I'm new to reloading...

[gonoles_1980]

Reading books, watching video's talking to friends. I bought W231 with primers for my 38 special. I now need bullets, I was looking to get Hornday's, but they're out of stock. I see midway has Speer 158gr LRN's in stock, but the serial number is 4648. The book I bought "The Complete Reloading Manual for the .38 Special" has Speer LRN's as serial number 4647, both have the same Ballistic Coefficient and Sectional Density. It looks like a safe load is 4.5gr. But I'm leery since the serial numbers are different. I have to admit, making sure I have the right powder weight has me cautious. Does anyone know if there is a difference?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I use A LOT of W231, especially in the .38 Special and with a 158gr LRN bullet I probably wouldn't go over 4.0gr. There are sourced listing slightly higher and slightly lower charge weights but i have found that charge to be safe and very accurate. Remember, start 10% the Max charge and work up to the Max watching for pressure signs. That with all loads, not just this one.

Welcome to the forum and reloading...

 

[JohnhenrySTL]

According to my data too, 4.5 of W231 with a 158 grn bullet is the highest charge listed. Why not start lower???

 

[LiveLife]

Why not start lower???

+1

Speer 158gr LRN's ... It looks like a safe load is 4.5gr. But I'm leery ... I have to admit, making sure I have the right powder weight has me cautious.

Current Hodgdon load data lists the following - http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

158 gr Lead SWC W231 Dia .358" OAL 1.475" Start 3.1 gr (782 fps) 11,900 CUP - Max 3.7 gr (834 fps) 14,600 CUP

Lyman #49 lists the following:

158 gr Lead W231 Dia .358" OAL 1.445" Start 3.6 gr (769 fps) 13,100 CUP - Max 4.0 gr (837 fps) 15,900 CUP

 

[rcmodel]

4648 is the current Speer bullet number for the swaged lead 158 grain RN.
4647 was the number for the swaged lead 158 grain round nose in my 15 year old Speer # 13 manual.

My book is old, your book is old.

A standard pressure .38 Spl MAX load with W-231 would be 4.3 grains.

4.7 would be a +P MAX load.

Your Starting Load for standard pressure .38 Spl should be 3.8 grains.

Then work up to 4.3, or +P 4.7 if all goes well, and you want or need too?

rc

 

[steve4102]

It has already been said several times, but I will say it again.
Your load is to high. Speer #13 lists Start 3.8gr and Max 4.3gr with 158gr LRN.

As for your concerns about bullet brand and serial number, no need to get that technical. It is perfectly safe to use load data of Same weight bullet with similar construction from different manufacture's.
You can purchase case bullet from Missouri Bullets, Penn Bullets, Mastercast or any other bullet manufacturer you wish and still use your Speer data. You can even cast your own and use Speer data. As long as you Start Low and Work up.

 

[gonoles_1980]

Thanks for the responses, looks like what I saw was the max pressure. Sounds like I should start with the 3.8gr, maybe 3.9gr. I'll practice weighing the powder until the bullets get here. I really appreciate the help.

 

[FROGO207]

Some manuals list only one propellant amount. That then is always the MAX charge. You do need to always start at a 10% reduced charge and work your way up. Most times I never reach max before I find a good combo that is accurate. Sometimes even a starting charge is most accurate. Also your firearm is just a bit different than mine so it follows that what is the best/accurate in mine may not act the same in yours. Even the reloading books data will be slightly different between brands as they did not use the exact same components and barrel to test for their published results. Welcome to the fun we call reloading. You will get the best feeling when you actually shoot that first hand made round of ammo and it works as designed.

 

[4895]

I recommend loading a handful at 3.5 grains (20) or so. Then load a handful at 3.7 grains (20) or so. Finally, I would load a handful at 3.9 grains (20) or so. I like the 3.5 grain loads for my wife's target practice load and they work great for jack rabbits too. I wouldn't hesitate to load 4.0 grains either. 231 seems to burn cleaner with each jump in pressure (load).

 

[BYJO4]

I suggest you get the current Lyman loading manual along with either the Speer or Hornady manual for future references. You can never have too many loading manuals.

 

[gonoles_1980]

Speer responded to my question.

Not many companies do that anymore. Here's what they had to say.

"the difference is the quantity of bullets in the package, 4647=100 count and 4648= 500 count."

I appreciate the advice I've gotten here, just waiting to finish building my reloading work table, get my bullets and my 38 dies and I'll start my first set of reloads. I'll take some pictures and post when I'm done, and report back. And I will buy some more reloading manuals.

 

[TfflHndn]

All good advice above. Also remember, with a revolver you don't have to worry about the load being enough to cycle a slide, eject the empty and lock back on empty. Makes working with lighter loads much simpler and more practical as long as they work for what you are doing (punching paper, hitting plates, etc.). Some gun/bullet combos don't work well in semiautos until you get into the upper end of the load range. I find loading for .38/.357 very pleasurable for exactly that reason. I don't HAVE to load up near max unless I want to. Makes range time more pleasant, especially if you are shooting a snubby or lightweight revolver.

 

[gonoles_1980]

TfflHndn I shoot a 38 Special snub nose. I want to get some shots my wife feels comfortable with, she typically shoots a .22 Ruger. The .38 has a little too much kick for her. We just shoot paper targets at the range. I love the revolver, though I have a Jenning J-22 that's a little fussy and requires good bullets, but it's fun to shoot. But I really like the revolver.