I searched the forum and found some good information, but thought I would start a new updated thread to get some specific advice for anyone who is willing to share.
I just picked up my first revolver, so now I have to add another caliber to my loading routine. It is a S&W 686 with a 6" barrel. I am going to stick with .38 spl for now, and these loads will be mostly for paper punching. I have no intention of competing or hunting with the gun, and it is way too large (for me) to carry, so no worries about SD loads.
I ordered some Black Bullets (coated lead) because I really like their products and use them in my .40 competition gun all the time:
https://shop.blackbulletsinternational.com/38-160gr-2800-38-160-2800QTY.htm?categoryId=1
These are 160 gr (odd weight) and .358" in diameter with a round nose. I will probably look for some SWC bullets later. Any good recommendations? I do love SWC's in my .45's, and Black Bullets does make some .45 SWCs (but not .38, which sucks). Are others shooting RN bullets in their .38 loads? Most of the posts on here talked about WC or SWC loads.
From looking at the Hodgdon site, they show loads at 1.455" COAL. I have read that most people load to the cannelure and roll crimp into the groove. Yes? How can you check COAL with a revolver? There is no way to do a plunk test with a revolver is there? I notice that no one seems to make case gauges for .38 special. Not needed???
Powders:
I have a ton of HP-38/W231 which is probably a good place to start, but I also see TiteGroup loads as well as WST and Bullseye (I have plenty of those 3 powders as well). There were some posts on here that talked about the TG loads being the dirtiest and with the most perceived recoil. I will probably start with some HP-38/W231 loads and see where I get. Is it even worth it to work up any WST or Bullseye loads?
It is probably smart to start with the HP-38 with these RN bullets, and then maybe work out some loads later with SWC bullets to see what the gun prefers.
I also read somewhere that it is common to trim .38 spc brass to get a consistent length which makes for better roll crimps. Is that true? Ugh. Lots of extra work like rifle rounds. I would rather not, but if I have to, I guess I can. My Giraud trimmer only works with rifle calibers, so I would have to go back to the dark ages and use my old Hornady crank trimmer!!! Nooooooooooooo...
Anything else I need to watch out for? Tips/tricks?
I just picked up my first revolver, so now I have to add another caliber to my loading routine. It is a S&W 686 with a 6" barrel. I am going to stick with .38 spl for now, and these loads will be mostly for paper punching. I have no intention of competing or hunting with the gun, and it is way too large (for me) to carry, so no worries about SD loads.
I ordered some Black Bullets (coated lead) because I really like their products and use them in my .40 competition gun all the time:
https://shop.blackbulletsinternational.com/38-160gr-2800-38-160-2800QTY.htm?categoryId=1
These are 160 gr (odd weight) and .358" in diameter with a round nose. I will probably look for some SWC bullets later. Any good recommendations? I do love SWC's in my .45's, and Black Bullets does make some .45 SWCs (but not .38, which sucks). Are others shooting RN bullets in their .38 loads? Most of the posts on here talked about WC or SWC loads.
From looking at the Hodgdon site, they show loads at 1.455" COAL. I have read that most people load to the cannelure and roll crimp into the groove. Yes? How can you check COAL with a revolver? There is no way to do a plunk test with a revolver is there? I notice that no one seems to make case gauges for .38 special. Not needed???
Powders:
I have a ton of HP-38/W231 which is probably a good place to start, but I also see TiteGroup loads as well as WST and Bullseye (I have plenty of those 3 powders as well). There were some posts on here that talked about the TG loads being the dirtiest and with the most perceived recoil. I will probably start with some HP-38/W231 loads and see where I get. Is it even worth it to work up any WST or Bullseye loads?
It is probably smart to start with the HP-38 with these RN bullets, and then maybe work out some loads later with SWC bullets to see what the gun prefers.
I also read somewhere that it is common to trim .38 spc brass to get a consistent length which makes for better roll crimps. Is that true? Ugh. Lots of extra work like rifle rounds. I would rather not, but if I have to, I guess I can. My Giraud trimmer only works with rifle calibers, so I would have to go back to the dark ages and use my old Hornady crank trimmer!!! Nooooooooooooo...
Anything else I need to watch out for? Tips/tricks?
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