imr-4227 in a 38sp ?

gendoc · July 5, 2009, 06:24 AM

i see that h4227 can be used.
i'm loading for medium plink'n loads and i have a bunch of imr.
will be using in a rifle.
thanks

**Unclenick** · July 5, 2009, 10:27 AM

IMR 4227 is too slow for good plinking loads in .38 Special. It is pretty much just for maximum loads, and then you have to work up very slowly because just 20% change in the charge takes you from well below starting pressure to well above SAAMI maximum for .38 Special. Even at maximum pressure for that cartridge, you are at a very low range for the pressure that powder wants really to operate at, so over a third of it gets tossed out of the muzzle of a 22 inch barrel, still unburned. Quite a waste of powder and lots of residue in the bore. For plinking loads with that bullet design, try about 3.1 grains of Bullseye or 3.3 grains 231.

gendoc · July 5, 2009, 10:52 AM

thanks unclenick!!
win231 was my next question...
i have a little of that too.
my manuals don't show a charge that low, being a rifle barrel
i was also concerned about plug'n with both low charge powders
have a good day!!!

**Unclenick** · July 5, 2009, 11:14 AM

The 3 grain load range in that small case exceeds what pistol target shooters load wadcutters with. Your barrel should not be long enough to cause a problem with that if the bullets are lubricated lead. With jacketed bullets I might be inclined to run up nearer 4-5 grains, though.

July 5, 2009, 06:24 AM	#1
gendoc Member Join Date: March 22, 2008 Location: lowest bama Posts: 53	imr-4227 in a 38sp ? i see that h4227 can be used. i'm loading for medium plink'n loads and i have a bunch of imr. will be using in a rifle. thanks

July 5, 2009, 10:27 AM	#2
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	IMR 4227 is too slow for good plinking loads in .38 Special. It is pretty much just for maximum loads, and then you have to work up very slowly because just 20% change in the charge takes you from well below starting pressure to well above SAAMI maximum for .38 Special. Even at maximum pressure for that cartridge, you are at a very low range for the pressure that powder wants really to operate at, so over a third of it gets tossed out of the muzzle of a 22 inch barrel, still unburned. Quite a waste of powder and lots of residue in the bore. For plinking loads with that bullet design, try about 3.1 grains of Bullseye or 3.3 grains 231. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

July 5, 2009, 10:52 AM	#3
gendoc Member Join Date: March 22, 2008 Location: lowest bama Posts: 53	thanks unclenick!! win231 was my next question... i have a little of that too. my manuals don't show a charge that low, being a rifle barrel i was also concerned about plug'n with both low charge powders have a good day!!! Last edited by gendoc; July 5, 2009 at 11:02 AM.

July 5, 2009, 11:14 AM	#4
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	The 3 grain load range in that small case exceeds what pistol target shooters load wadcutters with. Your barrel should not be long enough to cause a problem with that if the bullets are lubricated lead. With jacketed bullets I might be inclined to run up nearer 4-5 grains, though. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle