38 Special -158gr SWC Help

[cindynles]

I just got started with 38sp and I have a question about 158gr SWC and W231. I am loading Bear Creek 158gr SWC in Remingtion brass with WSP primers. Setting the crimp at the crimp line on the bullets gives me an OAL of 1.46".

My confusion is around the charge. Lyman 49th says 3.6 - 4.0gr, Speer #14 says 3.8-4.3, and Lee 2nd says 3.1-3.7. I'm not sure where to start. I don't want a squib. Would 3.7 of W231 be a good starting point? Thanks in advance.

[Beelzy]

Trust me, you won't create Squibs.....Those are rounds with NO powder.

You are on the right track for a starting weight with that loading.....Fire it up!

[Bill Steele]

I just got started with 38sp and I have a question about 158gr SWC and W231. I am loading Bear Creek 158gr SWC in Remingtion brass with WSP primers. Setting the crimp at the crimp line on the bullets gives me an OAL of 1.46".

My confusion is around the charge. Lyman 49th says 3.6 - 4.0gr, Speer #14 says 3.8-4.3, and Lee 2nd says 3.1-3.7. I'm not sure where to start. I don't want a squib. Would 3.7 of W231 be a good starting point? Thanks in advance.

Hodgdon lists 3.1gr as the start load and 3.7gr as max for standard 38Spl. I would not start at 3.7gr. Having loaded a fair amount of 38spl's with W231/HP-38, I don't think even Speer's max will get you into trouble with a modern gun, but for sure, starting at Hodgdon's start level will definitely keep you safe, always.

[cindynles]

Thanks. I'll start at 3.1/3.2 and work my way up from there. I just think its strange that the MAX load in Lee is below the starting load in Speer. I've never run into that before.

[Bill Steele]

Thanks. I'll start at 3.1/3.2 and work my way up from there. I just think its strange that the MAX load in Lee is below the starting load in Speer. I've never run into that before.

The powder manufacturers test, the bullet manufacturers test, I think even Lee does a little testing or at least uses his load notes of old to some degree. Each has their own setups and priorities. Also, powders evolve to some degree as well.

A lot of people attribute some of the toning down of load data in recent years to lawyers, likely there is some truth in that. I also think maybe the instrumentation the ballistican's have is a little more sensitive and accurate, causing them to say, "whoa, we better rethink what is safe across the spectrum the load might be used."

[Pete1979]

Bullseye is very similar to 231, I've used as little as 3gr in my 38s with absolutely no problems. With powder that fast, a little dab will do ya. I did try to run under the minimum with Unique once and got squibs.

[stand125]

3.5gr of W231 pushing a 158gr Bear creek will make a nice target load.

[Cowboy T]

Revolver cartridges are remarkably flexible beasts. Basically, don't go below 10,000 PSI, and you should be just fine, assuming you're firing this load out of a revolver of reasonable (6" or less) barrel length.

For rifle .38 Spl loads, e. g. those for Marlin 1894c's, Rossi 92's, and so on, I'd do something closer to max to avoid pills getting stuck in the barrel, closer to 17,000 PSI.

[cindynles]

3.4gr of W231 seems to be the ticket for my 4" S&W 586. Thanks for the advice.