Speer guide vs Hornady

[ExAgoradzo]

so, my Speer guide is older than dirt. If you look closely, the dirt grows right out of its pages...

My Hornady guide is new.

My 148 gr HBWC bullets are new and Speer. I’m loading target loads (moderate strength, not full power) for my 38 Spec.

My Speer catalog doesn’t list Unique in its pages. My box of powders bottles contains Unique, but not the powders that’s Speer lists.

I want to use the numbers that have the 148 gr HBWC in my Hornady book using Unique.

I don’t see a problem. Am I right? A Hornady 148 HBWC bullet is for all essential purposes a Speer HBWC, right?

I’m willing to be mocked for my novice question just so long as you also tell me if I’m right or not...

Thanks,
Greg

 

[LiveLife]

Speer catalog doesn’t list Unique in its pages

FYI, Lyman #48 pdf - http://marvinstuart.com/firearm/Manuals/Reloading/Reloading Manuals/Lyman Reloading Handbook - 48th Edition - 2002 - ocr.pdf

.38 Special load data with Unique starting page 333.


FWIW, I couldn't find Speer load data for Unique and 148 gr HBWC for .38 Special but found Unique load data for lead 158 gr bullets - https://www.speer-ammo.com/download...n/38_caliber_357-358_dia/38_Special_158_L.pdf


I believe there are different types of HBWC but I don't reload 148 gr HBWC and I am sure members reloading HBWC should be coming along to post their recommendations.

 

[Bull Nutria]

yes a 148 grain speer wad cutter is loaded same as Hornady wad cutter just so weight is the same. I use 4.3 g of unique in my 38 sp loads but I use 160 RN bullets. they shoot very accurately and mildly!

Bull

 

[Slamfire]

No one I know uses Unique with a 148 HBWC. These are Bullseye Pistol target shooters and they typically use 2.7 grains Bullseye or Titegroup. This load will shoot within two inches at 50 yards if you can hold that well.

I opened up my Lyman 41st edition (1957)



and this was back in the day when the only powders were Bullseye, No.6, 5066, Unique, and 2400. For a 148 grain Wadcutter Hollow base, the max load is 5.0 grs Unique at 995 fps. I think that is smoking fast with this bullet.

This is what I got with my Python:

Colt Python Stainless Steel, 6" Barrel

24 Sept 1999

148 gr LBBWC 2.7 grs Bullseye 38 SPL cases CCI500 T = 78 ° F
24 Sept 1999 T = 78 ° F

Ave Vel = 710
Std Dev = 18
ES = 72.02
High = 746.1
Low = 674
N = 32

shot fine at 25 yards, no leading, light recoil

And this is what I got with a snubbie:

S&W M638-3 Airweight Bodyguard
148 LWC Valiant 2.7 grs Bullseye thrown Mixed Brass WSP

18-Mar-07 T = 52 °F little high

Ave Vel = 611.6
Std Dev = 22.04
ES = 75.92
High = 648.1
Low = 572.2
N = 25

I have no doubt that the bullet differences between a swaged lead 148 grain HBWC made by Speer and a swaged lead 148 grain HBWC made by Hornady are inconsequential and you won't notice a difference using Hornady data with a Speer bullet. At least, not at velocities and pressures that won't blow the skirts of that bullet.

 

[ExAgoradzo]

This is a K frame 5” barrel. 1954 or 56. The same chart seemed to indicate both ???

I suspect it will be very accurate.

I’ll call my fav fun store and see what powders they have.

Greg

 

[cfullgraf]

My 148 gr HBWC bullets are new...

In case you do not already know...

Just keep in mind that you can drive 148 hollow base wadcutters too fast. If the velocity is too high, you run the risk of shedding the skirt before the bullet leaves the barrel. This leads to an obstruction in the barrel.

Generally, 148 HBWC are driven relatively slowly.

Solid base wadcutters can be driven faster.

 

[ExAgoradzo]

Yep
I noted that in my reading: it could lead the barrel. I had that prob once in my .45-70 and don’t wish to repeat it

I do appreciate the tip though...

Greg

 

[Riomouse911]

DEWC bullets I'll load with Unique or Bullseye...or HP-38 in a pinch. HBWC (I like the Berry's plated ones) are strictly a 2.7 to 3.0 gr Bullseye proposition for me (depending on the gun)...some shoot better with the 3.0 gr load.

Stay safe!

 

[Charlie98]

I loaded a 4grn Unique load under those bullets for my mom's 3" J-frame many years ago... it was one of the most accurate loads I'd ever developed.