HP-38 vs. Titegroup in .38 Spl Snubbie

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kcofohio

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Yesterday I was on my way to pick up the wife's new phone, when hey, what do you know, the gun range! And wow, I happen to have her LCR and some test loads with me!

Serious though, I wanted to find a good load for accuracy and low recoil. Here are the loads. Target was approximately at 10 yds.

HP-38 with Berry's (P) 125 gr. FN with COAL @ 1.445"
4.3 gr.
4.8 gr.

Titegroup with Berry's (P) 125 Gr. FN with COAL @ 1.445"
3.5 gr.
3.8 gr.

It was at sundown and about 45 degrees out. The HP-38 had considerable more muzzle flash than the titegroup. It really shows at dusk. Didn't notice the muzzle flash much with titegroup.
All the loads looked to stay on the 10" paper, I was shooting in the Weaver stance. And was making quick shots because of time restraints.
I will load 50 of the Titegroup @ 3.5 gr. for the next time we go out to see how the recoil is for her. I thought this load was very manageable as a target load.
I hope this may be helpful info for somebody.

BTW, I did get her the new phone and she likes.
 
HP-38 with Berry's (P) 125 gr. FN with COAL @ 1.445"
4.3 gr.
4.8 gr.

Titegroup with Berry's (P) 125 Gr. FN with COAL @ 1.445"
3.5 gr.
3.8 gr.

Well that 3.5gr of titegroup is what I was using for 9mm behind a 125gr lead bullet when i could not find any hp38/231. And its light in 9mm. With all of the capacity of 38spl its should be "real light". If the accuracy is there and you like it then so be it. I'm afraid the velocity will be in the low 600's.
I just loaded up 500 missouri 125's with 4.4gr of HP38 and I like them. At informal matches I shoot a few rounds with my wheelgun and they are accurate and still very light.
OAL is no big deal with that much case capacity with a light load.
Titegroup does make a "flash". Several fellow shooters I compete with will use 5.0-5.2gr behind a 200lswc in 45acp and it will make a good 4" "flash"
In a snub nose a little Bullseye will give you a bright little "flash" if thats what you are looking for.
 
SB, I took the load data off Hodgdon's data site for 125 gr. LRNFP at mid starting point up to max. for lead, taking Berry's recommendations for plated bullet loads.
The flash was more pronounce in HP-38. It was more of a thought for anyone that has concerns about flash. Thanks for the info on BE. I'll keep that in mind. Though I don't have any of that powder yet, it is good to know the characteristics of any powder one may end up using.

As of yet, I don't have a chronograph, but it is high on my list.
Again, thanks!
 
Just looked at the load data on hogdons site too. They put 3.5gr of titegroup as a midrange load and getting at least 900fps? With a pressure about 10k?
Well if it works then it works. It would be interesting what it actually does.
Here in the northwest I only bring out the chrony in the summer. Its always cloudy and dark early [or raining] so whats the point. Can't get it to work most of the time.
If they are shooting well, accurate, etc.. Go for it. I'm a believer in light and accurate lead loads.
 
I believe my accuracy load fro the 125gr Plated FP in .38 Special out of my 642 snubnose was 3.8gr of Title group. I don't have my records with at the moment. I use 231/HP38 with 158gr LSWC and use close to +P in those loads. My 642s POI was pretty low with 125gr bullets so I generally save them for new shooters and for use in my 586.

I like Title group but care must be taken a little goes a long way.
 
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