.38 special win231 questions

[Heydeck52]

I'm working on some loads for USPSA for my 627 pro. I've decided for the time being I'm going to stick with .38 special until I decide I really want to shoot revolver in competition then I will move to mid colts or short colts.

After scouring forums and reloading manuals I've decided on Win 231 powder and 160gr Bayou Bullets.

According to my Lymans manual the max pressure is 4.9grs. If I look up data on Hodgdons site they are saying 4.3 is max for jacketed and 3.7 for lead.

I dont want to load too light to start with, so what would be a good start weight? Using lymans data I was going to start with 4.5 and work up to max.

Does anyone have experience with 38 special minor PF loads using win 231?

[bruce381]

I use 3.5 gr 231 nice soft load

[avcrew]

My results with a 4" S&W 686:

158 grain Magtech LRN
CCI500 primer
Seated to 1.52"

3.2g HP38 - 555fps
3.8g HP38 - 653fps
3.9g HP38 - 665fps
4.0g HP38 - 700fps

HP38 = W231

[Mayor McRifle]

I use 3.5 gr 231 nice soft load

What’s your bullet weight and OAL?

[navydad2010]

I find a 158 gr LSWC over 3.5 GR 231 set at 1.5 is best load for my GP100 4"or SP 101 3.25" best accuracy, soft shootin' too!