Reloading 38spcl

[Green66]

Hi All
I,m a rookie reloader and i have a question about what pistol powder to use and how much,I will be loading speer 148 grain base wadcutters,they are 38 specials,I am also wanting to know what reloading manual do you all recommend. Thanks a bunch.

[CSACANNONEER]

It really sounds like you need a little more education prior to actually loading a round. Please, do not use an internet forum for load data. Use at least three different reloading manuals to start. Find one manual that you like the best (Lyman is a good one) and then decide on a powder that is listed in it. Look at the load data and then cross reference it to your second source. If there is a conflict, go to a third and possibly a fourth source to confirm which one is correct.

38 spl. was originally a black powder round so, if you wanted to, you could load the correct grade of BP. As to how much, that will depend on published load data. That was just one example. I highly doubt you want to use BP. So, there are at least 15-20 different smokeless powders that are great for loading .38 spl.

If you are interested, we should be having another reloading club beginning reloading clinic in Ventura County soon. It would be a great way for you to get some instruction and hands on experience.

[Bastard]

I don't like posting load data but I would start with 2.7 grains of bullseye & purchase a minimum of the Lyman manual & the Lyman cast manual

[rromeo]

I've only been loading 5 years, so I only have the Lee Modern Reloading, Hornady 9th edition, Speer 9th and 14th editions, and Lyman 49. I use all of them when starting a new load.

[John Joseph]

OK.
First start with wadcutter brass. It's different from usual .38 Spl Brass. You'll want it if you intend on using a taper crimp, which will prolong the life of your brass in addition to accepting the taper crimp better. If you don't have wadcutter brass, use 158 gr LSWC and a roll crimp OR make sure your 148 gr WCs have a groove for roll crimping.
The 2.7 grains of Bullseye thats been suggested is a classic .38 Spl WC target load---always consult a manual first. Both Alliant and Hogdgon have on-line manuals so pick your powder supplier and see what they suggest.
Since you're loading Speers, you may also want to invest in the Speer manual you can't have too many reloading manuals!
Good Luck!

[BigBronco]

I have used Unique for over 30 years in 38 special. As for manuals. First if you are using a name brand bullet IE Speer then use their manual. For a generic manual I recommend the Lyman 49th or the new 50th. Lyman has been in the business for over 130 years. Top notch info.

[hambam105]

What kind of 148 grain bullets?

148 grain base wadcutters,they are 38 specials,

Backup.

A solid base or a hollow base?
148 grain hollow base wad cutters are a specialty bullets used primarily for PPC shooting where the bullet is, by design, to be manufactured inexpensively, and velocities kept in the low 700 fps.
Any faster and bullets skirt will disintegrate in flight. 148 grain HBWCs are for making nice and easy cookie cutter holes in paper targets for easy score recording.
And 148 HBWC are extremely sensitive to the correct cartridge over all length, C.O.A.L. if you expect any kind of accuracy.

[LuckyGuy]

Try this.

Hi All
I,m a rookie reloader and i have a question about what pistol powder to use and how much,I will be loading speer 148 grain base wadcutters,they are 38 specials,I am also wanting to know what reloading manual do you all recommend. Thanks a bunch.

Use Ammo Guide on the internet. They have lots of loading data for all kinds of loads. DO NOT USE MAXIMUM LOADS & make sure you use a GOOD scale.

[Eljay]

I find wadcutters to be kind of a pain in the butt since they're seated so deep and there's so little room left in the case. You might want to get some experience loading more conventional rounds first.

[Ranchogunner]

Hi All
I,m a rookie reloader and i have a question about what pistol powder to use and how much,I will be loading speer 148 grain base wadcutters,they are 38 specials,I am also wanting to know what reloading manual do you all recommend. Thanks a bunch.

Like somebody said earlier, if you do not have a reloading manual, then you are not ready to reload. You should first get the Lyman manual, then the Speers manual, then top it off with the Lee or Hornady (or both) manuals. Then you can cross check between all manuals, and make a decision based on published data.

For powder I would recommend Unique, if you can get it. 4.6 grains with a 158 plated Xtreme bullet works just fine.

[Cpetersen]

Get and READ multiple manual's before you press together any rounds.

[ironhorse1]

Since you want to load wadcutters, which are seated almost flush, you have to be aware that some cases will not be suitable for that bullet.

Any case marked plus-p will have thicker side walls which may bulge and prevent chambering. Winchester cases do not work well with wadcutters.

Best cases are Remington as they are the thin walled. There are other cases which will work as well such as Fiocchi.

Read the manuals first, as stated and stay safe.

irh

[Catch]

Trailboss, hp-38, win 231.

I'm working on a load using universal, but haven't had much luck. Also newb.

[Paul_R]

I like W231 for .38 Special. It's also great in .45 ACP and for powder puff loads in 45-70. Nothing meters better than ball powder. BTW HP-38 is W231, just a different label is all.

[GUNNTZ]

Get yourself at least two manuals, read the reloading introductions first; tons of good information and safety tips. Each manual will provide lots of data for different loads. Best part is it'll always be available to you. You can also go to the different powder manufacturing companies and download/print out their load data sheets; most have them. You can never have too much information when it comes to reloading.