new to reloading and reloading 38spl

[stevosmith]

New at reloading. I'm loading 38spl to start since I think I can save some money reloading on this caliber. I bought some Ramshot ZIP using Accura 158grain flat point. Since I'm using Lee's dies, I will reference 2 sources, Lee and Ramshot ZIP load data both using 158gr. Lee says 1.550 inches overall but Ramshot ZIP says overall is 1.434. I do understand if i seat the bullet lower it creates more pressure than if the bullet was seated higher on the casing. Does this little bit makes any difference in pressure as I need to stay within 16000?

[ar15barrels]

Use the starting load and seat the bullets so that the case mouth is in the cannelure on the bullets.
From there, chronograph the loads and increase the charge until you get to the velocity you are looking for.

[foggyandcold]

Are they the same type of projectile? That seems like a larger diff than if expect so it gives me pause. I'm new to reloading so take w grain of salt but be careful.
Do you have a chronograph? I don't. I'm not sure if that's just a 'not yet' item or not.

[smoothy8500]

Same "type" of projectiles may have different shaped cone/flat point/meplat, hence different Over All Length. However, they may have the same seating depth in the cartridge case and have similar pressure.

[ar15barrels]

Same "type" of projectiles may have different shaped cone/flat point/meplat, hence different Over All Length. However, they may have the same seating depth in the cartridge case and have similar pressure.

Hence my suggestion to seat into the cannelure and let the minimum load be a safe starting place.
Even if the bullets are seated a little deeper or shallower, the minimum loads are low enough to absorb the difference.

[smoothy8500]

Yes, the cannelure on jacketed and crimping groove on lead cast bullets generally are about the same depth in similar weight projectiles.

[Cowboy T]

You are starting out with perhaps the easiest--and most popular--of handgun cartridges to reload. Good choice. It is by far the cartridge I most commonly reload.

I would go with Randall's advice. Since you're new, start low and work up. Actually, that's the general rule even if you're not new. :-)

And welcome to the community of handloaders!

[bhilliker@comcast.net]

How are you set for brass?

[Cowboy T]

If he doesn't have brass, fortunately .38 Spl brass is plentiful, affordable, and easy to get. I love that about the round.

Regarding pressure and bullet seating, yes, it does affect the pressure somewhat. Fortunately, due to the size of the .38 Spl cartridge, the effect is not nearly as prominent an effect as, say, 9mm or .40 S&W.

[newbie1234]

When I reload any ammo for revolver I always use the FAST burning powder because the pressure will be escaped from the area between the cylinder and the end of barrel (aka chamber) you can see the fire coming out from that area when you shoot, so you use the slow burning powder you may lose the pressure at this area. Use some powder burning rate around 15 to make sure that all powder is ALL burned before the bullet leave the shell. Get the faster powder then start all over again. Loading is not to save money but it is a hobby and explore new thing. 😋

Powder burn rate 2023.pdf

[packnrat]

welcome to the fold.
buy the new Hornady reloading book EDT 11.
just might answer some of your questions. any real book store in your greater area? used and new. as there are some older printed books you should read, forget online books, buy only real paper books.as you will read them at any given time or reference info.
but as reloading goes, the 38/357, is the best cartridge to start out with. but as said before start off loading light and work up to see what your gun likes best...(powder, powder charge, bullet, seating, even primers).
and most of all KEEP PAPER RECORDS OF EACH LOADING. do not mix loading's in the same container.

[packnrat]

How are you set for brass?

buy a reach grabber with the rubber tips, and bring a 5 gallon bucket to where you shoot. then have a way to clean them at home.(whole nether can of worms).