Help Please - Hogdon Data for .357 and 38 Special

[Ironwill1406]

Greetings,

Thanks for all those who contributed to my 9mm recipe thread the other day, especially LiveLife.

I’m now setting the die up for .357 mag and 38 sp. And dang it...same issue with the lack of plated bullets on Hogdon’s site.

They only list HDY XTP for 158 gr (and actually I have a few hundred of those so that is fine for those bullets. However, the other two options are “CAST LSWC” or “MEI CAST LSWC.” Per the logic (provided by you all in the other 9mm thread), using lead data for plated bullets was best. So in this instance, for the Xtreme plated 38 or .357 bullets, should I use CAST LSWC?

Or should I go with the HDY XTP load data for the Xtreme Plated bullets?

Thanks!

 

[straight-shooter]

Start with cast data and work up the load. Plated bullets for .38 and .357 recommend no higher velocity than 1,200 fps. I shoot cast powder coated in .357 to about 1,250 fps but again, their powder coated.

 

[Ironwill1406]

If I use CFE Pistol for either 38 sp or .357 mag, the velocity doesnt exceed 1200 (except if I max out on .357 which I won’t).

So I can load up the plated using the CAST LSWC specs for 38 special using CFE Pistol

I can use my HDY XTPs for .357 and either use CFE Pistol OR Lil’Gun for hotter loads then.

That make sense?

 

[Bfh_auto]

If I use CFE Pistol for either 38 sp or .357 mag, the velocity doesnt exceed 1200 (except if I max out on .357 which I won’t).

So I can load up the plated using the CAST LSWC specs for 38 special using CFE Pistol

I can use my HDY XTPs for .357 and either use CFE Pistol OR Lil’Gun for hotter loads then.

That make sense?

Try the CFE-pistol. But don't be surprised if it doesn't give good results.
In the 38 special be cautious of squibs at the lower loads.
Lil gun max a good max load powder but runs hot. I like it in my 357 carbine.

 

[Dudedog]

You should be ok using the lead data with plated, work up from start charges.

 

[brewer12345]

You can start with cast data, but don't start at the low end or you risk squibs. Middle of lead data as a start and I have had no problems getting into low end jacketed charges.

My guns like a 158 grain plated bullet in a 38 case with 4.0 grains of hp38, fwiw.

 

[LiveLife]

Thanks for all those who contributed to my 9mm recipe thread the other day, especially LiveLife

You are very welcome.

Xtreme plated 38 or .357 bullets ... 158 gr ... lack of plated bullets on Hogdon’s site ... So I can load up the plated using the CAST LSWC specs for 38 special using CFE Pistol

Yes. With regular plated bullets, I have used lead load data with good results - http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/pistol

• .38 Special 158 gr LSWC CFE Pistol COL 1.475" Start 4.8 gr (960 fps) - Max 5.3 gr (1,048 fps)
• .38 Special 158 gr MEI LSWC CFE Pistol COL 1.475" Start 4.4 gr (927 fps) - Max 5.0 gr (1,029 fps)
• .38 Special 158 gr HDY XTP CFE Pistol COL 1.455" Start 4.6 gr (816 fps) - Max 5.0 gr (914 fps)

If I use CFE Pistol for either 38 sp or .357 mag, the velocity doesnt exceed 1200 (except if I max out on .357 which I won’t)

• .357 Magnum 158 gr MEI LSWC CFE Pistol COL 1.620" Start 5.3 gr (1,123 fps) - Max 6.6 gr (1,321 fps)
• .357 Magnum 158 gr HDY XTP CFE Pistol COL 1.580" Start 6.1 gr (1,107 fps) - Max 6.9 gr (1,233 fps)

While many regular plated bullets with around .004" thickness copper plating are rated to 1200 fps, it doesn't mean the accuracy will be maintain to 1200 rather the plating won't fail upto that velocity as I found when regular plated bullets are pushed to above jacketed load data, accuracy starts to deteriorate.

And X-Treme recommends for loads exceeding 1200 fps to use their thicker plated bullets with light taper crimp to not cut through the plating - https://www.xtremebullets.com/Bullet-Load-Info-s/1952.htm

"Any velocities over 1200 FPS we recommend either our Heavy Plate Concave Base or Hollow Point products for superior accuracy. We recommend keeping velocities to less than 1500 FPS and using only a light taper crimp"​

 

[ArchAngelCD]

My favorite .38 Special loads are:
158gr LSWC over 4.0gr W231
148gr DEWC over 3.4gr W231
148gr HBWC over 3.0gr W231