.38 Special +p load

Fabrat · May 8, 2002, 08:51 AM

Hi - anyone have any loads for a .38 special +p for Win 296? This load will only be shot in a .357 .

C.R.Sam · May 8, 2002, 11:19 AM

1.........Winchester does not recommend 296 in .38 special, normal or +P.

2..........I am opposed to loadin really hot .38specials for use in .357 mag. What if..........somebody was to load up their top break with a cylinder full of your smokin hot loads ? Absolute and total control of your ammo would be a must.

Sam

Fabrat · May 8, 2002, 11:55 AM

C.R... I realize that any hot .38 loads would be hard on .38 special guns. I handload for all my guns and was hoping to use up the 296 I have around for my new 586. I can still load up some .357 mag loads using the 296. Winchester shows 231 for all their +p loadings ( as you are aware ). I can still buy some new powder. What would you recommend for .38's? I tend to use Sierra bullets. I have some 125 and 140 grainers at home. I also have some Oregon Trail lead 125's.

Fabrat

stans · May 8, 2002, 01:13 PM

Use W-296 only for magnum loads in magnum cases. 38 Special cases just don't have the capacity for heavy charges of W-296. Winchester warns not to use small charges of W-296, it will not burn correctly and can lead to squib loads or dangerous pressure spikes. With 38 Special cases you should stick to faster burning powders such as W-231. I would not load powders slower than Unique or AA#5 in the 38 Special. You will not gain anything with slower powders.

popbang · May 8, 2002, 03:25 PM

Sierra lists a load using 296 for the 158 gr. JHP, and in the Speer #11 manual there is a load listed again for 158 gr. JHP using 296. Both these loadings use CCi 550 primers. Speer considers their top loading +p Sierra doesn't say but it would be prudent to consider it +p.

Sierra:
158 gr. JHP & JSP seated 1.450 OAL
<edit> this data seemed high and i thought the better of posting it just look it up.

Speer #11:
158 gr. JHP & JSP
starting 9.5
max. 10.7

Please double check this yourself with either manual and be careful.

braindead0 · May 8, 2002, 04:03 PM

www.handloads.com has a very good selection of +P loads listed. No W296 that I saw, but that site also allows you to see loads for specific powders manufacturers (I think the new load data tool allows for more detailed query).

May 8, 2002, 08:51 AM	#1
Fabrat Member Join Date: February 2, 2002 Location: Maine Posts: 22	.38 Special +p load Hi - anyone have any loads for a .38 special +p for Win 296? This load will only be shot in a .357 .

May 8, 2002, 11:19 AM	#2
C.R.Sam Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 1999 Location: Dewey, AZ Posts: 12,858	1.........Winchester does not recommend 296 in .38 special, normal or +P. 2..........I am opposed to loadin really hot .38specials for use in .357 mag. What if..........somebody was to load up their top break with a cylinder full of your smokin hot loads ? Absolute and total control of your ammo would be a must. Sam

May 8, 2002, 11:55 AM	#3
Fabrat Member Join Date: February 2, 2002 Location: Maine Posts: 22	C.R... I realize that any hot .38 loads would be hard on .38 special guns. I handload for all my guns and was hoping to use up the 296 I have around for my new 586. I can still load up some .357 mag loads using the 296. Winchester shows 231 for all their +p loadings ( as you are aware ). I can still buy some new powder. What would you recommend for .38's? I tend to use Sierra bullets. I have some 125 and 140 grainers at home. I also have some Oregon Trail lead 125's. Fabrat

May 8, 2002, 01:13 PM	#4
stans Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2001 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 838	Use W-296 only for magnum loads in magnum cases. 38 Special cases just don't have the capacity for heavy charges of W-296. Winchester warns not to use small charges of W-296, it will not burn correctly and can lead to squib loads or dangerous pressure spikes. With 38 Special cases you should stick to faster burning powders such as W-231. I would not load powders slower than Unique or AA#5 in the 38 Special. You will not gain anything with slower powders.

May 8, 2002, 03:25 PM	#5
popbang Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 2001 Location: out yonder Posts: 148	Sierra lists a load using 296 for the 158 gr. JHP, and in the Speer #11 manual there is a load listed again for 158 gr. JHP using 296. Both these loadings use CCi 550 primers. Speer considers their top loading +p Sierra doesn't say but it would be prudent to consider it +p. Sierra: 158 gr. JHP & JSP seated 1.450 OAL <edit> this data seemed high and i thought the better of posting it just look it up. Speer #11: 158 gr. JHP & JSP starting 9.5 max. 10.7 Please double check this yourself with either manual and be careful.

May 8, 2002, 04:03 PM	#6
braindead0 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2002 Location: Canton, Oh Posts: 896	www.handloads.com has a very good selection of +P loads listed. No W296 that I saw, but that site also allows you to see loads for specific powders manufacturers (I think the new load data tool allows for more detailed query).