The fun of doing a new load.

[gonoles_1980]

No two sources seem to be the same.

I'm going to load titegroup for a 38spl with 158 gr lswc (I have a Speer 158gr LSWCHP)

Hodgon site: Used a 7.7" barrel
Titegroup
.358"
1.475"
3.2
815
11,500 CUP
3.8
920
15,400 CUP

Layman Loading Manual 49th edition: Used a 4" barrel
Titegroup
1.445
2.9
805
12800 CUP
3.3
895
16100 CUP
Lee:
3.2 to 3.8

The Lee foldout that comes with your die matches the Hodgon site.

Speer Load Manual 14th edition has no data for Titegroup for lead, only jacketed and nothing for a 158gr bullet. Disappointing considering I was planning to use Speer LSWCHP's.

My 38 has a 2" barrel. Based on this this I think a starting load should be 3.2. I think I would tend to trust the powder manufacturer more. I'm thinking of a ladder load of 3.2-3.5 at .1 gr per step.

 

[FROGO207]

You want to crimp in the crimp groove on the bullet despite what the other data says for OAL. I will use the 10% lower than max data and start with the lowest charge of them all and then work up to whatever is accurate and burns clean without going over the max of the highest loading. A firm roll crimp will help with burning clean and accuracy. Make sure the length of the brass is all the same or when crimping the rounds will not all have the same crimp or you could buckle the walls of some of them. If you have several different lengths of brass sort them by length and adjust your crimp for that length as you crimp them. Lots easier than trimming a bunch of random 38 SPL brass IMHO. If you have accuracy problems the lead bullets may be too small or your cylinder throats may be too small. Address this if you have problems later.

 

[gonoles_1980]

I pretty much went with the Hodgdon data since it's their gunpowder. Saw several recipes on the web for 3.5 titegroup with 158gr LSWC. Finished up my ladder loads of 5 rounds each, 3.2-3.6, .1gr for each step. I like the crimp grove in the xtreme bullets LSWC, makes for a nice roll crimp.