38 Super Load Data Help

[Sweet Agony]

Before we start, I have looked online and through two loading manuals and I can't find load data for the following:

135 gr. FMJ in 38 Super - powder on hand is Bullseye, 700x, Unique & Titegroup (Titegroup scares me!) and my LGS has other selections but they are still somewhat limited.

I did find load data for 130 gr FMJ starting at 4.6 - 5.1 max Bullseye, OAL 1.26, so assuming that I that nobody has load data for 135 gr, how do I adjust for the 5 gr difference?

Should I adjust my OAL?

 

[Walkalong]

I would be comfortable using that 130 Gr data, assuming the bullets are the same basic structure, and if they are both jacketed RN bullets, they are. Stop .1 or .2 Grs short of max if you are concerned about it. Using a slightly longer OAL is another way to give yourself a little wiggle room. I would be inclined to use the slower Unique in .38 Super over Bullseye, although Bullseye will certainly work, and I am not a Titegroup fan either.

 

[ReloaderFred]

The OAL length should be no more than 1.280", but I've found that even that long can be problematic in some magazines, so I keep my .38 Super loads to around 1.250" OAL.

You can just drop the data back 10% from the 130 grain bullet loads and work up as usual.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[floydster]

My go to load for my Elite Match:
135 gr. Berry's RN pushed by 4.8 gr. TG.
OAL 1.265
Dead nuts accurate