Reloading the .38 spl for PPC

[Jenrick]

So I know we have some folks on this board who have shot at a very high level in PPC. I'm hoping to steal a little a of their mojo

Currently I don't bother to tumble as our range at work is concrete so the cases are barely dirty. I don't clean primer pockets, and I don't trim the brass.

I use a lee precision powder measure to throw charges that I check every 20 on a hornady digital scale to verify I'm still on. I haven't settled on a powder I like yet, I know Bullseye is THE powder for .38 spl PPC loads, I just haven't gotten any yet.

I'm currently shooting SWC's, as true WC or DEWC are hard to find down here. Now that I'm casting I'm about to order some molds. Seating depth is at the first lube grove, with a very light roll crimp. I don't have that number handy, but it is consistent with all rounds loaded.

So a couple questions for anyone who can offer assistance:

1) Is it worth it to have short, medium, long yard loads (or some variation on that)? I currently have been loading basically long yardage loads, but if it's worth it....
2) Is it worth while to deal with extra brass prep (cleaning primer pockets, etc)? I'd prefer to be shooting or dry firing over brass prep'ing, but again if it's worth it...
3) I like SWC's for the ability to reload quickly and easily. I know a WC/DEWC with a roll crimp is workable. As I'm about to order molds, would it be worth some points to go with a WC/DEWC versus a SWC?
4) Finally any other suggestions on the ammo front anyone might have?

Thanks in advance!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

This is my opinion and only an opinion.

1) Is it worth it to have short, medium, long yard loads (or some variation on that)? I currently have been loading basically long yardage loads, but if it's worth it....

I would never have more than one load for a handgun competition. It's a problem just waiting to happen. You know inevitability you are going to use the short distance load for a long distance shot one time or another. ( if it really matters) I would use just 1 strategize so that you know what it will do every time.

2) Is it worth while to deal with extra brass prep (cleaning primer pockets, etc)? I'd prefer to be shooting or dry firing over brass prep'ing, but again if it's worth it...

Only you can answer that question. Run a few tests with your guns. Try without any prep, then some prep and again with full prep. If you see no difference you know there is no reason to do anything extra to the brass.

3) I like SWC's for the ability to reload quickly and easily. I know a WC/DEWC with a roll crimp is workable. As I'm about to order molds, would it be worth some points to go with a WC/DEWC versus a SWC?

I would use a SWC bullet. Like you said, reloads are quicker with that bullet yet you still get nice clear holes punched in the paper.

Practice, practice, practice so you know exactly what you are your gun is capable of doing so you can push the limits without everything calling apart. Also, don't forget to have fun while shooting! Enjoy and be safe.

 

[Archie]

Use only one load. .38 Special wadcutters merely have to penetrate the cardboard target at 50 yards. The loading for that is easy to develop - or purchase - and is not particularly difficult to handle at shorter ranges.

When I used to shoot PPC (still have the Cheshire & Perez revolver in the safe) I would set up the revolver to 'remember' three sight settings. I used a single sight setting for both 7 and 15 yards. Revolver sight point of aim is point of impact for those two ranges. (Not much drop there and the target is quite visible.)

For 25 and 50 yards, I used sight settings 3 and 4, but at both distances I used a neck hold on the silhouette as it makes for a more consistent hold.

Brass prep. I cleaned the brass by tumbling and did my best to get the crud out of the primer pockets. That's about it. Check for splits and cracks, obviously. I suggest making (or buying) bullets, powder and primers in large qualities to get as much uniformity as possible.

For practice, concentrate on the 25 and 50 yard stages. Shoot the closer ones from time to time to make sure the sights, ammo and you are right where you're supposed to be. Good shooting to you.

 

[Jenrick]

Thanks guys!

 

[Jim Watson]

My experience in PPC was in the 1970s. Tumblers were not common.
I loaded brass as shot with Speer HBWC seated flush for the Open division, cast SWC for Distinguished.
If you are going to cast, I don't think a DEWC averages as accurate as a "button nose" wadcutter like H&G No 50.

 

[GooseGestapo]

1. Tumble the brass to preserve the dies. It only takes one piece of grit to scratch a nice carbide die.
2. I use wadcutters I cast with the Lee 148gr TLDE-WC .358” 6-cavity mold. I’ve worn 2 out over the last three decades. I use these at 7,15, and 25yds. 50yd line too, in monthly league matches. For state championships, regional, and nationals, I use hollow base swaged wadcutters. I order them unsized and unlubed, and use guess what? I lube with Lee tumble lube and size to .358” to uniform them. I use w/w and range scrap to cast my bullets.
3. I prefer HP38/Win231. Lee cavity .30 for DEWCLAW, .27 for HBWC. .37 for SWC. However I used Bullseye for 15yrs because I was bequeathed 40lbs by a shooting buddy when he passed away.
4. For service gun matches I use the Lee 158gr SWC-TL. I switch to a Swaged 158gr for regionals, nationals.

GOOD LUCK!
I understand that the Nationals will be back in Mississippi this year. MSHP range at Pearl, MS. It’ll be the first time I’ve been back since 2004.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

For practice, concentrate on the 25 and 50 yard stages. Shoot the closer ones from time to time to make sure the sights, ammo and you are right where you're supposed to be.

Very good advice there...

 

[fpgt72]

This is my opinion and only an opinion.

I would never have more than one load for a handgun competition. It's a problem just waiting to happen. You know inevitability you are going to use the short distance load for a long distance shot one time or another. ( if it really matters) I would use just 1 strategize so that you know what it will do every time.

Only you can answer that question. Run a few tests with your guns. Try without any prep, then some prep and again with full prep. If you see no difference you know there is no reason to do anything extra to the brass.

I would use a SWC bullet. Like you said, reloads are quicker with that bullet yet you still get nice clear holes punched in the paper.

Practice, practice, practice so you know exactly what you are your gun is capable of doing so you can push the limits without everything calling apart. Also, don't forget to have fun while shooting! Enjoy and be safe.

The problem with #2 is.....it worked this time....will it work next time?

The one thing that really ticks me off is having equipment fail.....and the thing worse then that is having a consumable fail. If I was lazy on loading and got a click no bang, for ME that just tosses me totally off base....my head is never really "in it" again, and I am thinking will I get a click no bang again.

I am very....as in VERY anal about my reloading, so everything I do gets the full 9 yards. I don't shoot much pistol, I tend to suck at it, but the rifle (different i know) gets everything, and every charge is checked. And you know for ME again this is really the fun part. I enjoy the reloading, the measuring, what is the neck now.....ok what is the neck after the bullet is in there....is that bullet in there true. All of this little stuff is just relaxing and fun......and I am not sure if it is in my head or real, but I do think....or I should say FEEL it makes a difference.