jmorris
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- Joined
- Sep 30, 2005
- Messages
- 24,268
But it is instructive to consider how well most factory 38 jacketed and even plated ammunition works.
I agree, once we know what works in the OP's gun we can narrow the focus.
But it is instructive to consider how well most factory 38 jacketed and even plated ammunition works.
He's already got the bullets, and they shoot poorly in both his 642 and his full-size gun. What works for lead or wadcutters isn't material to what he needs to get his 125FPs working, or least it wasn't for me. Fortunately (or unfortunately) I've already been there with this projectile.I agree, once we know what works in the OP's gun we can narrow the focus.
He's already got the bullets, and they shoot poorly in both his 642 and his full-size gun.
That's pretty bad.Shoots decent for a snub nose. I can put 5 in 6” shoot n c at say 20ft. Can’t even hit it with reloads ... Bullet is extreme 125gr FPHow does it shoot with factory Ammo?
High left but all over. Some got really bad and just shotgunned all over.Where are the misses going? high, low, left, right? Are all the misses in the same region? Is it just a point of impact difference instead of a horrible accuracy problem?
High left but all over. Some got really bad and just shotgunned all over.
I would change to .358" diameter & 158gr swc.
Not that I could tell. I’m not sure if I’m not pushing them fast enough or what because my 110gr FTX +p shot almost POA.Were any of them showing evidence of yaw or tumbling?
Agreed, lead is more forgiving than plated with light loads.most any lead or coated bullets would be easier to optimize and allow lighter loads than either in this application.
I tried 4.8 and 5.0 of BE86 with an OAL of 1.440.How much powder are you using?
I hear lead is a pain to clean from a revolver so I haven't tried it. I was doing some reading and saw a few post on 158gr being more recoil than 125gr. Not sure how true that is because I have never fired 158gr bullets. I will give this a shot! literally.Agreed, lead is more forgiving than plated with light loads.
Light taper crimp = No more than .002 inward movement at the very top on the case mouth. Doesn't bother 90/95% of the bullet seated inside the case. No worries about squeezing the bullet undersized.
Berrys 148 Gr HBWC in .38 Spl. A light taper crimp.
View attachment 840930
X-Treme 158 gr SWC in .357 brass, works just as well in .38 Spl brass.
View attachment 840929
I was really hoping the BE86 would work because I love it for 9mm. I did have a load of I believe 4.4gr (don't quote me on that) of HP38 with Berry's 125gr and those shot well. I got the extreme for a good price so kind of stuck with them. You know in my few years of reloading I still cant figure out what you guys mean about fast powder? Should I go back to HP38 and scrap the BE86 journey?A fast powder will fair better IMHO. I have shot a bunch of the Berrys 125 Gr TrFP with Clays with very good success.
BE86 does work very well in 38 special, but you have to load it heavier. 5.4gr. is the max for standard pressure and 6.1 for +p. In that charge weight range it works pretty darn well, but the velocity is actually less than faster powders, especially Titegroup.I was really hoping the BE86 would work because I love it for 9mm. I did have a load of I believe 4.4gr (don't quote me on that) of HP38 with Berry's 125gr and those shot well. I got the extreme for a good price so kind of stuck with them. You know in my few years of reloading I still cant figure out what you guys mean about fast powder? Should I go back to HP38 and scrap the BE86 journey?
I think your powder charge is too low.xtreme 125 gr FP ... I tried 4.8 and 5.0 of BE86 with an OAL of 1.440.
38 Special 125 gr Lead RNFP BE-86 OAL 1.46" Max 5.4 gr 1,023 fps
+1.A fast powder will fair better IMHO. I have shot a bunch of the Berrys 125 Gr TrFP with Clays with very good success.
38 Special 125 gr Lead RNFP W231/HP-38 COL 1.445" Start 3.8 gr (876 fps) 10,300 CUP - Max 4.8 gr (1,071 fps) 16,900 CUP
I had HP38 . Otherwise I would have just stuck with that load. I tried not taper crimping these, less flare but not upping the charge. I will do that tomorrow morning and report back.I think your powder charge is too low.
Alliant load data lists 5.4 gr as max charge for 125 gr Lead RNFP. IME, plated bullets with rounded base leak more gas and you may likely need to increase your powder charge - https://www.alliantpowder.com/reloa...wderlist.aspx&type=1&powderid=38&cartridge=26
+1.
Since you also have HP-38, I would definitely give it a try - http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/pistol
Below is my "relative" groupings of powders derived from various published burn rate charts. As you can see, BE-86 is grouped with "moderately" slower burning powders like Unique, Power Pistol, WSF, etc. while W231/HP-38 is grouped with "moderately" faster burning powders like Zip, Sport Pistol, etc.You know in my few years of reloading I still cant figure out what you guys mean about fast powder?
I hear lead is a pain to clean from a revolver so I haven't tried it. I was doing some reading and saw a few post on 158gr being more recoil than 125gr. Not sure how true that is because I have never fired 158gr bullets. I will give this a shot! literally.