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I am new to reloading and this is how my first experience went.
The load:
.38 special
HP-38 powder (3.8gr start, worked up to 4.4gr.)
Xtreme plated 158gr RNFP bullet
Winchester small pistol primer
The process:
Size + deprime, dry tumbled with white rice, prime, check case length (no trimming was needed), expand, powder, seat bullet.
My thought and ramblings:
For a first attempt this was actually pretty easy. Using rice to tumble was an idea from Calguns and it worked great. I had trouble with my scale and accidentally loaded some rounds with 6.6gr instead of my intended 4.4gr
but found the problem and corrected it. I pulled the overloaded rounds. At the range firing the first shot I felt a bit nervous, but all went well and I still have ten fingers. The 3.8 grain loadings were extremely mild. I worked up to 4.4 grains and there were no pressure signs. The loads felt stout but not +P stout like my manual said. There was a significant amount of muzzle blast from the 4.4 grain loads, along with some unburned powder on the shooting bench. I'm not convinced this is the cleanest powder I could have chosen. I also had some bullets work loose from the crimp under recoil. I may put a stronger crimp or try some different bullets next time. Accuracy was "acceptable"- meaning as good as I can shoot factory loads from this gun. Any input on my musings is appreciated.
Overall a very satisfying experience. It feels great when you put something together yourself rather than buying it factory. I also enjoy being able to tailor my loads and experiment a bit. Can't wait to get back at it.
The load:
.38 special
HP-38 powder (3.8gr start, worked up to 4.4gr.)
Xtreme plated 158gr RNFP bullet
Winchester small pistol primer
The process:
Size + deprime, dry tumbled with white rice, prime, check case length (no trimming was needed), expand, powder, seat bullet.
My thought and ramblings:
For a first attempt this was actually pretty easy. Using rice to tumble was an idea from Calguns and it worked great. I had trouble with my scale and accidentally loaded some rounds with 6.6gr instead of my intended 4.4gr
but found the problem and corrected it. I pulled the overloaded rounds. At the range firing the first shot I felt a bit nervous, but all went well and I still have ten fingers. The 3.8 grain loadings were extremely mild. I worked up to 4.4 grains and there were no pressure signs. The loads felt stout but not +P stout like my manual said. There was a significant amount of muzzle blast from the 4.4 grain loads, along with some unburned powder on the shooting bench. I'm not convinced this is the cleanest powder I could have chosen. I also had some bullets work loose from the crimp under recoil. I may put a stronger crimp or try some different bullets next time. Accuracy was "acceptable"- meaning as good as I can shoot factory loads from this gun. Any input on my musings is appreciated.Overall a very satisfying experience. It feels great when you put something together yourself rather than buying it factory. I also enjoy being able to tailor my loads and experiment a bit. Can't wait to get back at it.
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