Loading Mistake???

[Gun Geezer]

I used data from Hodgon and loaded some 38 Special 158 SWC with 3.2 gr of W231.

Having now read a bit in this forum, I note that this is likely a VERY light load and am concerned it will squib on me.

Is this a safe load or should I just pull all 75 bullets?

What's the deal with Hodgon? Why recommend 3.2 grains of W231 as the starting point when it was more like 4.5 grs before?

 

[fireflyfather]

first question: Depends on what you are shooting it out of. I don't use that powder, but it's probably okay out of a snubbie. Heck, it's probably ok out of a carbine, but why take chances? If that was a jacketed bullet, I'd be REAL careful. With a lead bullet, the worst that will probably happen in a short-barreled revolver is some leading from insufficient obturation of the barrel. Make no mistake: It will probably be dirty, weak, innacurate, and will likely lead the barrel, but in a snubbie, probably not dangerous. Just make DAMN sure it cleared the barrel the first few rounds you fire (and one at a time at that!).

Second: Powder manufacturers and manufacture processes change. New (more accurate) testing methods are developed. Lawyers convince CEOs of powder companies to change load data. Lots of reasons it could have changed. Could even be a typo.

 

[Mags]

If you used the start load you are fine, you should now work up to max in 10 percent increments and stopping at pressure signs.

 

[Gun Geezer]

I'll be shooting them out of a snubby and had the same thoughts about shooting the ALL 1 at a time.

From what I am seeing in the forum search, 4.0 gr of w231 would be a good soft round. Next time.

 

[Fixxah]

75 is really no big deal. If it was a couple thousand then it would be a problem. I haven't been reloading for years like many here but I bet you don't get a single squib, unless you forgot the powder.

You could also put the gun in a vice and use a long string.

 

[mongoose33]

The mistake was in loading 75 without having shot any to see what you had, and not having worked up loads.

You need to work up loads. Sounds like that didn't happen.

On a recent new load journey (new to me 9mm bullets), I started loading 5 rounds each at 4.0, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, then 10 each at 4.8 and 5.0. I thought the 4.8 and 5.0 loads would be ok, but I wasn't going to start there.

These are what I think of in my own mind as "proof of concept" rounds--start low, work up. I run them through my chronograph to see what I get, and then go back and make up more of what seems to be the most effective round. Then I do an accuracy analysis with them.

As a result, I just made up 100 of the 4.8gr rounds to evaluate for accuracy.

 

[Mal H]

mongoose33's first sentence is spot on.

Nevertheless, 3.2 grains of W231 won't be a problem. Personally, I would go ahead and shoot them (and not one at a time) without any fear of a squibb. W231 is very forgiving of light loads and is easy to ignite. Heck, you might have even found your favorite target load.

If you look at the load books, there are 3.0 grain loads of W231 used with a 148 gr lead bullet. How does the powder know what bullet is up there in front? IOW, if 3.0 gr will ignite with one bullet having less mass and friction, it certainly will with another bullet having more of those attributes.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

Run 'em.

They'll be fine, but on the "powder puff" side of things.

 

[Walkalong]

Tilting the barrel back to keep the powder against the primer will help as well.

 

[DUCKNDAWG]

i have used the same load you have and it is fine shootem and enjoy.

 

[JDGray]

231 load data over the years has veried greatly. If its a starting load by Hodgdon data, just go shoot em

 

[Jim Tom]

Just this weekend shot 50 38 S&W Specials out of a snubby with 3.5 gr. of W231 and the Hornady 158gr. LRN. Chronied at 598fps. Pretty weak but OK for shooting cans. 3.2gr. should be OK, but I'll probably work it up a little to 4.0gr., as this has worked well in other revolvers. The 3.5gr. load also was pretty clean.

 

[Gun Geezer]

The mistake was in loading 75 without having shot any to see what you had, and not having worked up loads.

You need to work up loads. Sounds like that didn't happen.

On a recent new load journey (new to me 9mm bullets), I started loading 5 rounds each at 4.0, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, then 10 each at 4.8 and 5.0. I thought the 4.8 and 5.0 loads would be ok, but I wasn't going to start there.

These are what I think of in my own mind as "proof of concept" rounds--start low, work up. I run them through my chronograph to see what I get, and then go back and make up more of what seems to be the most effective round. Then I do an accuracy analysis with them.

As a result, I just made up 100 of the 4.8gr rounds to evaluate for accuracy.

Well, I understand working up loads. But the Hodgon website lists 3.0 grains as the starting load for W231 with 158 swc bullet. I just don't see that as a screw up on my part. It's just that after I had followed the manufacturers website, I find lots of info here saying how very weak the load is.

Probably should have just loaded 10 or so to start with.

 

[Gun Geezer]

By the way, thanks for all the good adivse form everybody!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The Hodgson Load Data Site lists 3.1gr W231 as the starting load with a 158gr LSWC bullet so your load is within published limits. (read don't worry about a squib) Like said above, that just might turn out to be your favorite .38 target load.

 

[evan price]

If you look at the load books, there are 3.0 grain loads of W231 used with a 148 gr lead bullet. How does the powder know what bullet is up there in front? IOW, if 3.0 gr will ignite with one bullet having less mass and friction, it certainly will with another bullet having more of those attributes.

The difference here is the 148-gr lead bullet is usually a full wadcutter design that is seated flush with the case mouth. That means there's all of the bullet in the case taking up space, whereas the 158-gr SWC leaves quite a bit more space under the bullet in the case. With the full wadcutters, a lighter load generates the same pressure as the heavier load under the SWC because of case volume. Yes, the powder has no idea what bullet it's under- but the case volume vs bullet weight is important for finding a good powder charge.
Also the full wadcutter design has more bearing surface of the bullet contacting the barrel than a SWC design will have, thus more friction.