.38 S&W Load recommendation needed...

[bill larry]

Hi-

I bought a Smith & Wesson Victory Model in .38 S&W by mistake (thought it was .38 special), so I just got some Lee dies and a 100 count bag of Starline brass to start reloading for it.

I plan on using Bullseye and 158 grain semi wadcutters as I'm already up to my neck in both. Any problems with using .357 bullets?

My Speer manual does not have a load for this combination. Any thoughts? I just want a nice target load, nothin' fancy.

Thanks!

 

[benedict1]

Yes, the .357 may keyhole badly. I have to load .358, better are .359 I have loaded a few .360" but don't think they shoot any better.

I have found a great load using Win 231 but that doesn't help you. I use 2.2 gr with a Win Small Pistol Primer and the 158 SWC. I get them from Penn Bullets. He will deliver any diameter you want.

That's exactly how I got my revolver; thought it was a .38 Spec. I guess neither of us would be great witnesses in a trial!

 

[Sunray]

Get a Lyman Pistol and Revolver manual. A .357" bullet should be ok. A .358" or bigger would be better. The nominal bore diameter is usually .360".
There are bullet sizers available if you want to go to the expense. They literally swage the bullet to a larger diameter.
My Lyman book gives 1.8 to 2.5 grains of Bullseye for a 158 grain cast bullet of .354" to .360" diameter.
Max case length: .775"
Trim-to: .765"
Max OAL w. bullet: 1.180"

 

[bill larry]

Thanks guys... excellent info!