38 special W/red dot

brando77 · April 26, 2009, 03:37 PM

i need some recipes for 38 spl using red dot(only powder i have) with 125 SWC as this is the first time reloading this round,any help is appreciated.

tiberius10721 · April 26, 2009, 03:47 PM

I would start at about 3.3 grains with minimum oal of 1.44 inches but thats just what I would do!But what you should do Is buy a manual that has the load information if your a beginning reloader!

Teuthis · April 26, 2009, 04:01 PM

Red Dot shows up consistently in 38 Special load recipes. You should never load without a manual. If nothing else at least get "Modern Reloading, Second Edition, by Richard Lee. It provides many generic load recipes for various calibers,bullet weights and styles. I think you will find that most handloaders have a number of manuals and refer to them often. It is a necessity for safety and effective loading.

**Unclenick** · April 26, 2009, 04:22 PM

There is a lot of on-line load data from the powder companies, too. Be careful to match the bullet type, weight, and the cartridge overall length so you get the same pressure. Seating deeper can raise pressure significantly in straight wall pistol cases, especially.

brando77 · April 26, 2009, 05:44 PM

i'll pick up a manual when i go to the crossroads gun show for primers,i just needed a starting point, thanks fellas.

Huskerguy · April 26, 2009, 07:00 PM

Hornady 3rd Edition - page 341

Red Dot
125 grain HOLLOW POINT
COL - 1.455 - HOLLOW POINT
4.1 grains - 850 fps
4.4 grains - 900 fps
4.7 grains - 950 fps

Assume you want to keep it under 800 fps with lead SWC

This is only a guide according to the manual.

zxcvbob · April 26, 2009, 07:26 PM

4.0 grains of Promo (same as Red Dot) with 125 grain bullets makes a nice target load in .38 Special -- not a pipsqueak target load, it's acually at the upper end according to Alliant -- just very accurate.

arizona98tj · April 26, 2009, 07:35 PM

I believe the OP was looking for Red Dot info since that is the powder he has on hand.

April 26, 2009, 03:37 PM	#1
brando77 Member Join Date: April 26, 2009 Posts: 31	38 special W/red dot i need some recipes for 38 spl using red dot(only powder i have) with 125 SWC as this is the first time reloading this round,any help is appreciated.

April 26, 2009, 04:01 PM	#3
Teuthis Senior Member Join Date: April 9, 2008 Location: Southern Arizona Posts: 537	Red Dot shows up consistently in 38 Special load recipes. You should never load without a manual. If nothing else at least get "Modern Reloading, Second Edition, by Richard Lee. It provides many generic load recipes for various calibers,bullet weights and styles. I think you will find that most handloaders have a number of manuals and refer to them often. It is a necessity for safety and effective loading. __________________ Oderint dum Metuant

April 26, 2009, 04:22 PM	#4
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	There is a lot of on-line load data from the powder companies, too. Be careful to match the bullet type, weight, and the cartridge overall length so you get the same pressure. Seating deeper can raise pressure significantly in straight wall pistol cases, especially. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

April 26, 2009, 07:26 PM	#7
zxcvbob Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2007 Location: S.E. Minnesota Posts: 4,720	4.0 grains of Promo (same as Red Dot) with 125 grain bullets makes a nice target load in .38 Special -- not a pipsqueak target load, it's acually at the upper end according to Alliant -- just very accurate. __________________ "Everything they do is so dramatic and flamboyant. It just makes me want to set myself on fire!" —Lucille Bluth

April 26, 2009, 07:35 PM	#8
arizona98tj Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 980	I believe the OP was looking for Red Dot info since that is the powder he has on hand. __________________ stu-offroad.com Largest Jeep TJ project site on the web! (now with guns) Last edited by arizona98tj; April 26, 2009 at 07:41 PM.

April 26, 2009, 03:47 PM	#2
tiberius10721 Junior member Join Date: December 22, 2008 Posts: 228	I would start at about 3.3 grains with minimum oal of 1.44 inches but thats just what I would do!But what you should do Is buy a manual that has the load information if your a beginning reloader!

April 26, 2009, 05:44 PM	#5
brando77 Member Join Date: April 26, 2009 Posts: 31	i'll pick up a manual when i go to the crossroads gun show for primers,i just needed a starting point, thanks fellas.

April 26, 2009, 07:00 PM	#6
Huskerguy Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2009 Location: Kansas Posts: 348	Hornady 3rd Edition - page 341 Red Dot 125 grain HOLLOW POINT COL - 1.455 - HOLLOW POINT 4.1 grains - 850 fps 4.4 grains - 900 fps 4.7 grains - 950 fps Assume you want to keep it under 800 fps with lead SWC This is only a guide according to the manual.