38spl j frame bullet weight?

axis223 · December 29, 2016, 01:51 PM

looking for recommendations on plated bullets for a s&w 642. i would like to use win 231-hp38. any tips for reloading 38spl for this combo would be appreciated.

T. O'Heir · December 29, 2016, 02:22 PM

Reloading for what purpose? Your 642 is rated for +p ammo so other than the felt recoil and muzzle blast, any .38 load will do. Mind you, if you want to tame that felt recoil some, go with a light bullet and target loads.

**Unclenick** · December 29, 2016, 02:38 PM

If you are planning to use a particular defensive load, since bullet weight has more effect on handgun-range point of impact than other factors do, I would match the weight of the practice bullet to that of the defensive load bullet. Your powder is fast enough to work with about anything in the .38 Special at about any pressure level you choose for practice.

David R · December 30, 2016, 09:43 AM

I would try a few from 110 to 158 and see how your gun shoots each one. My 637 and model 36 tend to shoot the heavier ones high.

I can't tell you what yours will do.

In my 637, 110 shoot a little low close up. 138 gr wadcutters loaded to the max shoot POI.

David

mikejonestkd · December 30, 2016, 11:14 AM

My J frames tend to like 158 gr bullets better than 125 grain bullets.
The lighter ones shoot low at most ranges.

oldengineer · December 30, 2016, 11:20 AM

I make 125 grain Xtreme plated with 3.6 gr Titegroup for 38 Spcl target loads for my Model 66. Real easy on the hands and gun.

I use the same bullet with 6.8 gr for 357 target rounds and they bang harder but still in the easy to shoot range.

David R · December 30, 2016, 11:22 AM

These were fired @ 25 yards, you can see where I put the front sight.

As distance decreases, it shoots closer to POA. @ 11 yards POA = POI

This only for my snubby.

It also has CT laser grips, these can be adjusted to any POI but I keep them the same.

December 29, 2016, 01:51 PM	#1
axis223 Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2016 Posts: 190	38spl j frame bullet weight? looking for recommendations on plated bullets for a s&w 642. i would like to use win 231-hp38. any tips for reloading 38spl for this combo would be appreciated.

December 29, 2016, 02:38 PM	#3
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,743	If you are planning to use a particular defensive load, since bullet weight has more effect on handgun-range point of impact than other factors do, I would match the weight of the practice bullet to that of the defensive load bullet. Your powder is fast enough to work with about anything in the .38 Special at about any pressure level you choose for practice. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

December 30, 2016, 11:14 AM	#5
mikejonestkd Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2006 Location: Brockport, NY Posts: 3,760	My J frames tend to like 158 gr bullets better than 125 grain bullets. The lighter ones shoot low at most ranges. __________________ You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

December 29, 2016, 02:22 PM	#2
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	Reloading for what purpose? Your 642 is rated for +p ammo so other than the felt recoil and muzzle blast, any .38 load will do. Mind you, if you want to tame that felt recoil some, go with a light bullet and target loads.

December 30, 2016, 09:43 AM	#4
David R Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2015 Location: The swamps of WNY Posts: 753	I would try a few from 110 to 158 and see how your gun shoots each one. My 637 and model 36 tend to shoot the heavier ones high. I can't tell you what yours will do. In my 637, 110 shoot a little low close up. 138 gr wadcutters loaded to the max shoot POI. David

December 30, 2016, 11:20 AM	#6
oldengineer Member Join Date: September 20, 2015 Location: Lower Macungie Township, PA Posts: 50	I make 125 grain Xtreme plated with 3.6 gr Titegroup for 38 Spcl target loads for my Model 66. Real easy on the hands and gun. I use the same bullet with 6.8 gr for 357 target rounds and they bang harder but still in the easy to shoot range.

December 30, 2016, 11:22 AM	#7
David R Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2015 Location: The swamps of WNY Posts: 753	These were fired @ 25 yards, you can see where I put the front sight. As distance decreases, it shoots closer to POA. @ 11 yards POA = POI This only for my snubby. It also has CT laser grips, these can be adjusted to any POI but I keep them the same.