38 special P+

[BruniX]

hello,

I use a Python 357 a range to shoot 25 yards target every week.

I am thinking of obtaining authorization for detention and purchase in June,
in order to be able to acquire a S&W 357 and start reloading.

we use bellot 38 special 158grs FMJ ammunition in the range.
I could therefore recover a large number of cases for reloading.
Most of the time the 38 special will be accurate and gentle to use at range,
but I would like to test a P + load to see the difference.

the bullets will be molded from lyman # 358156, 158grs SWC , hardness bhn 15.
For reloading occasionaly 357 Magnum, same bullet , but with a gas check and, of course, 357 Magnum cases .

Can we use all 38 special cases to recharge in 38 special P +, or do we need special cases?

see you soon,
BruniX

[CT_Shooter]

Maximum loads listed with an asterisk yield +P pressures. +P pressures are above the SAAMI standard for the 38 Special and should only be used in modern guns designed by the the manufacter for +P pressures. Some powders do not show +P loads because the next increment would yield higher than +P pressures. Our test weapon produced its best groups using Bullseye and Unique, with the highest velocities obtained from Power Pistol.

There is no reference to any difference in brass cases for the range of pressures.

Can we use all 38 special cases to recharge in 38 special P +, or do we need special cases?

[BruniX]

Maximum loads listed with an asterisk yield +P pressures. +P pressures are above the SAAMI standard for the 38 Special and should only be used in modern guns designed by the the manufacter for +P pressures. Some powders do not show +P loads because the next increment would yield higher than +P pressures. Our test weapon produced its best groups using Bullseye and Unique, with the highest velocities obtained from Power Pistol.

There is no reference to any difference in brass cases for the range of pressures.

Thanks , Ct_shooter !
by the way , i don't own and have not read hornady reloading book, only leeman , lee and malfatti...
is a good book?
fairly general, not only Hornady components ?
Does it treat rechargment outside the bullets or hornady cases?

BruniX

[CT_Shooter]

Brunix,

Hornady's Handbook is an excellent reference for the reloading bench. In all of its tables, it does use Hornady Brand bullets, but I use other bullets of the same weight, type, and dimensions in my reloads, regardless. For example, I use ZERO 158gr JSP and JHP bullets from ROSE Distribution (http://www.rozedist.com/mm5/merchant.mv ... de=ZBJ-38S) in my .357 reloads, but use Hornady's data for their 158gr XTPs.

What I like about Hornady's data is that each bullet and powder charge is actually tested in a real gun, not just testing barrels. The .357 rifle loads are tested in a Rossi 92 with a 16 inch barrel and 1:16 twist. The .357 Pistol loads are tested in a Colt Python with an 8" barrel and 1:16 twist.

It was the first Handbook I bought when I started reloading five years ago. I recommend it.

by the way , i don't own and have not read hornady reloading book, only leeman , lee and malfatti...
is a good book?
fairly general, not only Hornady components ?
Does it treat rechargment outside the bullets or hornady cases?

[clovishound]

Be advised, if you shoot a lot of +P loads your cases will not last as long. With mild loads .38 cases last a very long time. Of course, if you have a ready supply of once fired cases, that is not a problem, just be careful to inspect cases for failure.