Info overload on .38 spl powder recommendation

[desertdad]

I'm a rookie reloader. I'm so "rookie" that I haven't reloaded anything yet. I have some objectives, but am overwhelmed with options. I'm looking to load 38sp cartridges for a Taurus .357 mag revolver. I will be using jacketed bullets (Hornady or Speer). I have a box of Hornady 110gr and 158gr jacketed HP bullets and a box of Speer 125gr TMJ bullets. I am looking for a powder that is "bulky" so I can readily see a double charge. I'm still pretty nervous about this stuff. I will probably graduate to a different powder after I have gained some confidence in my techniques. I have read a lot of the forums and am overwhelmed. I'm looking for a powder that will burn clean and give me between 800 and 1,000 fps for indoor range non-competitive shooting. I thought I had arrived at Trail Boss, but then saw a post about not using it for jacketed bullets. How about Blue Dot or AA#5 for bulky clean firing reloads with jacketed bullets? I have a pound of Unique, W231 and Clay's, but after reading a lot, it seems like I have other, better options for powder for my initial reloading and working on my techniques. TIA for your help.

 

[zxcvbob]

Red Dot. But if you have Unique already, try it but load it towards the high end so it will burn clean.

231 is a classic .38 Special powder, but it might not take up as much room in the case as you want. (try it and see)

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have a pound of Unique, W231 and Clay's, but after reading a lot, it seems like I have other, better options for powder for my initial reloading and working on my techniques.

All three of the powders you have are very good for loading accurate .38 Special rounds. I don't think there are better choices for .38 Special rounds than the powders you have already chosen. I think W231 is probably the best powder for the .38 Special. Actually, Clays is a little more accurate than W231 but it doesn't meter as well so I use more W231 than Clays. Both are very clean powders, especially when loading Jacketed bullets where you don't have bullet lube to add to the mess. As for .357 Magnum powders, W231 and Unique can be used but not if you want full power loads that will achieve the higher velocities usually associated with Magnum rounds. W296 or 2400 would be better choices IMO. If you use W296/H110 use a Magnum primer and don't download that powder because it doesn't react well. 2400 would be a better choice if you want to make medium velocity .357 Magnum rounds.

Always be cautious when reloading but don't worry so much that you take the joy out of what you are doing. It's a great hobby that should be enjoyed even though you always have to be aware of what you are doing.

 

[kir_kenix]

unique is a good bulky powder. I dont have a manual with me, but i believe 5 grains of unique is the starting point for .38 special, and double charges are pretty obvious with unique (check ur load manual of course). alot of ppl complain about unique, i shoot it for mid range revolver loads (it really isnt that dirty, honest).

if it were me, i wouldnt buy another lb of powder, u should have several thousand shots with the powder u already own.

 

[jfh]

Another vote for 231. ArchangelCD and the others have pretty well covered the bases.

Try starting with the 158-gr. bullets, and a low- or medium level load.

Worry more about sorting out the process than the components for now--you sound to be obsessive enough to do just fine.

Jim H.

 

[SASS#23149]

Yep,the powders you have on hand will get you by for quite some time.
I like Unique becasue I can buy it locally ..Im in a small town...but I tried W231 recently and it's a great powder as well.

 

[DUCKNDAWG]

If you want a real bulky powder try TRAILBOSS

 

[def4pos8]

I also use large amounts of Unique but since my Model 67 Smith is so light, I use 4.0 or 4.3 grains of Unique under a hard-cast 158 SWC.

When you have a bit of confidence in your technique, try Alliant's Power Pistol. Under Hornady's 140 XTP I've found that 5.7 grains is very comfortable and accurate in the Model 67 while 6.0 or 6.4 grains provide more power while remaining comfortable in the heavier Model 66.

 

[Shell Shucker]

I use Clays for 38spl. It's clean, accurate, and meters well.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I use Clays for 38spl. It's clean, accurate, and meters well.

Shell,
Which powder dispenser are you using because at the low charge weights used in the .38 Special (2.5gr) I'm having trouble getting Clays to meter well. I totally agree it's very clean and very accurate too.

 

[evan price]

3.5 grains Titegroup and 158-LSWC for .38 special.

I'll add a +1 on your Win231 (Or hodgdon HP38, same thing) it's a good compromise powder, and the risk of a double charge is really not as bad as one might think presuming you use diligence and are aware of what you are doing.

 

[desertdad]

Thanks for all your tips and experience. I will try loading a sample of each of the powders I already have and see how it goes. I will be using a Hornady Deluxe powder measure, RCBS 5-10 scale and a Hornady LNL Classic press. I will be using Federal primers in my own brass. Thanks again,
Dick

 

[Seafarer12]

I like bullseye personally but thats because I can get more loads to the pound. If there was a powder that would let me use a 2gr charge I would buy it.