38 super reloading

[DGixx]

Looking at reloading 38 Super using Berrys 124g TMJ copper bullets and Accurate #5 Powder. What minImum grains do I start with? Is it ok to use FMJ grain data for TMJ bullets loads?

[Sailormilan2]

Use Cast bullet load data.

Lyman Cast bullet reloading guide lists the following for a 124 gr Cast bullet.
AA#5...............6.5gr/1122fps to 7.3gr/1264fps(33,000psi)

Accurate Arms load data for a 124 gr Cast lead bullet is:
AA#5................7.2gr/1230fps to 8.0/1367fps(35,900psi)

[kcstott]

Looking at reloading 38 Super using Berrys 124g TMJ copper bullets and Accurate #5 Powder. What minImum grains do I start with? Is it ok to use FMJ grain data for TMJ bullets loads?

From the berry's web site

Where can I find load data for your bullets?
Load data from any load manual or website can be used. Full-metal jacketed, lead bullet, or plated bullet load data can be used as long as the following standards are adhered to:

The data contains the correct grain weight of bullet.
Berry's max recommended velocity is not exceeded. (This info is displayed on bullet boxes and product webpages.)
Standard Plate Bullets Max Velocity: 1,250 fps.
Thick-Plate Bullets (TP) Max Velocity: 1,500 fps.
Do not over-crimp the bullet. Crimping so tight that bullet deformation occurs, or plating is separated causing visible exposure of the lead core will cause tumbling, key-holing, and reduced accuracy.
Load data containing bullet descriptions such as Plated (P,) Berry's Bullet (BERB,) Total Metal Jacket (TMJ,) Copper Plated (CP,) or CPJ (Copper Plated Jacket,) refers to plated bullet data.

Cartridge Overall Lengths (COL) are found in the load data being used. DO NOT EXCEED SAAMI MAX COL SPECS.



Which is what I've been saying for years. Reloader's get hung up on cast bullets loads differing from FMJ loads. Well that usually only applies to the light fast cartridges or the magnums. keep in mind there are exceptions to every rule. My rule is if the FMJ load exceeds 1200 fps then do not drive a cast, coated, or plated bullet beyond 1200 FPS. If it's a magnum then you need to load it to no hotter than special velocities if those special velocities also do not exceed 1200 FPS.

The vast majority of common pistol calibers do not exceed 1000 FPS with common bullet weights. Again there are exceptions to every rule.