Need info on 38 special loads

[okierider]

So my snubbie shoots high and reading up I run into get a lighter bullet. Would rather stay with the 158 LSWCHP .
I think to get POI down I need to get a faster burning powder than W231, so I was thinking trying tightgroup.
Anybody see any problems with my idea or have another option?


Heavy bullet +slow powder+light charge = higher POI

Light bullet+ Faster Powder+ heavy charge=Lower POI

I have loaded up to 4 grains of 231 and that shows no drop in POI, while I am showing zero pressure issues Hogden shows 3.7 is max and another source shows 3.9 and a couple of loading forums have people going to 4.2 -4.5. Not wanting to go past 4 grains with this non +P pistol.

 

[HiredHand]

I’m curious why you don’t want to shoot a light bullet. Standard pressure loads like the target 148gr wadcutters are enjoyable to shoot from a snub.

 

[okierider]

I’m curious why you don’t want to shoot a light bullet. Standard pressure loads like the target 148gr wadcutters are enjoyable to shoot from a snub.

My gun shoots the wadcutters high as well. This gun is going to be a truck gun/ back up SD.
I try to keep the same type guns using the same type ammo to help keep down the inventory.
If I have to go with a lighter bullet to get the POI right I will, just want to try with the 158 grain first.
My wifes revolver shoots both the 158 SWCHP and the 148 wadcutter POA=POI

 

[Uncle TK]

You need to use a lighter bullet to get the results you want.

Please go to the following http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/ look at 125, 158, 170 Bullet weights with W-231 and you will understand.

Burn Rate Chart https://www.hodgdon.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/burn-rate-color.pdf

 

[okierider]

Thanks @Uncle TK

Have 100ea 125 RNFP on the way. Will give that a shot with the 231 and see what happens.

 

[Shadowrider]

Heh. Had to do it.



But seriously, what gun are we talking about? I know that S&W and Colt used to regulate for 158 gr. loads. In my experience the difference between standard and +P were pretty negligible. A lighter bullet will generally shoot lower, but I've also seen POI change by a few inches with nothing but changing brands of ammo, so nothing is written in stone.

My new model 642 shoots 135 +P gold dots and 148 HBWCs just a tad low but it's just not enough to worry about. I shoot 147 HBWCs because they aren't painful.

 

[MacFromOK]

Is there room to have the rear sight notch cut a bit deeper? I assume you've lowered it much as possible (if it's adjustable).

Just a thought.

 

[okierider]

It is a 1990 Taurus M85, Holding onto the pistol is not an issue work construction for a living. My wife has a snubbie as well and it shoots POA. Both pistols are full metal and about the same size. At first I thought it was the grips so I put a talon on it and zero difference. I also shot my wifes with little show grips and had zero issues.
This pistol shoots center of target (in SA. DA is a pig, just installed springs to help with that LOL) So Hopefully these 125's I have coming help me out . If not I will break out the welder and stack some metal on that front sight.

 

[Cowcatcher]

If not I will break out the welder and stack some metal on that front sight.

Just glob some jb weld on there and file it to poa/poi perfection. Lol

 

[okierider]

Is there room to have the rear sight notch cut a bit deeper? I assume you've lowered it much as possible (if it's adjustable).

Just a thought.

No .it is the long channel in the top of the gun.