model 10 low recoil loads?

[BullRunBear]

Hi Folks,

I have a Model 10-8, 4" heavy barrel, with Pachmyer rubber grips. I got it originally just because I wanted one and it is, indeed, a pleasure to shoot. As others have mentioned, it has been claimed by my wife because it is so much more comfortable for her than our other double action revolvers. (Gives me a good excuse to pick up another one for my use.)

I'm looking for a light recoil load for the Model 10: either 148 gr. WC or some light 158 gr. loads. I cast both bullets. We have a modified action pistol competition at our local club, double action for revolvers, with no holster draw or minimum power level. If the load will hit a steel plate or punch a hole in paper, it is enough. The longest range would be 25 yards, usually closer. Susan can't take a lot of recoil for extended shooting (50 + rounds) although she is good with 357s or 44 specials for defense purposes. The muzzle flip of an automatic is even more uncomfortable.

I started out with the lightest Clays load for a 148 WC but wasn't satisified with the accuracy. (About 4 inch groups at 25 yards offhand.) I'll keep experimenting with different powders and charge weights. Heck, part of the fun of a new revolver is developing the loads. But any suggestions of what has worked for long-time Model 10 shooters would be welcome. These loads would ONLY be for competition and plinking.

Thanks for any help.

Jeff

 

[M2 Carbine]

I used to load about 3 grains of Bullseye with a 158gr SWC gas check lead bullet. It was fairly mild and accurate as I recall.

Due to the poor measuring of Bullseye I hardly use it any more for light loads, even though I've got about 10 pounds to shoot up.

Trouble with different weight bullets is the vertical spread.

This is a reduced load of BE that I loaded about 13 years ago and I'm shooting up. The bullets were just inexpensive 158gr cast SWC bullets bought at the gun show.

 

[Will5A1]

I have been very pleased with 231 pushing 158 SWC's and LRN's, my pre- Model 15 seems to prefer 3.8 grains, the 10's seem to shoot 4.1 grains better. I also have good luck with the 120 gr LRN bullet, with loads as light as 3.5 grains. 231 meters nice and I can load up a whole lot of .38 Special out of a 1 pound container.

 

[Rinspeed]

I loaded up several hundred 148 gr HBWC yesterday using 3.0 gr 231. Nice mild recoil and fairly clean. I'll let you know how accuracy goes.

 

[wcwhitey]

I do 4.2 grains of Unique with either a 158 Grain RNFP or a SWC. A nice standard pressure load with low recoil. I shoot this in my K and J frame as well as my Rossi levergun. The new Lyman Manual calls for 4.3 for standard pressure and 4.5 for +P. This is the new Unique formula, a little less dirty but the load data has changed. The old data had the same pressure load at 5.0 grains so something has changed. Good luck and enjoy that model 10. Bill

 

[tinygnat219]

Buy some 100 grain wadcutters, or invest in some Cowboy Ammo. Both have very little felt recoil.

 

[doc2rn]

Federal

Federal makes a light recoil round in 110 I believe.

 

[armoredman]

3.3gr AA#2 with 158gr X-Tremes do OK in my 10-8, true bunny fart loads.

 

[joneb]

I would have gone for the reloading forum on this one, but any who I will recommend IMR Trail Boss, But watch out for powder bridging with small(micro) pistol meters.

 

[Deanimator]

Try 2.7-2.8gr. of Bullseye and a 148gr. hardcast double-ended wadcutter. Roll crimp moderately into the farther crimp groove. I like Penn Bullets for this. You should get EXCELLENT accuracy.

 

[BullRunBear]

Folks,

Thanks for all the suggestions. I've got all of the powders mentioned and 1,000 rounds of the Penn Bullet DEWC and the 158 gr SWCs coming soon. (Time enough to do a lot of casting has been tough to find lately.) Experimentation to follow shortly. While I enjoy working up loads for each of our revolvers, your suggestions will give me a starting point for the different powders and bullet weights.

Thanks again.

Jeff