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Posted: 2/18/2019 11:12:56 PM EDT
[#1]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I like coated hardcast bullets commercially bought, or when I can find lead, home-brew. https://www.snscasting.com/38-357/ http://www.bayoubullets.net/38-357-158-gr-swc-500-ct/ http://missouribullet.com/results.php?category=20&secondary=10 https://i.imgur.com/yg8C95d.jpg https://i.imgur.com/YWl7c37.jpg https://i.imgur.com/U2rczaE.jpg https://i.imgur.com/NfdMjgl.jpg home-brew and powder coated https://i.imgur.com/5U7woh8.jpg https://i.imgur.com/64VcjYU.jpg https://i.imgur.com/9mGAS8b.jpg |
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Posted: 2/18/2019 11:18:27 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Yeah, so a 3" won't work as well 
There is better ammo out there. Golden Sabers, Winchester bonded, the wichester lswchp work better than the Federals, and the Remington 125 sjhp +p work good in 4" guns but don't expand in 2" guns. I'm not sure if 3" is enough 
38 being what it is is a finicky thing, a old relic that still stays around, which is why i stick with the hornady 110 +P, its just the perfect balance for a 3", good bullet design for expansion and near 1000 fps out of the muzzle of a 3" so its pretty good. i could use +P+ stuff but because my 3" is a aluminum alloy primary frame that has had 2500 rounds through it i dont want to abuse it more than it already has been despite all this 38spl is still my all time favorite cartridge besides i have to run through 42 rounds of 124 grain 9mm first before it is 38spl+p time
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Posted: 2/18/2019 11:20:34 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I like coated hardcast bullets commercially bought, or when I can find lead, home-brew. https://www.snscasting.com/38-357/ http://www.bayoubullets.net/38-357-158-gr-swc-500-ct/ http://missouribullet.com/results.php?category=20&secondary=10 https://i.imgur.com/yg8C95d.jpg https://i.imgur.com/YWl7c37.jpg https://i.imgur.com/U2rczaE.jpg https://i.imgur.com/NfdMjgl.jpg home-brew and powder coated https://i.imgur.com/5U7woh8.jpg https://i.imgur.com/64VcjYU.jpg https://i.imgur.com/9mGAS8b.jpg 
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Posted: 2/18/2019 11:23:30 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
welcome to the odd world of 3" thats not in 357 mag!
38 being what it is is a finicky thing, a old relic that still stays around, which is why i stick with the hornady 110 +P, its just the perfect balance for a 3", good bullet design for expansion and near 1000 fps out of the muzzle of a 3" so its pretty good. i could use +P+ stuff but because my 3" is a aluminum alloy primary frame that has had 2500 rounds through it i dont want to abuse it more than it already has been despite all this 38spl is still my all time favorite cartridge besides i have to run through 42 rounds of 124 grain 9mm first before it is 38spl+p time Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted: Yeah, so a 3" won't work as well
There is better ammo out there. Golden Sabers, Winchester bonded, the wichester lswchp work better than the Federals, and the Remington 125 sjhp +p work good in 4" guns but don't expand in 2" guns. I'm not sure if 3" is enough
38 being what it is is a finicky thing, a old relic that still stays around, which is why i stick with the hornady 110 +P, its just the perfect balance for a 3", good bullet design for expansion and near 1000 fps out of the muzzle of a 3" so its pretty good. i could use +P+ stuff but because my 3" is a aluminum alloy primary frame that has had 2500 rounds through it i dont want to abuse it more than it already has been despite all this 38spl is still my all time favorite cartridge besides i have to run through 42 rounds of 124 grain 9mm first before it is 38spl+p time The golden sabers and winchester bonded perform better out of a 2" than the loads you posted out of a 4". 3" would be better still. |
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Posted: 2/18/2019 11:34:30 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted: There are no +p+ .38 The golden sabers and winchester bonded perform better out of a 2" than the loads you posted out of a 4". 3" would be better still. +p+ is a near mythical load true, thank god, a stainless K-frame or a sp101 might be able to take it but not my lcr ... i can hear the kaboom in my mind 
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Posted: 2/18/2019 11:40:10 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've been loading 6.4 which is the .7 Lee scoop. I figure I'm getting around 1100fps which is a good gp load, especially for training. I might try to go up that high for hunting. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
158 gr LSWC over 7.0 gr Unique is my go to 357 do-it-all load. Not too crazy, but hot enough to let you know it's definitely a magnum. Progress being what it is, I now load my home cast powder coated 158 gr SWC's with 10 grs of True Blue for an almost full load. Very clean burning and no leading or smoke. Full load in 357 would be my home cast powder coated 158 gr SWC's with 17 grs of H-110 and a firm crimp. Work up as this is a max load. Not for the meek. 38's? I don't shoot 38 cases in my 357's. But I do load 38 power level in 357 cases. My favorite is a Hornady swaged hollow base wadcutter seated flush with 3.0 grs Bullseye. |
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Posted: 2/18/2019 11:43:19 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted: i know i know, but for us lesser beings what choice do we have? I'm sure BigPony would help you get started. |
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Posted: 2/18/2019 11:48:24 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Coated bullets are interesting. I don't care for the colors but it's not a deal breaker. I just finished up a 500rd box of uncoated 18bhn bullets from Missouri and felt the leaded a bit to much. Do the coated ones lead at all? I sold my RCBS bullet lube machine, and went full speed ahead on coated IMHO, clear looks the best... 
looks like powdered sugar, before baking in a cheap meglomart toaster oven... 
 Bayou sells 100 count sample packs... http://www.bayoubullets.net/38-357-158-gr-swc-100-ct/ |
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Posted: 2/18/2019 11:51:19 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: you just like the pretty colors
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Posted: 2/19/2019 6:39:37 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I've loaded max magnum loads of H110 and 2400, 1400+ fps and have not had leading ( 357 and 44 mag ) I sold my RCBS bullet lube machine, and went full speed ahead on coated IMHO, clear looks the best...
https://i.imgur.com/BOz64p4.jpg https://i.imgur.com/nQGypmJ.jpg looks like powdered sugar, before baking in a cheap meglomart toaster oven... https://i.imgur.com/kThabxW.jpg https://i.imgur.com/KDL4k9H.jpg Bayou sells 100 count sample packs... http://www.bayoubullets.net/38-357-158-gr-swc-100-ct/ |
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Posted: 2/19/2019 6:53:05 AM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:
I finally got my bench set up in my new house to start reloading. I'm set with the rest of my loads but am new to these. I'd prefer ideas that use unique and swc. The uses will be paper, uspsa, general woods use, hunting, and SD. For .357 mag, 125 gr. JHP moving at 1,450 fps is an old standard. And the 180 gr. hard cast is an old hunting favorite. For .38 SPC, it would be fun to duplicate the old FBI load. It's a 158 gr. LSWCHP +P load. Federal 38G or Winchester X38SPD, for example. https://www.luckygunner.com/38-special-p-158-gr-lswchp-federal-le-50-rounds https://www.luckygunner.com/38-special-p-158-grain-lead-semi-wadcutter-hp-winchester-super-x-50-rounds That .38 Special +P FBI load was considered very effective for decades. There's a lot of range in those two calibers. From super-weak cowboy loads to hard hitting .357 mag hard casts, they are very versatile calibers. |
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Posted: 2/19/2019 8:24:03 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I didn't realize they had a clear. Im definitely going to try them out now. |
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Posted: 2/19/2019 8:49:58 AM EDT
[#13]
I like 357 magnum 158 gr XTP with max load of H110.
And 38 special 158 gr Berry's played RN with 3.5 gr Titegroup. |
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Posted: 2/19/2019 9:13:26 AM EDT
[#14]
I made up some warm loads
16.2 gr W296, under RMR 158gr LSWC I shoot that out of my 6" full lug GP100 |
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Posted: 2/19/2019 9:17:10 AM EDT
[#15]
158 SWC,over 3.4 gr. of Titegroup is my go to load for .38 shooting.
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Posted: 2/19/2019 10:02:28 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted: There are no +p+ .38 The golden sabers and winchester bonded perform better out of a 2" than the loads you posted out of a 4". 3" would be better still. Have a box in my ammo stash. |
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Posted: 2/19/2019 10:02:42 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: There are no +p+ .38 The golden sabers and winchester bonded perform better out of a 2" than the loads you posted out of a 4". 3" would be better still. Have a box in my ammo stash. |
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Posted: 2/19/2019 10:03:49 AM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: There are no +p+ .38 The golden sabers and winchester bonded perform better out of a 2" than the loads you posted out of a 4". 3" would be better still. Have a box in my ammo stash. ETA: Holy triple tap....... 
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Posted: 2/19/2019 10:13:43 AM EDT
[#19]
21.8 grains or so of H110 with a 125 grain pill
KABLOOOOOM Nice little fireball |
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Posted: 2/19/2019 11:54:37 AM EDT
[#20]
Since before I was in school my Dad loaded home made 158 gr keith bullets with 8.0 gr of unique, and the same with 158 gr. XTP's.
Those ended up shooting well in every .357 we have so I have stuck with it for the most part and it's worked well. A LOT of people shoot 158's over 6.5 to 7.0 gr. of Unique and like that load. |
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Posted: 2/19/2019 12:08:17 PM EDT
[#21]
My own cast 175 grain Keith bullet over an unspecified amount of SR 4756 (no longer available
 ) in a .38 Special case.The load is powerful, yet shows absolutely no pressure signs and has a single digit standard velocity deviation. |
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Posted: 2/19/2019 12:29:22 PM EDT
[#22]
Great thread
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Posted: 2/19/2019 12:38:15 PM EDT
[#23]
It is hard to beat the Speer 148 grain full wadcutter over 3.0 grains of 231, for target loads. Shoots great in every pistol I've ever shot it through.
Group on the right. 
More here: Small Lesson About Bullets |
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Posted: 2/19/2019 3:12:06 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
It is hard to beat the Speer 148 grain full wadcutter over 3.0 grains of 231, for target loads. Shoots great in every pistol I've ever shot it through. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/25628/bullet4-850842.jpg Group on the right. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/25628/bullet5-850843.jpg More here: Small Lesson About Bullets Most posts about accurate bullets seem to be in reference to rifles. I can attest that pistols are affected in the same way. Everything from function, to POI, to overall accuracy, can change dramatically from one bullet to the next. For typical blasting at handgun ranges, it may not matter to most people. For top performance, it absolutely does. |
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Posted: 2/19/2019 3:50:50 PM EDT
[#25]
It seems most of you guys load lighter bullets than I do. The lowest I'll go is a 148gr wadcutter. Almost all my coated bullet loads are 158-170gr in .38. I'm messing around with Trail Boss these days, so far I'm not impressed.
My hunting load is a 158 gr Sierra JSP over 14 gr of 2400. Mainly because it feeds and expands well in the Marlin too. |
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Posted: 2/20/2019 6:52:47 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
It seems most of you guys load lighter bullets than I do. The lowest I'll go is a 148gr wadcutter. Almost all my coated bullet loads are 158-170gr in .38. I'm messing around with Trail Boss these days, so far I'm not impressed. My hunting load is a 158 gr Sierra JSP over 14 gr of 2400. Mainly because it feeds and expands well in the Marlin too. Do you know if that Sierra is used in any factory loads? I've seen gel tests with the federal factory jsp and it did ok. |
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Posted: 2/20/2019 7:11:12 AM EDT
[#27]
8.2gr of Blue Dot, under a 125gr bullet, in a .38spl case, gives me a not too spicy, flat shooting, target load.
I like to call it .38 extra special. It is a +p++ load, ONLY to be used in .357 magnum firearms. |
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Posted: 2/20/2019 7:21:45 AM EDT
[#28]
38 158 lswc over aa#2 about 4gr is +p for it.
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Posted: 2/20/2019 7:34:44 AM EDT
[#29]
2.7 Bullsyeye with 148 gr HBWC. I could buy 10 lbs of bulk powder for 35.00 and 1000 bullets for 18.00 from Bull-X. I bought powder 2 times a year along with enough bullets. WSP primers where about 3/4 of a cent.
Man those where the days. Almost 100% of it was double action through a model 15 with maybe 10,000 through my model 52. Model 10 got various powders from 231 to AA 5 to unique with a 158 swc bull x |
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Posted: 2/20/2019 8:28:55 AM EDT
[#30]
What's everyone doing for their SD reloads? I can really only find Gold Dots for .25.
I get loaded defensive ammo for .40cpr. After primers and powder I'm not saving "that" much especially when you factor in flash retardent powders, sealed primers, etc. |
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Posted: 2/20/2019 10:10:17 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
What's everyone doing for their SD reloads? I can really only find Gold Dots for .25. I get loaded defensive ammo for .40cpr. After primers and powder I'm not saving "that" much especially when you factor in flash retardent powders, sealed primers, etc. I don’t use a .357mag for defense anymore....but if i did it would be the classic 125gr SJHP which you can duplicate or exceed with 22gr H110/win296 and a SJHP you’ll need magnum primers and a frim roll crimp 22gr pretty much fills the case, which is normal for H110/296 loads I would not use these in a K-frame, L, N frame or ruger only  Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 2/20/2019 10:26:08 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: There are no +p+ .38 The golden sabers and winchester bonded perform better out of a 2" than the loads you posted out of a 4". 3" would be better still. |
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Posted: 2/20/2019 11:17:07 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
My wife shot a large mule deer with a .357 Golden Saber at about 40 yards. 4" barrel. The deer was approx 20" deep at the impact point. Through and through. The exit hole was the size of a baseball. I was very impressed. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted: There are no +p+ .38 The golden sabers and winchester bonded perform better out of a 2" than the loads you posted out of a 4". 3" would be better still. |
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Posted: 2/20/2019 11:39:08 AM EDT
[#34]
Speer shot capsule with #8 or 9 shot is convenient for slithering things and can be loaded with Unique. I don't have my book handy, but internet indicates 5.5 gr of Unique in 38 special case.
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Posted: 2/20/2019 11:45:08 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
What's everyone doing for their SD reloads? I can really only find Gold Dots for .25. I get loaded defensive ammo for .40cpr. After primers and powder I'm not saving "that" much especially when you factor in flash retardent powders, sealed primers, etc. |
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Posted: 2/20/2019 11:51:14 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I was thinking about using 125 grain RN for my practice loads since it would be easier for reloads but ended up just sticking with 158 swc for now. Do you know if that Sierra is used in any factory loads? I've seen gel tests with the federal factory jsp and it did ok. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
It seems most of you guys load lighter bullets than I do. The lowest I'll go is a 148gr wadcutter. Almost all my coated bullet loads are 158-170gr in .38. I'm messing around with Trail Boss these days, so far I'm not impressed. My hunting load is a 158 gr Sierra JSP over 14 gr of 2400. Mainly because it feeds and expands well in the Marlin too. Do you know if that Sierra is used in any factory loads? I've seen gel tests with the federal factory jsp and it did ok. |
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Posted: 2/20/2019 6:18:20 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
What's everyone doing for their SD reloads? I can really only find Gold Dots for .25. I get loaded defensive ammo for .40cpr. After primers and powder I'm not saving "that" much especially when you factor in flash retardent powders, sealed primers, etc. When there's a rukus outside my place at night it's usually an animal(s). If not, I'm happy with that load anyway. But I always lean toward the penetration side of the penetration-expansion graph. |
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Posted: 2/20/2019 7:37:48 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Same thing, 158 gr XTP over 8.0 of Unique. When there's a rukus outside my place at night it's usually an animal(s). If not, I'm happy with that load anyway. But I always lean toward the penetration side of the penetration-expansion graph. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
What's everyone doing for their SD reloads? I can really only find Gold Dots for .25. I get loaded defensive ammo for .40cpr. After primers and powder I'm not saving "that" much especially when you factor in flash retardent powders, sealed primers, etc. When there's a rukus outside my place at night it's usually an animal(s). If not, I'm happy with that load anyway. But I always lean toward the penetration side of the penetration-expansion graph. Ive had really good kills on deer with 250 grain xtps going 1100fps in a .45 colt. They don't seem to expand much on coyotes though. |
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Posted: 2/21/2019 10:45:59 AM EDT
[#39]
I've had good results with 2.6gr of Bullseye under a 148gr DEWC "soup can" I cast out of a Lee mold. I tend to use CCI or Winchester primers.
Reliable, mild recoil and, since I started powdercoating, almost no smoke or fouling! |
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Posted: 2/21/2019 4:38:59 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
What sort of velocity are you getting? Ive had really good kills on deer with 250 grain xtps going 1100fps in a .45 colt. They don't seem to expand much on coyotes though. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
What's everyone doing for their SD reloads? I can really only find Gold Dots for .25. I get loaded defensive ammo for .40cpr. After primers and powder I'm not saving "that" much especially when you factor in flash retardent powders, sealed primers, etc. When there's a rukus outside my place at night it's usually an animal(s). If not, I'm happy with that load anyway. But I always lean toward the penetration side of the penetration-expansion graph. Ive had really good kills on deer with 250 grain xtps going 1100fps in a .45 colt. They don't seem to expand much on coyotes though. Keep in mind we reloaded .357 out of "very" old manuals, I think they have watered down max load data in later years. I know the XTP's at whatever velocity it's doing with that load, will flat roll up coyotes heading away from the shooter. Thru and thru with heavy damage. Samo with belligerent dogs, only from front to back. I used to know a couple lion hunters that used it too, out of 6 1/2" Ruger Blackhawks and they were very happy with the results. I've never hunted deer/antelope or bigger with .357, so no help there. We shoot .44 mag a LOT more than .357 these days so instead of getting all cutting edge, I've just stayed with that old tried and true load. |
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Posted: 2/21/2019 4:42:39 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What sort of velocity are you getting? Ive had really good kills on deer with 250 grain xtps going 1100fps in a .45 colt. They don't seem to expand much on coyotes though. |
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Posted: 2/21/2019 4:49:19 PM EDT
[#42]
I like 125 gr hollow point over 9 grains of unique.
makes shooting milk jugs fun
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Posted: 2/21/2019 5:40:10 PM EDT
[#43]
if you want velocity, H110 / win296 ( same powder ) or 2400 from older manuals are the way to go
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Posted: 2/21/2019 6:41:15 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
if you want velocity, H110 / win296 ( same powder ) or 2400 from older manuals are the way to go Pretty impressive .38 +p |
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Posted: 2/21/2019 8:21:41 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I've only got a little 2400 left and a ton of unique. I hate switching powders around. I will try some. It is a very versatile powder that I use in my .45 colts. Pretty impressive .38 +p I love unique aka . . . "combustable dirt" 
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Posted: 2/21/2019 8:25:05 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
148 HBWC, 2.7 grains Bullseye, Federal Primer 24 rounds @ 50 yards. I just shot these today from a 6” Smith and Wesson. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/55995/A2A22D8B-ED64-4623-9EF6-A8C71B1901AA_jpeg-845800.JPG VERY pleasant to shoot out of virtually ANY .38/.357 revolver, even the lightweight snubbies. |
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Posted: 2/21/2019 8:30:58 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryAnd I'm really not looking for top end loads. I'd rather use my Redhawk or Blackhawk for recoil makers.
I just want a 38 training load which I think I've settled for 4.6 grains of unique with a 158. A service load for storage and woods use for my m64 and my wife's m15. I've got some 158 swc over 5.2 that I'll test tomorrow. 5 grains worked well but if 5.2 is accurate and safe I'll use that. For .357 I think my 6.4 grains for a general purpose load will work. I still need a heavy woods load. |
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Posted: 2/21/2019 8:33:56 PM EDT
[#48]
158 grain lswc over 2.8 grains of bullseye and whatever primer.
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Posted: 2/21/2019 8:35:22 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I can usually find Golden Sabre component bullets for a very good price. You just have to be aware that they make different bullets for 38 and 357 velocities and choose appropriately. Midway usually has them in stock. How do you tell the difference? I have a bunch. |
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Posted: 2/21/2019 8:40:04 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I use factory HST in my 38 snubbie I don’t use a .357mag for defense anymore....but if i did it would be the classic 125gr SJHP which you can duplicate or exceed with 22gr H110/win296 and a SJHP you’ll need magnum primers and a frim roll crimp 22gr pretty much fills the case, which is normal for H110/296 loads I would not use these in a K-frame, L, N frame or ruger only https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/2275/38D018A1-CFD0-46FF-B810-10473D9F961B_jpeg-851738.JPG https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/2275/8E449803-502A-4318-A7F1-89B0D5B373AB_jpeg-851739.JPG https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/2275/3B49996E-47D1-49EC-A954-E84A9EBE0780_png-851740.JPG Much less flash and blast, with only a slight reduction in velocity. Measures real nice too. |
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