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.38 spl loads.

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CT_Shooter
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Re: .38 spl loads.

Post by CT_Shooter » Sun May 10, 2020 7:58 am

For a long while, ZERO's JSP/JHP machine was off-line, so the only 38 caliber bullets I could get from them were 130 grain FMJs. I only use them in my .38 special revolver at the range. I use standard primers and either 5 grains of HP-38 or 4.7 grains of Unique.
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Re: .38 spl loads.

Post by fortyshooter » Sun May 10, 2020 8:51 am

I recently loaded some .38 Specials for my Cimarron "Evil Roy" six shooter using the MB 158 gr. RNFP bullet with 5.5 gr. of Power Pistol.
You can get a bit more speed out of it within same pressure levels as Unique. Seem to shoot well out of the revolver and will get more range test done
using my .357 Henry BB too.
For light shooting loads in revolvers Red Dot works well too.
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Re: .38 spl loads.

Post by Rifletom » Sun May 10, 2020 11:08 am

Jim, what other powders do you have for handgun use? In my #50 Lyman book, I've found some powder/loads that look promising. Enjoy the day.
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Re: .38 spl loads.

Post by BigAl52 » Sun May 10, 2020 11:29 am

Ive always used about 4.5 grains of 231. I have some of those factory Hornady 110 gr FTX loads for my carry ammo. There not that bad to shoot really. I have a Ruger LCRX that I carry in my cycling shirt when Im out on the trail.
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Re: .38 spl loads.

Post by JEBar » Sun May 10, 2020 4:35 pm

Rifletom wrote:
Sun May 10, 2020 11:08 am
Jim, what other powders do you have for handgun use? In my #50 Lyman book, I've found some powder/loads that look promising. Enjoy the day.
historically we have loaded mostly 357's with a comparatively small number of 38's along the way .... for 357, we us W296 or H110 .... for 38's W231 .... I did a good bit of reading/research a short time ago when I started working on a low power 38 load .... several powders would most certainly work but I went with Unique and Bullseye, largely because Cabela's had them in stock .... using 3 or tad bit more grains per bullet, a pound of powder will turn out a bunch of them .. :D
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Re: .38 spl loads.

Post by clovishound » Wed May 13, 2020 5:11 pm

JEBar wrote:
Sun May 10, 2020 7:53 am
info appreciated .... I've never tried loading any Trail Boss powder .... does it meter smoothly :?:
In my Lee Auto Drum it meters very well, It is a low density powder. That means that the same difference in volume for a denser powder will result in a smaller weight difference in Trail Boss. It has fairly large "flakes". These "flakes" look more like small, flattened Cheerios.

That's Trail Boss on the left and Bullseye on the right.

Image
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Re: .38 spl loads.

Post by JEBar » Wed May 13, 2020 5:15 pm

fascinating .... picture appreciated
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Re: .38 spl loads.

Post by dancote » Mon Jun 15, 2020 6:14 pm

Anyone compare the ACME bullets with MBC and have noticed any difference? I am thinking about trying an order from ACME since they are close to me as I am in the U.P. Michigan. I'd like to get a good light target load and have Titegroup on hand. I have shot 158 gr in the past but always copper jacket xtp or speer. I like the idea of saving some cash with a coated lead bullet! I also have a 45-70 to feed and a couple 10mm at this point, so....

Thanks!
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Re: .38 spl loads.

Post by clovishound » Tue Jun 16, 2020 8:53 am

My go to coated bullet is now Brazos Bullet Company. They make an excellent 148 grain wadcutter. Put those on top of Trailboss and you will have a very accurate, extremely soft shooting load. The Pup and I love them. They should work well with other powders, just not quite as soft shooting. The first WC/Trailboss combo the Pup shot out of our 4" model 10 had her checking the barrel to make sure it wasn't a squib. Even I was surprised at the slight recoil, and I knew they were going to be soft.
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Re: .38 spl loads.

Post by Travlin » Tue Jun 16, 2020 11:40 pm

I have been casting my own .38 wadcutters for quite a while. The standard bullseye target load for those was using Bullseye powder.
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