38 spcl data

[area51]

Would this load be 2 hot for my ruger blackhawk ?

158 rn lead with 4.5gr w231 ? Got this from modern reloading by Richard Lee as the hottest load for 231... Anyone using blue dot successfully for 38spc/357 mag or do you have another favorite powder ?

[bruceflinch]

If you look at 3 different reloading manuals, you'll get 3 different min/max loads.
Go to the Winchester/Hogedens website & check out the W231.

[JSolie]

^^^
Good advice.

My old Speer manual (# 13), indicates 4.3gr is the highest amount of W231 to use for a 158gr LRN. It indicates 863fps through a 6" barrel. It might be that to keep leading down. Another guide indicates that 4.5gr is the max you want to use for a 158gr LRN. YMMV.

I've loaded hundreds of .38spl cartridges with 3.5gr of Bullseye under a 158gr LSWC.

[Fyathyrio]

From my LoadbookUSA manual...don't trust me tho...I might typo! Verify elsewhere! I don't use 231 myself, so I can't personally verify any loads shown here.
Hornady max = 4.4
Speer max = 4.3 Plus P = 4.7 max
Lyman Linotype max = 4.9 and Plus P = 5.2
RCBS = 4.2
Oddly, Winchester Powder page doesn't show 158 gr lead RN, but shows 4.7 max for 158 gr LSWC Plus P

[Cheep]

158grn in 38 can get "stuck" if not loaded hot enough, be careful.

[Bill Steele]

Would this load be 2 hot for my ruger blackhawk ?

158 rn lead with 4.5gr w231 ? Got this from modern reloading by Richard Lee as the hottest load for 231... Anyone using blue dot successfully for 38spc/357 mag or do you have another favorite powder ?

I have loaded 158gr lead with W231 in .38spl cases for my .357's up to 4.9grs with no ill effects, no over pressure signs, etc.

Just be aware these are well over max listed by Hodgdon for .38spl. The good news is your Blackhawk is a .357 Magnum.

Good luck, have fun.

[Cowboy T]

As long as it's within specs, go for it. I believe Modern Reloading uses the powder manufacturers's own data, so it's like going to their Web site. Lyman's 49th, by contrast, uses Lyman's own data developed with their own pressure test barrels.

[area51]

Thanks all. Hodgdon lists the min and max loads @ 3.1 - 3.7 col 1.475
Lee has it @ 4.0 - 4.5 min OAL 1.550 Why such a discrepancy ?

[FLIGHT762]

There's no issues using a max .38 Special load that will be fired in a .357 Magnum. You can do it as long as you don't own a .38 Special only revolver or if you are shooting with someone who is shooting a .38 Special and there's a possibility of mixing up your ammo.

I used to load some near 357 Mag. velocities out of.38 Special cases in my Model 28 Smith & Wesson. You just have to be extremely cautious about not letting that hot 38 Special ammo somehow getting into a 38 special revolver.

[area51]

You just have to be extremely cautious about not letting that hot 38 Special ammo somehow getting into a 38 special revolver.

Every batch I make is kept in it's own container and marked accordingly. Something an old timer taught me a long time ago...