icanthitabarn
Member
Anyone try 5.5 gr. of Unique in a .38 Sp.? I mean, it seems to be too much, but I have a K frame .357. Oh, I have 158 gr swc's. I would also load to max length. Thanks
thoughts anyone?
- Thread starter icanthitabarn
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5.5 Grs Unique in .38 Spl in a .38 Spl gun? No.
5.5 Grs Unique in .357 brass in a .357? Yes.
5.5 Grs in .38 brass in a .357? Still a bad idea, as it may wind up in a .38 Spl gun.
O.A.L.? Determined by the crimp groove.
You seem to be badly in need of a reloading manual. At least check the reloading data available at the various powder sellers websites.
5.5 Grs Unique in .357 brass in a .357? Yes.
5.5 Grs in .38 brass in a .357? Still a bad idea, as it may wind up in a .38 Spl gun.
O.A.L.? Determined by the crimp groove.
You seem to be badly in need of a reloading manual. At least check the reloading data available at the various powder sellers websites.
loadedround
Member
According to the current Speer #14 Manual, 5.2 gr of Unique is maximum for 158 gr +P loads in the 38 Spcl. Suggest you check out your loads in several loading manuals before you attempt to fire them.
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icanthitabarn
Member
Thanks for responding, I shot my first .38 reloads yesterday, using 4 gr. Unique. They didnt shot too well. I need to learn about that crimp groove thing. I just seated them at a few lengths, between min and max and wrote it in logbook. I am using a Lee factory crimp die and really dont crimp at all. Where should that groove be? About the original question, I dont own a .38.
something vague
Member
But that really isn't the issue here. Where did you get this data you used from? Did you just start at 5.5gr. and start blasting away? Since when are we reloading without first buying manuals? I wouldn't have the nuts myself. Don't mean to sound like an ass but before you load anymore rounds you need to get yourself a loading manual, and I would suggest getting two or three.
Here's Alliant's data for a 38 spl. +p. They list it at 5.2grs as well.
http://www.alliantpowder.com/reload...d=1&weight=158&shellid=27&bulletid=30&bdid=66
The gun will definitly handle your load but I just don't see how came across this load and the point of shooting it so hot in a .38spl case. The case is the weak point here.
NCsmitty
Member
icanthitabarn, yes, you do need to learn proper procedure. I suggest not using your Lee FCD, and instead learn how to seat the bullet while imparting a crimp with your seating die. Chances are, you'll get better results with your loads with a nice roll crimp.
I like Unique a lot and it will give you good results if you do your part.
NCsmitty
I like Unique a lot and it will give you good results if you do your part.
NCsmitty
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icanthitabarn
Member
I can't argue with needing books, I guess seeing that advice a million times was why I saw it a million times. I started reloading a few months ago with .45 and just was careful and did ok. I thought the books were for safety with loads and because all the load data was different, anyways, I only have the data that comes with Lee dies and a old Lyman book. I have made a few dippers for the .45 and used them. None worked for the .38 with Unique, except for the 4gr. Thats why I am at 5.5. I just read around and as you can see, the ones I just loaded, in 4.2gr. are seated a little too much . I think I understand the roll crimp and its position, now. I have just been barely resizing and flaring to just let the bullet start in the mouth, so when seated, the tight fitting bullet was what I called a crimp.
oneounceload
member
So are you just dipping and not using a scale??
Are you SERIOUS??
Spend the few bucks and buy the manuals, a scale and do it right - you're not just mixing a rum and coke here - you need to be just a tad more precise
Are you SERIOUS??
Spend the few bucks and buy the manuals, a scale and do it right - you're not just mixing a rum and coke here - you need to be just a tad more precise
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icanthitabarn
Member
Heck no, I got a scale. Got a $70 plastic Lyman 1000gr scale. Anyone need 700 gr?
Here is a link to a thread with some crimp pics.
You bet they are. They will answer 99% of your questions. They are cheap insurance you should not be without.
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icanthitabarn
Member
Thanks, I saw that thread awhile back, and then just now and I think I got the crimping theory and actual crimp right now. You have helped a lot. Although crimping wasnt on my mind before. I think you have saved me a huge waste of time and material, not to mention aggravation. I did make make 6 of those hot loads, and a few 4 gr. with a proper crimp. Maybe thats why I was seeing sparks out of the gap?
5.5grs of Unique with a 158gr LSWC was a below max .38 spl load in the first Hornady book I bought in the mid 70's. I loaded and shot a lot of these out of my .357 mag revolvers. In the 80's I acquired a couple .38 spl's and after checking the data of the time I noticed that the 5.5gr load of Unique was now over maximum so I left the ammo I had with that load set aside for .357 mag revolvers.
When I finally purchased a chronograph I ran some of these old loads over it and found that they where running over 1,000 fps from a 4" barrel and around 890 fps from a 2" so they where definitely warmer than the typical +P factory load, closer to what custom loaders like Buffalo Bore is selling.
When I finally purchased a chronograph I ran some of these old loads over it and found that they where running over 1,000 fps from a 4" barrel and around 890 fps from a 2" so they where definitely warmer than the typical +P factory load, closer to what custom loaders like Buffalo Bore is selling.
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icanthitabarn
Member
Thanks, thats why I asked.
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icanthitabarn
Member
Well that 5.5 gr. Unique load in .38 was not too crazy in my mod. 13 .357. Had a kick but nothing like a factory .357. Many thanks for responses. I felt ok about shooting it and the crimping advice was hugely helpful. What a difference!!! I could say I had only time for one shot. LOL
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