What load for .38 Special

[rd2play]

For my first reload with a Lee Classic I bought 148gr copper plated WC bullets. I can't find the load data though in Lyman 49 (or I don't know how to read it). Powder is Unique. Does anyone know what to use? I found online info saying 3 - 3.2 gr should work, but I don't how accurate that is. I haven't been able to access the Alliant site all day long.

[five.five-six]

my lyman's 47th says starting load of 3.7 max load of 5.4 unique, 146 gn cast boolits, cast tend to cause less pressure than plated

146 gn JHP starts with 4.3, max of 5.1


I doubt you could get any signs of overpressure before 5 grains without seating the bullets too deep

YYMV, this is the interwebz


ETA, for my wife's first run at steel madness, i loaded up .38 spcl 147 gn lead fn on 2.5 gn of bullseye... just enough to knock the steel over sounded like a cap gun

[rd2play]

I guess I should be safe with 3.2 gr. My wife would like it if it kicked less.

[five.five-six]

I might make 6 of each starting at 3.2 and increase in increments of .2 grains up to 5.4. inspect your cases after each increase for signs of overpressure.... if you don't know how to look for overpressure, find the old guy at the range that loads his own and show him your spent casings. be prepared to have your ear chewed off