Did I buy the wrong bullets?

[iScream]

Hi,

Am I OK loading .357 DEWC bullets for 38 Special to be shot through a S&W 686 with 6 inch barrel? I bought 2000 from Missouri Bullet Company then I noticed that there seem to be a lot of .358 DEWC out there.

Anything wrong with the bullets below for my gun?

Thanks,
Chris


.357 Diameter
.38 Special
148 Grain DEWC-BB
Brinell 10
For PPC Velocity

 

[rcmodel]

You might have been better off with .358". Or not.

Try them in your cylinder throats. The proper size lead bullet would be a nice snug slip fit in the throats.

If they fit fairly well, all is well.

rc

 

[243winxb]

Loading in a 38 special, light target load, you should be fine. High velocity, NO. What is the PPC velocity you want to reach?

 

[ReloaderFred]

The PPC load has been 2.7 grains of Bullseye and a 148 grain HBWC for more years than most of us have been on this earth. While I never chronographed any of mine, they were deadly accurate through my K-38 with Bomar Rib. I would imagine that load is going a leisurely 700 fps or so from a 6" barrel. I would say that is probably the PPC velocity range that was refered to.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[iScream]

Thanks Guys,

I tried inserting a bullet into the front of the cylinder and it was really tight. I haven't cleaned the gun since I was at the range last week so I'll do that before saying anything definite.

From what I've been reading, I think I should be looking for right about 800 fps. I have to admit that I don't even know what PPC velocity means.

When I bought these bullets, I saw that the SWC was labeled as "Cowboy" and assumed that must not have been what I wanted.

I have Win 231 powder so it looks like 3.1 or 3.2 grains is a good place to start. Actually, if it shoots OK, it will probably be where I finish since I don't have a chronograph or a bench mount to check accuracy.


-Chris

 

[Rodentman]

I am far from an expert, but my experience with similar bullets in .44 sp taught me that too much velocity can result in severe leading.

For .38 I use MO match bullets with a BHN of 12.

 

[243winxb]

I have Win 231 powder so it looks like 3.1 or 3.2 grains is a good place to start. Actually, if it shoots OK, it will probably be where I finish since I don't have a chronograph or a bench mount to check accuracy.

Looks fine to me.

 

[lgbloader]

The PPC load has been 2.7 grains of Bullseye and a 148 grain HBWC for more years than most of us have been on this earth.

And for good reason. This standard is one that I use and really like it. It is the main reason I still buy BE.

LGB