First Reloads and questions

[OCAlan]

So I quit my job recently so had some extra time to start reloading.

Got myself a lee classic single stage. Mounted it to a 1" piece of hardwood and clamped it to my woodworking bench (weighs a ton) so its real solid, and I can unclamp it as necessary.


Started with 38spc/357 mag since it was the only die set I could find, and I have a S&W 686 on order to test my reloads on

Here are my first reloads. I used xtreme 158g SWC plated bullets, wolf SPP, and HP-38.


I couldn't find any real reliable info for HP-38 load data for 158g plated SWC. I referenced Lee, Hodgdon, speer, lyman... and no one had much but based on what I could tell I extrapolated around 3.7g might be a good starting load for 38 special. I made about a dozen with 3.7g and 3.5g for testing. Does anyone have any good load data using HP-38 for 158g plated SWC in 38 special and 357 mag?
Or is the 3.5g and 3.7g good safe loads? Will the bullet possibly get stuck in my 686 barrel if its too light of a load?

Also I wasn't sure how far to seat the bullets. Do I just seat them until the cannelure dissapears? (sorry if thats not the right term, the hash grooves on the bullet).

Also crimping, it seemed necessary in order to remove the bell which was put on the case mouth to get the bullet started for seating. I just did a light crimp 1/2 turn as specified by Lee.
Any tips of advice would be great!

[Colt562]

I load my 38 special just up to the middle of cannelure. Not sure of exact measurement. You might want to pick up a set of calipers. Not sure about powder charge though as I use true blue.

[OCAlan]

I have a set of calipers, I know there is a max overall length is there a minimum or recommended length. Is this dependent on the bullet type? FP, RNFP, SWC, WC? I know WC's are sometimes seated flush so I wasn't too sure how far to seat the bullet.

[NoNOS67]

Load data here: http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

Shows 3.7 as MAX in .38 special, but verify for yourself.

[Wonno]

357 and 38 special OALs very highly with type of bullets. For example a LSWC would much longer than a plated swc of the same weight. For the most part just load up to the cannelure. If you want to be precise you can caliper your OAL for future reference/subsequent reloads and consistency. Most canneulures lie about the same spot so eyeballing always works. There isn't really a minimum as you can shoot even 38 short colts in a 357 revolver, but you do want to avoid seating it too deep depending on your load.

[asm_]

So I quit my job recently so had some extra time to start reloading.

I admire your dedication to this hobby. I don't think my wife would let me quit my job so I can more time to reload.

[OCAlan]

Load data here: http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

Shows 3.7 as MAX in .38 special, but verify for yourself.

I saw the 3.7 there for HP-38. That is for a cast bullet, how does a plated bullet change the load?

[Wonno]

Just start at recommended starting loads and work your way up. If you're shooting comfortable groups and at a power you're comfortable with, stop. Plated rounds are generally a little hotter than casted, so back off by .1-.2 grains. That's a pretty fast burning powder. When put in a large casing like 357, watch out for double charges. I hate how these manufacturer website loads don't show if they use magnum primers for their test number...

[KB1911_NewB]

Are you using once fired brass (i.e. range picked up) or new brass? If using once fired brass, I suggest you wait (before reloading more) until you have the revolver to test fit them. If using new brass, then should be safe in terms of fitting into the chambers of a cylinder. From the photos, the brasses look brand new.

[mark501w]

I'd look at the plated bullets like they were jacketed. Usually the difference is if the cast will hold up to the speeds the .357 is capable of. Looking@ .357 loads with HP38 it looks really fast 6.2 as a starting load 6.9 as a max. For ease of cleaning use the .357 cases. As to crimping crimp where the bullet won't interfere with the rotation of the cylinder ie. that hash mark.

[Hallx7]

When you're looking up load data for HP-38 look at the Win231. They're the same powder. If you can't find HP-38 you will generally find 231.

[mark501w]

As to crimping what happens because of the mass of the bullet under recoil it wants to stay in the same place ,so it will work it's way forward eventually tying up your gun. Shoot that thing like a Magnum I got a 586 that shoots like a rifle @ 50yrds. Try 2400 or 296 when you get a chance.

[OCAlan]

Are you using once fired brass (i.e. range picked up) or new brass? If using once fired brass, I suggest you wait (before reloading more) until you have the revolver to test fit them. If using new brass, then should be safe in terms of fitting into the chambers of a cylinder. From the photos, the brasses look brand new.

its range pickup brass that i wet tumbled, so they came out pretty shiny. I'll hold off reloading more until I get the 686 or a case length gauge.

[J-cat]

Adjusting your crimp in half turn increments is not smart. For one thing, your bullets do not have a cannelure or crimp groove. They have a fake cannelure. Where are you trying to force the case mouth???

If you want to crimp in half turn increments, seat the bullet deep and crimp over the shoulder. That way the case mouth will have somewhere to go. Reduce the load accordingly.