Light loads in .38Spl?

[sevensix2x51]

So, rather than search the internet for a suitable answer, I figured I would start a new thread. Wouldn't be the first time, and at least I'm honest about it.

I finally knocked the dust off my RCBS single stage and cranked out a few hundred rounds this afternoon. Felt good to get back into it.

But while I was endlessly cranking the handle, I got to thinking about building up some target loads for mama. She doesn't like recoil, mostly just likes to shoot the .22's and the AR style rifles. So I thought to myself, "Self, I bet you could detune some of these wadcutters for mama, and she could have a ball shooting the old Colt Police Positive!"

So that is the question to you kind folks. How low a powder charge can I safely put in a .38Spl revolver, using a CCI500 primer, mixed brass, a 148gr plated wadcutter, and good ol' dirty Unique (base load per Speer is 4.5gn)? I want to minimize recoil as much as possible, but still have it actually leave the barrel with enough force to punch through the target and cardboard backer (I exaggerate, of course.) Anyways, thanks in advance for your insight!

If I am overlooking a safety factor, please let me know. Like I said, I just got back into it, and I am basically using published load data as my bible, until I get back into the swing of things.

[sequoia_nomad]

I've never loaded 148 gr. but I have loaded thousands of 158 swc's with 4.0 gr of Unique. Does pretty good out of a 4" 686, my Marlin 1894 really loves it. If you have any HP-38 or 231, around 3.1-3.5 gr under a 158 gr swc feels about like a .22 out of the 686. Those are with lead, not plated, but I think if you just follow published min. loads for those powders, you will find something suitable. I highly recommend 231/Hp-38 for reduced recoil.

[sevensix2x51]

Hey, thanks! I'll check it out next time I get near the powder store and give it a shot. Pardon the pun.

[mjmagee67]

I have a 38Spc light load that the Wiff likes 125gr SWC over 4.8gr Unique set off with CCI500's works well shoots quite accurately and the powder goes a long way.

[mjmagee67]

I have a 38Spc light load that the Wiff likes 125gr SWC over 4.8gr Unique set off with CCI500's works well shoots quite accurately and the powder goes a long way.

[MR2Chuck]

Today received latest "American Rifleman." One lead story topic is loading .38 and .357 mag, lightest safe loads.

[checkenbach]

Look for some Trailboss loads, minimal recoil and quite accurate as well.
Oh, and you can also laugh at the donut shaped powder while loading them.

[sevensix2x51]

Today received latest "American Rifleman." One lead story topic is loading .38 and .357 mag, lightest safe loads.

Oh, that's perfect! right there on p. 48! Thanks for the heads-up, hadn't had time to thumb through the magazine yet.

[XDRoX]

I don't have my data in front of me right now, but IIRC, my favorite load is 148gr WC's over 3.0gr of Trail Boss. They go like 600fps and have zero recoil. Super fun to shoot.

Unique is really not the best powder for light loads. It's better for medium to hot. It'll be really dirty loaded light and you may get some unburnt powder.

[meaty-btz]

Is this A 148 HB-WC or a BB-WC?

For 148 HB-WC I have some data that suggests 2.7 Grains of AA#2 with projected Muzzel velocity of 690FPS in a 6" barrel. You could probably reduce that a bit and get a really powder puff of a round.

I would use lead wadcutters not plated (plated usually requires more powerful loads to overcome the friction in the bore vs lead in deep groove .38s), but thats just me.

[cortayack]

I've never loaded 148 gr. but I have loaded thousands of 158 swc's with 4.0 gr of Unique. Does pretty good out of a 4" 686, my Marlin 1894 really loves it. If you have any HP-38 or 231, around 3.1-3.5 gr under a 158 gr swc feels about like a .22 out of the 686. Those are with lead, not plated, but I think if you just follow published min. loads for those powders, you will find something suitable. I highly recommend 231/Hp-38 for reduced recoil.

I've used that load as well, for my revolver....Ever tried it for my 1894 though....

[sevensix2x51]

I don't have my data in front of me right now, but IIRC, my favorite load is 148gr WC's over 3.0gr of Trail Boss. They go like 600fps and have zero recoil. Super fun to shoot.

Unique is really not the best powder for light loads. It's better for medium to hot. It'll be really dirty loaded light and you may get some unburnt powder.

Unique is pretty much dirty in any load, IIRC... I got a new tub recently and it has one of those starburst deals on the label saying, "Cleaner burning!" or some such, so it seems they have modified the formula since I last loaded some up. I am trying to whip up some loads tonight, so we can shooting in the morning. I did find some 158gn LRN, so I may go for the 4gn unique behind that.

Is this A 148 HB-WC or a BB-WC?

For 148 HB-WC I have some data that suggests 2.7 Grains of AA#2 with projected Muzzel velocity of 690FPS in a 6" barrel. You could probably reduce that a bit and get a really powder puff of a round.

I would use lead wadcutters not plated (plated usually requires more powerful loads to overcome the friction in the bore vs lead in deep groove .38s), but thats just me.

I am using a beveled-based wadcutter. I have the Speer #13 too.

[meaty-btz]

Unique is pretty much dirty in any load, IIRC... I got a new tub recently and it has one of those starburst deals on the label saying, "Cleaner burning!" or some such, so it seems they have modified the formula since I last loaded some up. I am trying to whip up some loads tonight, so we can shooting in the morning. I did find some 158gn LRN, so I may go for the 4gn unique behind that.

I am using a beveled-based wadcutter. I have the Speer #13 too.

well, speer #12 in my case

Was going to suggest you CAN down-load the minimum load on the speer data on non-plated ammunition but like with maxing I would start at listed minimum and work downward.

HB-WC are lightly loaded to prevent bullet deformation. So you can think of that data as a good place to start to try on your BB-WC, as long as they are not plated or as long as you don't have deep rifling you need to drive your plated bullet through.