Quick Question

kealil · November 28, 2011, 12:34 AM

I've started loading for 38special/357 and I've run into a snag. I use Red Dot almost exclusively and I'm having issues finding load data for a 158gn LRN using Red Dot. The closest I've found comes from Alliant's website for a 158gn LSWC at 3.4gn.

Can I use this data for the 158gn LRN as well? I would assume so because they are both hunks of lead coming out of a revolver but I want to get a few other opinions before I go off the deep end. Also note that I doubt that I'm gonna blow up my security six with 3.4gn of red dot but why waste the effort if its not gonna at least shoot somethin out the other end?

Also, just as a side note, I use Red Dot almost exclusively because it works in my other calibers AND I got 50lbs of it for 25% the original cost.

Duke City Six · November 28, 2011, 01:35 AM

I've only been reloading for a few months, so I'm not an expert. However, my understanding is that with 38 Special and CAST LEAD bullets, if the bullet weight is the same, you can interchange load data for different bullet shapes, as long as the seating depth is about the same. 158 grain LRN vs 158 grain LSWC is probably the best example. As always, start low and work up.

farmerboy · November 28, 2011, 01:44 AM

50 pounds of Red Dot??? Wow

Duke City Six · November 28, 2011, 01:50 AM

Yeah, 50 lbs of ANY powder = WOW!

Duke City Six · November 28, 2011, 02:35 AM

Also, just in case you missed the fine print, most of the loads listed on Alliant's site are max loads, and they recommend reducing the loads by 10% to start.

Lost Sheep · November 28, 2011, 02:38 AM

To get 50 lbs for what an 8lb keg usually costs? Super wow.

(Don't fault my math. The OP stated 25% of original cost. A 50# keg is per pound usually about 20% less than the per pound cost of an 8# keg.)

Where can I get a deal like that?

Duke City Six is right on. Just remember that it is the volume UNDER the bullet that is the critical dimension for pressure and the length is just a proxy to tell you that. The overall length is also important to ensure the round is short enough that your bullet nose does not stick out of the front of the chambers of the cylinder, thus not binding the cylinder's rotation.

The length of the bearing surface of any given shape bullet also affects the pressure to be expected, but it is a relatively minor factor and does not vary that much from bullet to bullet (shape) anyway.

Lost Sheep

k4swb · November 28, 2011, 11:22 AM

Any part of a bullet that DOES NOT TOUCH the barrel when fired is not important when figuring load data IMO. Bullets with the SAME bearing surfaces and weight will work with the same data. Nose profile will not matter.

kealil · November 28, 2011, 06:51 PM

Ok good I to here, didn't realize that the alliant loads were max loads. Big help there.

I got that powder from an LGS that was goingout of business, he had the powders marked for 50% off so I made an offer on the Red Dot since I use it for many different calibers and it was the only one with a significant amount left. I lucked out and cleaned him out.

Thanks for all the advice, I know where to start now

savagelover · November 30, 2011, 07:12 PM

can't help but wonder if it is legal to have that much powder sitting around one's home..If you really have it is another question...

November 28, 2011, 12:34 AM	#1
kealil Senior Member Join Date: July 27, 2011 Posts: 270	Quick Question I've started loading for 38special/357 and I've run into a snag. I use Red Dot almost exclusively and I'm having issues finding load data for a 158gn LRN using Red Dot. The closest I've found comes from Alliant's website for a 158gn LSWC at 3.4gn. Can I use this data for the 158gn LRN as well? I would assume so because they are both hunks of lead coming out of a revolver but I want to get a few other opinions before I go off the deep end. Also note that I doubt that I'm gonna blow up my security six with 3.4gn of red dot but why waste the effort if its not gonna at least shoot somethin out the other end? Also, just as a side note, I use Red Dot almost exclusively because it works in my other calibers AND I got 50lbs of it for 25% the original cost.

November 28, 2011, 01:35 AM	#2
Duke City Six Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2010 Posts: 304	I've only been reloading for a few months, so I'm not an expert. However, my understanding is that with 38 Special and CAST LEAD bullets, if the bullet weight is the same, you can interchange load data for different bullet shapes, as long as the seating depth is about the same. 158 grain LRN vs 158 grain LSWC is probably the best example. As always, start low and work up. Last edited by Duke City Six; November 28, 2011 at 02:26 AM.

November 28, 2011, 01:50 AM	#4
Duke City Six Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2010 Posts: 304	Yeah, 50 lbs of ANY powder = WOW! Last edited by Duke City Six; November 28, 2011 at 02:06 AM.

November 28, 2011, 02:38 AM	#6
Lost Sheep Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2009 Location: Anchorage Alaska Posts: 3,341	At 25%? Double WOW To get 50 lbs for what an 8lb keg usually costs? Super wow. (Don't fault my math. The OP stated 25% of original cost. A 50# keg is per pound usually about 20% less than the per pound cost of an 8# keg.) Where can I get a deal like that? Duke City Six is right on. Just remember that it is the volume UNDER the bullet that is the critical dimension for pressure and the length is just a proxy to tell you that. The overall length is also important to ensure the round is short enough that your bullet nose does not stick out of the front of the chambers of the cylinder, thus not binding the cylinder's rotation. The length of the bearing surface of any given shape bullet also affects the pressure to be expected, but it is a relatively minor factor and does not vary that much from bullet to bullet (shape) anyway. Lost Sheep

November 28, 2011, 11:22 AM	#7
k4swb Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2009 Posts: 389	Not Important Any part of a bullet that DOES NOT TOUCH the barrel when fired is not important when figuring load data IMO. Bullets with the SAME bearing surfaces and weight will work with the same data. Nose profile will not matter. __________________ My posts are things I have tried or experienced. You may or may not wish to emulate them so read them with this in mind. Compromise means that both sides give something, but they never give, they just take. I'm The NRA!

November 28, 2011, 01:44 AM	#3
farmerboy Junior member Join Date: May 16, 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 1,343	50 pounds of Red Dot??? Wow

November 28, 2011, 02:35 AM	#5
Duke City Six Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2010 Posts: 304	Also, just in case you missed the fine print, most of the loads listed on Alliant's site are max loads, and they recommend reducing the loads by 10% to start.

November 28, 2011, 06:51 PM	#8
kealil Senior Member Join Date: July 27, 2011 Posts: 270	Ok good I to here, didn't realize that the alliant loads were max loads. Big help there. I got that powder from an LGS that was goingout of business, he had the powders marked for 50% off so I made an offer on the Red Dot since I use it for many different calibers and it was the only one with a significant amount left. I lucked out and cleaned him out. Thanks for all the advice, I know where to start now

November 30, 2011, 07:12 PM	#9
savagelover Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2011 Location: Alpine,,NY Posts: 254	can't help but wonder if it is legal to have that much powder sitting around one's home..If you really have it is another question...

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