Hodgdon powders are a lot cleaner burning than Bullseye or 231. The squashed-sphere flakes meter pretty easily. Clays and Universal Clays are good choices for pure target loads. Clays is faster than Bullseye or 231, and requires a smaller charge. Try about 2.2 grains with a 148 grain wadcutter to start. This assumes you seat the bullet flush with the case mouth. Hodgdon Universal Clays comes closer to Bullseye and is sort of between it and Unique burning speed wise. 2.7 grains to start, same as the old Bullseye load, but you will probably end up with more like 3 grains.

Nick

JJB2 · November 14, 2006, 09:47 PM

my s&w model 27 likes 148 gr. hbwcs over 3 grs. of bullseye real well...

November 14, 2006, 01:09 PM	#1
westfi1 Member Join Date: April 22, 2005 Posts: 32	Data I have been away from handloading for a while. What is the current thinking on the most accurate .38 special target loads as far as powder type, charges, bullets, etc. Thanks very much.

November 14, 2006, 03:33 PM	#2
rwilson452 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Tioga co. PA Posts: 2,647	38 data I don't think things have changed much over the years. Everyone that reloads has their own favorite.

November 14, 2006, 04:35 PM	#3
WSM MAGNUM Senior Member Join Date: September 30, 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 750	I think it`s mostly the powder brands that have changed the most in data books over the years. I have some old Hornady books and compared to the new ones, it mostly the powder changes in the data. I could still use the old books if I can still get the powder brands that I used for my favorite loads. __________________ Henry - Life NRA Member, USCCA Shield Member If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?

November 14, 2006, 05:17 PM	#4
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	A couple of thoughts: In some experimenting with my K-frame Smith, I found the Lee Tumble Lube wadcutters, fired as-cast and with the Lee Liquid Alox lube coating, make groups almost half the size of any commercial wadcutter I could buy for .38 Special. You will find that some of the Hodgdon powders are a lot cleaner burning than Bullseye or 231. The squashed-sphere flakes meter pretty easily. Clays and Universal Clays are good choices for pure target loads. Clays is faster than Bullseye or 231, and requires a smaller charge. Try about 2.2 grains with a 148 grain wadcutter to start. This assumes you seat the bullet flush with the case mouth. Hodgdon Universal Clays comes closer to Bullseye and is sort of between it and Unique burning speed wise. 2.7 grains to start, same as the old Bullseye load, but you will probably end up with more like 3 grains. Nick __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

November 14, 2006, 09:47 PM	#5
JJB2 Junior member Join Date: December 14, 2005 Posts: 558	my s&w model 27 likes 148 gr. hbwcs over 3 grs. of bullseye real well...