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Posted: 12/27/2012 3:49:47 PM EDT
I got some reloading dies for the GP100 for Christmas.  I plan to load 125 grain Sierra JSP's in each.  Unique in the 38, Tite Group in the .357 to start.  

My question is with the .38.  I plan to use Winchester Brass, which were factory loads.  They are not +P marked.  Obviously the GP100 will handle +P loadings, but do I need +P marked brass to load to +P levels.  

The reason I ask is my manual (Speer) shows 5.7 grains for Unique and DNR.  The +P load shows to 7 grains if memory serves right.  

Thanks
Link Posted: 12/27/2012 3:51:36 PM EDT
[#1]
As a rule, Non +P brass and +p brass are the same except for the headstamping.
Link Posted: 12/27/2012 5:10:54 PM EDT
[#2]
For magnum loads you might want to pick up some 2400,296 or H110
these are slower burning powders than tightgroup.
You will be able load the mags at faster velocity at lower pressures.
plus P are realy not needed in a 357 mag as you can load your
magnums at starting loads.
of course it's a free country if you want to load plus P 38 in you
357 mag its certainly safe...
Later
John
Link Posted: 12/27/2012 6:20:58 PM EDT
[#3]
Quoted:
For magnum loads you might want to pick up some 2400,296 or H110
these are slower burning powders than tightgroup.
You will be able load the mags at faster velocity at lower pressures.
plus P are realy not needed in a 357 mag as you can load your
magnums at starting loads.
of course it's a free country if you want to load plus P 38 in you
357 mag its certainly safe...
Later
John


I really don't want the highest velocities for 357. I plan to use the gun for mountain lions so I want just enough. 1300 to 1400 seems reasonable for that application.  The 38 loads are for fun range time. 950 or so fits that bill. If I decide to load a heavier bullet in 357 I will probably go to a slower powder. Thanks for the thoughts.


Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
Link Posted: 12/27/2012 7:12:00 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
As a rule, Non +P brass and +p brass are the same except for the headstamping.


If I recall, someone posted that the difference between .38spl and .38spl +p, according to Starline, was in the heat treating.  Again, IIRC.

But hey, the problem is easy to solve for OP... if you really need +p levels, just load .357 instead.
Link Posted: 12/27/2012 7:21:11 PM EDT
[#5]
Link Posted: 12/27/2012 7:56:03 PM EDT
[#6]
I use 357 mag brass, even for 38 sp. level bunny fart loads.

this prevents the carbon fouling in the cylinders, in the gap left by the shorter 38 sp cases

and means I don't have to sort 38 and 357 brass.

also, I don't have to re-adjust dies



+1 on using magnum powders like H-110 and Win-296....especially for hunting

Link Posted: 12/27/2012 8:47:48 PM EDT
[#7]
I don't deal with .38 cases either for the same reasons. Do it all with .357 cases and it works just fine.
Link Posted: 12/27/2012 8:49:25 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
I use 357 mag brass, even for 38 sp. level bunny fart loads.

this prevents the carbon fouling in the cylinders, in the gap left by the shorter 38 sp cases

and means I don't have to sort 38 and 357 brass.

also, I don't have to re-adjust dies

+1 on using magnum powders like H-110 and Win-296....especially for hunting



Good idea. I think I'll start doing that for my GP100.
Link Posted: 12/27/2012 8:54:22 PM EDT
[#9]
Link Posted: 12/28/2012 6:00:00 AM EDT
[#10]
Thanks for all the replies everyone.  Again I don't want full power loads due to over penetration being an issue around dogs. I want the bullet to go in and stay there. Shots are short at lions - 10 yds and under.  I had the tire group for the 380 and Unique for the 45 hence my choice for those powders. I do like the idea of sticking with 357 brass though.

Thanks

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
Link Posted: 12/28/2012 6:56:43 AM EDT
[#11]
When you run a 125gr hotter,  it expands more and penetrates LESS
Link Posted: 12/28/2012 7:48:24 AM EDT
[#12]
I use Unique and Titegroup, but only for LIGHT loads.

For a working load, there are better choices.  Remember, the pressure curve with Titegroup goes up exponentially as charge weight increases.

I think it's the perfect target powder, where power factor is not an issue.

I'd choose WST for serious work in the middle ranges of intensity.

For heavy loads, AA#9 or Blue Dot or 2400 would be my choices.
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