Favorite load for 38 special?

[Rustygun]

I have not loaded 38 spl for about four years. Went through my log book and could not find records that were complete or reliable as I just started logging loads about then.
Tonight I put together about 60 rounds of 38 spl with a 158 gr coated LSWC and 6.0 grains of HS-6. Also loaded 25 rounds of the same bullet with 3.0 gr of clays. Will try to get to the range this week end and see if they shoot okay.

what are your favorite loads for 38 special?

 

[dlbleak]

I’ve never loaded with HS6. That 3gr of clays is popular with the cowboy action shooters though. I’ve loaded a bunch of it and it’s a fun plinker.

 

[Hangfire]

5.0 grs. of Unique under a Remington 125 gr. JSP.

Very accurate in my 4" GP-100 .357 mag. as well as my 4" S & W model 10-11 heavy barrel .38 Spl.

 

[okierider]

Hornadey 158 gr LSWCHP over 4 grains of HP 38/ W231. Not +p but loaded over stated load so build up for your revolvers .....
It runs well/ accurate in both 38 revolvers and feels like powder puff's out of my 357's!!

 

[EKing]

Made some wad-cutters a couple months ago, cast from a Lee mold (358-148-WC) then powder coated. My powder coating skills are still awful but they got coated.



Loaded them up with Rem 5 1/2 primers and 3.1 grains of Bullseye seated to 1.31 OAL. Was hoping for a very light load, it ended up feeling like a standard 38Spl load. I didn't have my chronograph out so I don't have the velocity but it was still a successful attempt in that they all left the gun and hit the paper. Sometimes that's all I'm going for.

 

[Rustygun]

5.0 grs. of Unique under a Remington 125 gr. JSP.

Very accurate in my 4" GP-100 .357 mag. as well as my 4" S & W model 10-11 heavy barrel .38 Spl.

I tried unique many years ago and decided that I either needed to load near max loads or clean the gun after every 40-50 rounds. Still have the container but have not used it since the 90’s. I seem to remember that unique was very dirty burning almost like flaming dirt unless you load it a little on the hot side. Is that your experience?

 

[Rustygun]

Hornadey 158 gr LSWCHP over 4 grains of HP 38/ W231. Not +p but loaded over stated load so build up for your revolvers .....
It runs well/ accurate in both 38 revolvers and feels like powder puff's out of my 357's!!

I have a lb of the 231 and gave it a look before I grabbed the HS-6. I like the idea of powder puff as I am looking for a load to use to get 35 ye old daughter to shoot and make it fun for her.

 

[okierider]

I have a lb of the 231 and gave it a look before I grabbed the HS-6. I like the idea of powder puff as I am looking for a load to use to get 35 ye old daughter to shoot and make it fun for her.

If you are shooting a small 38(any38) you can really dial down the w231 to 3.1 grains and still get excellent accuracy!! I have a Taurus 85 and loaded up some at that charge and it really had no harsh recoil. My Taurus shoots high and left and the low charge changed nothing. Other than the recoil junkie pulling the trigger was glad he brought some full house 357 loads to put the silly grin on his face, it ran nice, just meh LOL !!
Give me some full house loads and @druryj 's light weight 357 lol!!

 

[Rustygun]

If you are shooting a small 38(any38) you can really dial down the w231 to 3.1 grains and still get excellent accuracy!! I have a Taurus 85 and loaded up some at that charge and it really had no harsh recoil. My Taurus shoots high and left and the low charge changed nothing. Other than the recoil junkie pulling the trigger was glad he brought some full house 357 loads to put the silly grin on his face, it ran nice, just meh LOL !!
Give me some full house loads and @druryj 's light weight 357 lol!!

going to get that 231 out to the Dillon in the morning and load a range of different powder charges to try your theory.

thanks for the info.

 

[okierider]

going to get that 231 out to the Dillon in the morning and load a range of different powder charges to try your theory.

thanks for the info.

Took my youngest girl out to the range and thought she would like shooting the 22's but like to have lost my 1911 commander to her LOL!! Try some recoil junky loads for her too she may surprise you with what she likes to shoot.!!

PS should say grown ass woman, kinda hard dealing with the fact my youngest ain't a baby girl any more lol!!