I have a surplus of MBC 158 grain cast semi-wadcutters. I'll run out of 2400 before I run out of projectiles. I've not found a satisfactory load out of a 38 case in my Blackhawk, so I thought I'd try a few of these. I have CFE-Pistol, HS6, W231, and Silhouette to try. Any guesses as to where I should start? If left to my own devices, I'll probably start with W231. HS6 seems like a good option, but it's dedicated to two other loads already, and uses considerably more powder than W231. Also, I did try it with 158 grain SWC loads in 357 Mag in the same revolver and, while it worked, it was behind 2400 in accuracy.
Powder Choice for Heavy Projectiles in 38 Special
- Thread starter DMW1116
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ballman6711
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I use W231 with 158gr jacketed bullets in my .357 revolver. First time reloading it I just did a few at 3.9gr and it shot so well I never bothered to change it or try a ladder.
May shoot a little different with a cast bullet at .358 vs my jacketed at .357, and of course every gun is different as well.
I don't have any of your other powders so I can't comment on them. I'm sure someone will though.
chris
May shoot a little different with a cast bullet at .358 vs my jacketed at .357, and of course every gun is different as well.
I don't have any of your other powders so I can't comment on them. I'm sure someone will though.
chris
I'll check when I get home, but I think W231 is listed as the most accurate potentially in the Lyman Cast Bullet manual. I'd like a decent target load to go with my full power 357 load. I'd also like them to be visually distinguishable. I was using 125 grain LRN bullets for target loads, but I ran out. Putting the same bullet in a 38 case should tell me it's not as warm as the 357 Mag ones.
.45Coltguy
Member
Dang, too bad OP doesn't have any Unique. Problem would be solved.
burrhead
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Bullseye's a classic powder for 38 Spc
Blue68f100
Member
The powders you listed W231 would be my first choice followed with HS6. HS6 is better for heavier loads and may be a little dirty at lower pressures. WST is good option too, runs cleaner than anything else I've tried.
Palladan44
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W-231 all day
rfwobbly
Member
For target plinking, my son swears by 4.0gr of W231 under a 158gr RMR jacketed bullet in 38 Spcl.
Since W231/ HP38 is too "slow" for 148gr in the same handgun, I'd consider it about the right "burn rate" for that heavy bullet. You might check burn rate charts and see what else is in the neighborhood (speed wise).
Since W231/ HP38 is too "slow" for 148gr in the same handgun, I'd consider it about the right "burn rate" for that heavy bullet. You might check burn rate charts and see what else is in the neighborhood (speed wise).
Mostly Lead
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Settled on 231 for 38 Special and 2400 for 357's 20-30yrs ago, back when I could still see and hit what I was aiming at!
Not sure I'd even try to develop a new load now... glad I dialed them in when I did.
Not sure I'd even try to develop a new load now... glad I dialed them in when I did.
CoalCrackerAl
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I been using bullseye for my 38 special and 357 mag light loads.
GeoDudeFlorida
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There was a time when all I ran in a Blackhawk was .38’s loaded with Bullseye and .357’s loaded with Unique. I’ve seen Bullseye (Powder Valley, I think??) but if you can’t find it, Accurate No.2 makes a good substitute.
LV Gun
Member
W231 , 158gr. LSWC and 38 special is an excellent combination , if you run out of W231 give W244 a try as I did when I couldn’t find W 231 , from my experience it is equally as accurate.
AJC1
Member
What is the oal of the 158 in the 38 case... I'd guess 7.6 ish to around 8.0 will be a full power 357 load in short cases. 8.4 is perfect at 1.585 so adjust accordingly with Silhouette. It's not a full power mag but it's accurate and got good SD numbers. Both hs-6 and Silhouette are mild mannered and great for experimentation. I don't load bullets that light in 38-44. If you have mag cases just drop 8.4 sil seat to 1.585 and get to work. Been my son's competition load for 5 years now.
AJC1
Member
Just shot up 100 rounds of jacketed 357 158s with 6.6 grains of ramshot competition. My dad used a lot of that powder, not a fan.
I use WST or Competition under 158s in .38 Spl for a light plinker/target load. Works great, very consistent FPS regardless of powder position. much better than most in that respect. Around 3.7/3.8 Grs
I don't have a pic of any of those targets, but it works with WCs as well.
Berrys 148 Gr HBWC & DEWC - Competition.
I’d prefer to keep these within the bounds of a standard 38 Special. I’m the only real gun guy in the house and the complexities of +P, Standard, and Magnum might go past even my son. I currently have only a 357 Magnum but a few months ago that was not the case and it was not rated for 38+P.
GeoDudeFlorida
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@bigpower491 introduced me to Ramshot Competition, initially as a .45ACP target load but it’s really a general purpose LOW CHARGE!! shotgun/pistol powder. I’d put it on par with Bullseye, really. Maybe not a replacement but a good alternative for some light loads.
I totally agree with it as a WC .38 powder. Tried it with 150gr NOE LSWC and it’s pretty good. Pretty darn good.
For the OP, the only fast powders to avoid until you get some experience with that projectile under your belt are Solo 1000 and Nitro 100NF. They are from the old Scot line of powders and tend to be a little spiky. Good stuff, don’t get me wrong, but you have to be careful with them. TiteGroup is another to watch carefully. The difference visually between 4.0 and 5.0gr in the cavernous Special case is not huge. Pay attention and TG is your friend. Lose focus and bad things happen.
AJC1
Member
Totally get it. Got 4 357s no 38s. Found some 38 short colt cases today, no interest as of yet... those are tiny spicy...
AJC1
Member
That powder is almost as polarized as the Lee FCD
Riomouse911
Member
When I first saw the title I was thinking 180-200 grain projectiles. The good old 158 has been a standard bullet weight for the .38 Spl and .357 Mag for generations.
For a 158 SWC, 3.8 gr W231 should be a happy medium. Not minimum, not maximum or +P.
Stay safe.
For a 158 SWC, 3.8 gr W231 should be a happy medium. Not minimum, not maximum or +P.
Stay safe.
