Is this a safe .38 Special load?

[BullsEye10x]

Howdy,
I'm new to the reloading craft, but have been reading quite a bit about it for the last few months. I finally saved up enough money and bought a Lee Classic Turret press with all the trimmings; just got everything set up last night. Got the dies and powder measure roughed in, and made about 5 .38 Special test rounds in the process. I put 4 grains of Titegroup under a 125 grain Winchester JHP bullet, at an OAL of ~ 1.440 with a light factory crimp. Used Winchester small pistol primers donated from a buddy.

I couldn't find any solid data for Titegroup on a 125 JHP except for the Hornady XTP, which Hodgdon lists at 4.3 - 4.6 @ 1.455. I know the XTP bullets are different than other JHP's so I'm wondering if my load is a good one or not. If I decide to shoot them, it will be out of a .357 Mag SP101 just in case

If anyone has some info they can share, it would be most appreciated.

PS - Reloading is fun!

 

[PotatoJudge]

Sounds like a fine load. Shoot them in a 357 if you're nervous, but if you loaded them right they should be fine.

What's this about "if I shoot them" stuff? If you reload, there's no way around trying your new stuff. It's normal to be a bit nervous with your first loads, but it's really pretty simple to do right (especially 38 spl). After a while you won't think twice about it, even once you work up some max loads.

 

[earplug]

My experience with reloading 38spl, is stick to 158 grain SWC for most of your shooting needs. 148 Grain Wadcutter is fine for target.
I currently use a moly/poly? coated bullet that is a little cleaner then traditional cast and lubed lead bullets.
If you can't find much information on a powder bullet combination, take that as a clue. There might be better combinations.

 

[Walkalong]

It will be fine, light, but fine. If you get to wanting to try something else, try some Red Dot or 700X. Bulkier and very clean. I am not a Titegroup fan myself.

I like the 110 and 125 bullets at leisurely velocities for the modest recoil.

158's are great too, but the recoil gets up there quickly as velocities go up, although they do shoot real well from my Model 10 HB.

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I would not waste XTP's for plinking. Get some Raniers, Berry's, Zero's, or X-Treme's

Load the XTP's up at +P and stash them in a plastic ammo box for hard times.

 

[bluetopper]

Yes, reloading is fun. My main objective in doing so is cost savings, that's why I only use cast lead bullets. Wish I could help you with some 125gr jacketed info. Have you tried the powder websites for their data?

Through testing, I think I'm going to switch to American Select powder for 38.

 

[tac_driver]

From the Lyman Pistol & Revolver handbook 3rd edition:
125gr JHP - OAL 1.470
Titegroup starting load of 4.0gr - 816fps -- max load 4.5 - 915fps - max CPU 15,200.
Suggest you get some loading manuals and a chronograph to test these loads.
Be very careful with Titegroup you can very easily double charge a case.

 

[BullsEye10x]

Thanks all for the help. I'm working on the manuals and chronograph. I've been getting most of my data so far from the Hodgdon website and various other internet sources. Since the relatively small volume of Titegroup takes up so little space in the casing, it's actually possible to charge one round 3 or 4 times so I am definitely being careful!

 

[BullsEye10x]

Oh, and yes PotatoJudge I am going to shoot them... From behind a concrete barricade with full face ballistic shield and kevlar gloves, that is

 

[socaldan]

Get yourself a brass rod,(about the dia. of a pencil and appx. 8" long )
JUST IN CASE !
Take it with you.

 

[71Commander]

Get yourself a brass rod,(about the dia. of a pencil and appx. 8" long )
JUST IN CASE !
Take it with you.

Squib rod. In case your bullets don't exit the barrel.

 

[evan price]

4 grains of Titegroup will do just fine. I load 3.5 with a 158 SWC lead projo which is middle of the road. On those lighter slugs you are really just scratching the surface. I wouldn't go over 4.5 grains in a .38, because depending on the gun, you might get some erosion on the forcing cone.