38 special 125 grain load data bullseye

Accurates No. Horrible 5-12" groups at 25 yds. Your previous content has been restored. I started reloading 38 special as my first cartridge 8 years ago when I was 22, soooo.I have an old mans soul? You may find it will need to be faster for good 50 yd. No offense sir but those charges look low for Unique. Ive played with several that I like, but the classic in 9mm is 4.4 grains driving a 115-grain jacketed bullet. i use a Lee mold 150 round nose with 4 grains of bullseye crimped into the crimp groove of the bullet. In half a dozen different sixguns, it ranged from accurate to spectacular. Notes: Bbl Length: 5.6; primer: Fed. These bullets shot to point of aim in modern S&W snubbies, but the older M10-5 was regulated with 158 grain bullets and 125's shoot low. I estimate that the price for each of the three loads runs between $7 and $8 per box of 50. Canister Sizes: View All Bullseye Recipes It is a very versatile and useful round. In one or two strokes, the bullet is formed ready for dip lubing. Some medium fast powders would work with lighter weight bullets. And this is a guy who normally trusted nothing but a 45 acp. 9 mm, .40 sw, 45 acp, .44 mag. Use data for weight. 3.) Fifty yards of course is the preferred distance. Tim: The Lyman 49th edition lists the accuracy loads for their cast bullets. Boolit Grand Master. My Dad has advanced arthritis and could not longer easily work his auto loaders. I dont miss lubing casescarbide is king! Nice thing about reloading is that loads can be tailored for the gun that you are shooting. Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 9 customer ratings. I think the 158 lrn is more accurate then the swc but that's just me. Just dont shoot a rabbit with this load if you want to be able to eat any of it. Everyone here who has tried plated bullets including myself, have had disappointing results in accuracy. Due to different barrel lengths, type of bullet, seating depth, primer type and other factors, you may not get near the FPS charted. As you move up in loads, you at least need the gas check on the bottom of the bullet to prevent gas melting the lead and fouling the barrel. If I get to see him shoot those loads, it would be worth the price of a new keyboard! Winchester's website has data for W231 and a 125 gr LRNFP, but not plated. Components add up to far less than even generic grade factory ammo. But I think I was still loading the cases from that first box when I quit loading 18 years later! Great Cast Lead Bullet for IDPA. I have a long way to go before I'm ready to compete, but enjoy plinking and hand loading. 38 Special Loads for Bullseye by GerhardG Sun Jul 17, 2022 11:01 am Greetings, Looking for load suggestions for 38 special LSWC 158 grain SNS bullets, red coated based on the following powders; Bullseye, Unique, N310 and N320. I use 3.2 gr Bullseye to push a 125 gr cast along at 750 - 775 fps in the 38 SPL from 5 and 6" barreled revolvers. Modern .38 spl std HP load is more than enough, dont over think it. These types of guns are not as strong as more modern solid frame revolvers. When using a 158 gr. Damn. Josh Wayner is a Michigan native, active competitor, Grand Valley State University alumni, troublemaker, and fiction author. Of course, these will be used in a revolver. The Lyman is handy for sizing or priming while youre watching a movie. Min Charge Max Charge Optimal Charge Bullet Make Bullet Type Primer Notes; Hodgdon - 700-X: 125 gr. Im a big fan of .32 revolvers, I do think they are a superior choice for carrying and shooting than .38 is, but that doesnt mean I think .38 or .357 sucks, I just dont think theyre the best choices for a small frame revolver. In a day you can make over 100,000 bullets. I never really set my sights, in a manner of speaking, on the .38 cartridge like I did other rounds. each bullet is different for oal due to a crimp groove on most. LRNFP - your load, with a plated bullet should be Very Similar, or slightly slower and safer. Its the kind of load that will make you fall in love with the 1911 all over again! Caveat: I have decided that I want to be prepared for threat scenarios that include stopping a terrorist or spree-killer (the odds of which I fully recognize is statistically zero). Last I looked still available at Brownells. 38 Special +P 18,500 The average street punk today has more firepower than the Russian Army did in WWII and trying to re-load a revolver in a fire fight is the best way to commit suicide that I could ever think of. You may end up with one "not" clearing the barrel. Eventually somebody introduced me to tungsten carbide resizing dies, after which case life became near indefinite. load is 4.4 grains for 38 special and 5.0 grains is a +P load. I meant to say NRA. A revolver shooting .38 SPL only requires the power of your finger to make it fire and can thus be loaded with ammo that is extremely mild or hotter than hot. If you are new to reloading. The fast powders, W231, HP38, Bullseye would go over pressure very quickly with any slight changes, in seating depth or primer change. Unlike the author, I did *not* keep records, I cant even imagine how many rounds I loaded, almost 100% .357 magnum, since that was all I shot. Ive tried full metal jacket and the Hornady Action Pistol (HAP) match hollow point in this load, and both ranged from good to great in my nines. Robert Frost. There seems to be a dearth of information using WST powder for the 38 Spl cartridge. Seems like everyone is all orgasmic about bigger, faster, more of, etc. Would you like to react to this message? I will always love the 38 SPL (never cared much for 357 Mag), but that 3 seven shot Charter with both 32 S&W Long and 32 H&R Mag is truly the bees knees. Load it in 38 Special dies. Powered by Invision Community, 125 grain plated flat point in 38 Special. Most modern revolvers chambered for .38 SPL are rated to +P, so there is room for error, but care must still be taken. I went to the grocery store to buy a loath of bread.. Initially I shot them out of my Dads prized Smith & Wesson 686 and learned a great deal about double-action shooting and what a truly accurate handgun can do with a wadcutter. No sh!t. May 15, 2012. kc2za said: Hi All, I have been loading .38 spl with 2.7 gr. I'm guessing they still go bang, and leave the gun to go downrange. I do this for my .357s but this article is about .38 Special loads. The load you use will be up to your gun. I also find the LCR .357 enjoyable to shoot with all .38s and most .357s. Some use powders dispersed in liquids, some use electrostatic guns to spray dry powder on their bullets. Because we have no action to cycle, the novice reloader can afford to be off a bit if they have an entry-level scale or powder dispenser. In my time spent with the .38, I have come to greatly appreciate it for what it is and does. Bought my small handed wife a 642. 2 and No. 2.7 GR WST IS TOO LIGHT FOR THE 50 YD LINE. (This is prevalent among most aftermarket designs- they are smallest in the longest, strongest finger area, and largest at the bottom pinkie area.). I have several manuals and some say that this load is a low +p, some say it is not, but it is very accurate. IF YOU ARE USING SWAGED 158GR BULLETS 3.1 WILL WORK, IF USING HARD CAST 3.3 IS NEEDED. I load it almost exclusively though with either a powder coated or plated 125 grn bullet. I have the shrouded hammer version, the 638, and have been wary of training much with it because of its aluminum frame. YMMV. : 1.475" Powder: 6.0 gr 6.9 gr Vel. I'd rather shoot my .45 then. But for plinking, they'd be fine. Clear editor. I probably shoot more 38s than everything else put together but a Dillon 750 makes loading a lot faster. Nickle cases look pretty but dont seem to take the number of resizings that plain brass cases do. . My hand ached for a week. I found some data for 148 and 158 gr bullets but no published data on the 125s. I am using this load in some .38 specials. And I still think a 158 at 600 beats hell out of a 22 magnum of any stripe. I have tested both brass and nickel-plated cases using mild loadings and have not yet worn out a case. Despite being well over one hundred years old, it still has perfect relevance for todays shooters, both novice and advanced. The 158 gr cast plain base accuracy load was 4.0 gr 231 which gave 837 Fps and 15,900 psi. The floor does not apply for PPC, or the equivalent match for Action Pistol. These loads are for my wife's revolver. I recently picked up a 396 Nightguard and am a convert to the 44 Special! it seems awful confusing, but with time you will be able to interpolate the published data into something that will give you good starting points to work up your loads. Im new to loading the 38 for accuracy, but the biggest issue I found with case length is your crimp. Thanks to all for the info. My usual 38 Spl load is a 125 gr plated bullet over 5 grains of bullseye. (Inceptor) Diameter: 0.357" Powder: CFE Pistol (Hodgdon) Primer: WIN WSP Case: WIN Trim Length: 1.145" C.O.L. I.E. A little shopping around might do better, as would casting the lead bullets. Posted: 4/17/2014 10:53:09 AM EST. It's given me good results in the 2, 3 and 4 inch barreled. Haven't tried it in the Colt Officer's Model Match yet. The more serious concern for some loaders is that the small charges of fast-burning powder take up little room in the case, making it possible to double charge a cartridge and exceed safe pressure. Speer shows 3.9 to 4.5 grains for a double end lead wadcutter but I'm thinking that may be a little strong for a plated bullet. Super cheap and easy to make and would likely be a very effective defense ammo against wildlife that might be a threat to me as the two balls will spread an inch or two from each other at close range. One cool load Im working on is two pellets of 000 Buck. Many reloading manuals also list an estimated pressure with a given load. That isnt unique to Bullseye, but is certainly more pronounced with the relatively small charges required. For those folks shooting a lot of lead bullets, invest in a Lewis lead remover. ES 56 SD 24 PMC Eldorado Starfire +P 125 gr. 5 are good choices. (bullseyeforum.net). I completely understand the respect for the performance of the 327 Fed, but not being a big fan of the 357 Mag (or 38 SPL plus P for that matter) I havent been drawn to the 327. Most DNR (Do Not Reduce) loads are well over 900-fps. I was looking through the Lyman 49th edition reloading manual and see the bullets you are talking about. The bullets are seated flush in the case. So it is my gut feeling that Winchester found it to be touchy in smaller calibers like 38 special and 9mm Luger. In a nutshell & I mean very short version. Reduce by 10% to establish a starting charge weight. Good thing I didn't go with the original powder charge I intended to use. That sounds. 38 special , bullseye, and 125 grain lead rnfp Handloading, Reloading, and Bullet Casting : The Firing Line Forums > The Skunkworks > Handloading, Reloading, and . Bonus is the CT #305 grips are both large enough to be actually useful, and can use the laser, or turn it off if you dont need the laser. Plated bullets are to be loaded as lead bullets. Handload: 158 grain round nose lead /3.8 grains Bullseye MV 775 fps ME 210 ft./lbs. Hornady It would have been too hot. Power Pistols works well in short auto cartridges and higher pressure cartridges but no so well with a 158 grain bullets in 38 Special. Also some WSF. My brother put CT laser grips on his wifes M36. But not too tough. Any clues for powder and starting loads???? The beauty of shooting a .38 is that you can easily practice at the ranges youd fight at using basically any cheap bullet at minimal expense. My sq. "Berry's Superior Plated Bullets are the finest bonded copper-jacketed bullets available today.." ?. I don't have a chronograph, but have considered picking one up. SWC+GC, Just shows the importance of trying/checking the feel of a gun and if possible, test firing it, before you buy it. Just want to state for the record, that with one of the more heavy duty Corbin presses it is possible to easily swage some hard cast bullets. Any hotter and we get into a recoil issue. Ive not had a handgun entirely reject either load, so the recipe seems to be a worthy third alongside the previous .38 and .45. I thought the DR program was NRA, not CMP. Both have fed 100% in a variety of pistols and have shot very well. Different colors can be used to identify different loads and since bottom of each bullet is also powder coated, there is less lead dispersed in the air at the shooting range. I almost spit out my drink when I read your comment. This. 11/2/2022. Shot many thousands of my bullseye powder reloads with it. I stopped handloading around 1985, so Im not certain how much technology has changed in that area, but in general it sounds like our experiences are similar. Each of the classic loads is also economical. I dont see much conversation on these specifics but I think Its all about the size of the explosion in the chamber. .38 Special (Alliant Data) Warning! What I learned after 50 years of shooting and reloading 38spl cases some where around 100 thousands rounds. I'm looking for some recipes for 38 special for a 125 grain copper plated (like Berry's) flat point bullet using Unique, Bullseye, or W231. 38 Special 17,000 looks like today. Go figure. If you're looking for a real light load that's easy to shoot, I'd just use WW's data for the W231 with a 125 gr. There is one good reason to use WST. Load manuals often advise against downloading .38 Special jacketed loads to prevent squibs, especially the 110 and 125 grain bullets. I'm asking the above questions because I don't want to run too hot of a load, but wasn't sure if it was ok to drop down below 2.8 as far as 2.5. It is always higher when powder is next to primer. As a result, Ive been able to spend far more time practicing with it rather than fussing with it. Don't worry too much about lead/coated/plated/jacketed. Bullets are .357 for jacketed and .358 for lead in diameter. I have tested both brass and nickel-plated cases using mild loadings and have not yet worn out a case. 300 Blackout Fine-Tuning: Finding the Right Barrel Length for Your Rifle. Cartridge : .38 Special (SAAMI)Bullet : .357, 125, FP Rainier Useable Case Capaci: 20.320 grain H2O = 1.319 cm Cartridge O.A.L. Hornady 115-grain HAPs over 4.4 grains of Bullseye alongside 25-yard timed-fire target. JHP, (WC= WadCutter, SWC= Semi-WadCutter, HP= Hollow Point, RN= Round Nose), (JHP= Jacketed Hollow Point and if GC indicated, means Gas Check at bottom of lead bullet). Just got back into reloading 38 special again after a long hiatus with no revolver, and was instantly reminded of what a joy it is to reload. And if youre doing that [shooting 158 grain bullets at 1200 fps muzzle velocity] with a snub.let me know I wanna watch you shoot em. The Charter Arms .44 models are potential CCWs, but are too light to properly handle the .44 spl. An early Les Baer .45 knotted a group of the lead SWCs into a tight 1.3-inch group, while an M&P .45 did 1.25 inches. IT'S A COMBINATION TAPER AND ROLL CRIMP. I agree with your .38 Special assessment points for the very same reasons. Your link has been automatically embedded. Load it using wadcutter specs, and seat the bullet flush, like a wadcutter. Bonus is that dont need magnum Primers for these reloads. We look at three classics: one each in .45 ACP, .38 Special, and 9mm. Since it hit the market 103 years ago, it has been a staple for most handloaders and the backbone of most accuracy loads in the popular calibers. I shoot a Glock 21, and had a great time shooting some poly coated 230 grain round noses today. 9 and others like 2400 that are generally used for magnums). For those who have issues using auto pistils, due ti arthritis or other medical issues with the hands an LCR or 642 is a great choice. 32 H&R Mag 21,000 LOL. I will start ouy at the minimum velocity then. I've tried 2.8, 3.0, and 3.2. Youd just be risking ALOT firing it in a .38 framed revolver. RN, 160 gr. In my time with the cartridge, I have come to appreciate the mid to low end of the power spectrum and thus have made extensive use of Trail Boss powder and bullets such as Hornadys .358 158gr SWC. I have found that some powder coated bullets which are the same weight as lead, feel quite punchy out of the gun. Ideal load in a 2 J Frame .38. Very versatile cartridge. 2.) And, oh yeah. Although the .357 cylinders are the same length so they can be timed to a 642. BTW, I wish I had any one of those three revolvers today. YouTube has plenty of reloading channels or the Reloaders Network webpage has more info as well. No. Red Dot work fine for most 38 Special loads. i had the same issues you did when i was trying to load for my DR revolver 14-3. to light of power had a soft recoil but ungodly bad accuracy. Ammunition is available everywhere handguns are legal. JHP, 125 gr. I dont bother polishing my .38 brass because I just dont let it fall in the mud or dirt. THAT TIME IS BETTER SPENT LEARNING HOW TO SHOOT THE REVOLVER IN THE RAPID FIRE PORTION. S&W M637-2 2" barrel The Speer #8 lists a max of 7.5 grs Unique with a 125 gr Jacketed SP This would be for plinking for my wife's ~3" Rossi, so something light and fun to shoot would be great.All three of those powders have published load data for that weight bullet in .38 Special.All three of those powders have published load data for that weight bullet in .38 . I have 125 grain jacketed bullets, Bullseye powder and CCI 500 primers. . The same volume of BE will weigh much more than than same volume of WST. A Tyler T grip would have helped here, but is incompatible w/ factory grips. Most starting .357 reloading powder levels will fall in this .38 +P+ type reload, and the powder being used can be selected (faster or slower) based on barrel length. Just look for a lead remover tool with bronze screens. Dennis, I dont reload and Im only 72, but shooting the .38Spl in my 6 S&W 586 is a sublime experience. VV N320, N330 and N340 are products of VihtaVouri Oy Company Two years into my second century a Colt MK IV Series 80 LTWT Commander 45 ACP still delivers the big medicine, but I have become enthralled with a new wheel gun- a Charter Arms Professional 32 H&R Magnum. If I do carry a revolver its my 642 with a laser grip in my right front pocket or my SW model 69 5 shot 44 mag. 32 S&W Long 15,000 These are put into a large hydraulic press and extruded into a continuous coil of wire. No matter where you look, the first mention in classic loads for the .38 Special is a 148-grain wadcutter over 2.7 grains of Bullseye. Loath and Loathe are different words that mean different things. I load my own, 130 gr RNFP using Win 231 powder a little over the mid point in the published load data. Not as easy to find brass these days as it is not the most popular round anymore. Therefore, your platform yields a lot of safety cushion with target loads. When I say that theres rarely a wrong way to do it, I really mean it. There are many fun uses for buckshot. A circa 1918 Colt gobbled them up, as did several other 1911s that can be particular about bullet profile. I just bought a Lyman mold 160 round nose with a crimp groove. Wes, SASS Wire rules prohibit posting specific load data on the forum, but it can be passed along via private message or email. A light target load, which tends to be very accurate, is about 3.1 grains, with a 158 grain bullet. WST for .38 special 125 gr plated bullets, Re: WST for .38 special 125 gr plated bullets. Nitpicking is its own reward., I believe the correct spelling is loathe . I've been reading about this. As I said I am not familiar with your frame and suspect it is one of the latest models out by Smith. Groups with these loads ranged from 1.25 inches to just under two inches at 25 yards across a handful of pistols. .38 will take care of nearly any critter that needs dispatching feral cats, raccoon, armadillo, even wait for it. This wire is then fed into a machine called a cold header. The cases are large enough that they can be easily manipulated by inexperienced hands and yet small enough to not require much force in the sizing stage. My Reloading Manual for .38 Special has plenty of data for 125 gr JHP, and 125 gr JFP for Scot Powders/Vhitavuori, but nothing for Unique/W231/Bullseye. I have done it with 38 special and 44 Mag, only to have a lead coated bore that looked like a rusty old drain pipe. I love a nice, full-size .357 Magnum on the range because it is so easy to train new shooters on. ), I very much wanted to start with some tried-and-true Bullseye loads, but it took an epic scavenger hunt across many months to find a canister of the elusive classic. Berry says load plated bullets to mid-range jacketed bullets of same profile and weight or equal to hard cast. So, I'm guessing the pressure curve isn't as severe as some of the faster burners. Have not confirmed the difference with a chronograph. If there is only ONE load, it is MAX. Best to start a little low, and work up slowly with a chrono, though. All three of those powders have published load data for that weight bullet in .38 Special. Enough that the range Officer at my range recognized them because the muzzle blast made a distinctive cat whisker pattern at 8 and 10, and 2 and 4 o clock. That little 9 oz. (Patrick Sweeney photo) September 15, 2021 By Michelle Hamilton, Field Editor. Coming in 30 grains lighter and 80 fps slower than hardball, as well as being lead rather than jacketed, the 200/4.6 SWC is amazingly soft. Always make sure your lead bullets have been sized and lubricated. A Forum dedicated to the sport of Bullseye shooting, Bullseye-L Forum::Ammunition Discussion, I'm looking for an accurate load using 125gr bullets. Is it considered safe to down load a cartridge that far under starting? Think that if a .44 spl. All right are Reserved Reload Ammo, Reloading The .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol), hi=849 lo=728 ES=122 (powder up and down), hi=821 lo=684 ES=137 (powder up and down), hi=815 lo=637 ES=178 (powder in normal positions), hi=714 lo=549 ES=165 (powder up and down), hi=758 lo=693 ES=65 (powder up and down)(DO NOT USE LESS), Hi=886, Lo=861, ES=25 (This is a Carolina Cast bullet SWC-great cowboy load), hi=859 lo=743 ES=116 *(my personal medium load), hi=875 lo=685 ES=190.2(powder up and down), hi=710 lo=497 ES=213 (powder up and down), hi=791 lo=625 ES=166 (Powder up and down), hi=785 lo=670 ES=115 (powder up and down), hi=801, low=766 ES=35.32 in Contender 14 bbl. Where many shooters quickly tire of even standard-pressure .38 in the little five-shooters, the wadcutter invites cylinder after cylinder of practice. I went from 2.7to 4.0 gr and nothing to speak of. Winchesters 231 or WSL are also good powders for the .38 special. Great to get the Mrs out there! . 2.7 gr. hard cast LSWC's as a target load. DR loads (158gr Remington swaged LSWC over 3.6gr AA#2 in Winchester .38 Special cases) I shoot American eagle, remington factory,remington umc, and mag tech. We look at three classics: one each in .45 ACP, .38 Special, and 9mm. These two can cover the entire performance spectrum up to .38+P. The Speers do occasionally and the Magnus a little more. Hornady Its hard to find those swaged SWCs and hollow point bullets anyone; it seems everyone is only interested in hard cast for velocity and penetration. Hodgdon gives starting load of 4.0 grains and 4.4 grains MAX. I have 4 handguns that will shoot .38. If you, I took the vow not to buy any more AR-15s a couple of years ago. But still nothing under 3.5". Read my very long thread about "DR loads that don't suck". Discussion: Bullseye is a faster burning powder and some people feel better suited for the .38 special. Between that, some other info on other forums, Winchester's data for a lead flat point, and numbers from loaddata.com, I think I have some to start with. I was just trying to get a general consensus of what other guys were using. It'll look funky, but it will shoot. Minnesota. Bullseye Select A Caliber or Gauge Below To View Recipes. Interesting. Paste as plain text instead, I only wish the brass was more available locally. 158 gr. ,I looked at Speer data, nothing there. (Note H110 & W296 are the same as of 2008 as is HP-38 & W231), (IMR 4227 is same as H-4227 if made in Australia), * Blackhorn 209 is a black powder substitute with smokeless like qualities. This pistol uses the .38 Special with a Remington wadcutter bullet seated flush with the case mouth.