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Powder choice for 38 spl wadcutters
kshock
Member Posts: 59 ✭✭
I need some info from someone much better versed in reloading than myself. I load 38 spl 148 HBWC using 2.4 grains of Clays. Not much wiggle room with Clays as the min. load is 2.3 grains and the max is 2.5grains. While looking at the load data from Hodgdon, I noticed that the load data for Titegroup showed a wider range, higher velocities while having less pressure. Is there a logical reason not to use the Titegroup since it would yield a little higher velocity while generating less pressure? I guess the pressure is what has me concerned as the velocities are not that important in this type of load, and I do not want to much velocity using the hollow based bullets.
Comments
I've used Bullseye and Unique. Here's a bunch of .38 load data.
The side effect is called, "Bullseye throat", which gives you a good reason to clear it up with lots of beer after the match!!!
Also fun for cat sneeze loads in cast bullet rifle applications. 6 gr of bullseye in a 30 cal rifle cartridge with a cast bullet in the 150-180 range sounds like a 22 and can be darned accurate at 50 yards.
Tite group, looks to be a modern formulation for Bullseye and is very clean, burning, unlike Bullseye. Oddly, the charges are just about identical, leading one to believe the burn rate must be about the same.
I wasn't quite sure where you were going with your question. Yes there are other great powders, but most accurate loads for a given bullet in a given gun is no more +-1 grain.
In any event, try some of the powders listed and see what you like, ll are good recommendations.
My choice of Clays is due to the vast range of things I load with it and the feed in my equipment. Most guys I know use Bullseye or Titegroup if they are loading for pistol only. From a ransom rest I have not found that the Bullseye or Titegroup was "more accurate" in my guns.
All three listed are good, and +- .1 grain is not a big issue to me in pressure and ability to produce a consistent load. (when I used to use a Lyman #55 dropper it was a big issue with 700X)
Again, buy a pound of each and try it, see what you feel comfortable with.
Since you are concerned about pressure and are happy with relativly low velocities and lead bullets you might consider trying Trail Boss. I bought some to use for 45-70, 38-40, 45 Colt, etc. Since I had it I tried it in 38 Special (3.3 grs. with a Lyman 125 gr. cast SWC makes a nice, pleasant to shoot plinking load with lots of "wiggle room" if you want to go for a little more velocity).
I load 38 spl 148 HBWC using 2.4 grains of Clays. Not much wiggle room with Clays as the min. load is 2.3 grains and the max is 2.5grains.
I have Clays Universal down for a minumum 2.6 grains and a max of 3.6 grains. That's the fastest burning powder in my load data. I like Win. 231. I use it on several calibers. I have a minimum of 2.2 grains and a max of 3.5. That puts you pretty close to where I believe you already are as far as filling it up.
You could go with some slower burnin powders like Titegroup. 1.9 gr for minimum and 3 gr for max. Every gun is different, and the beauty of reloading is to tinker around to find the "recipe" that works best for your particular shootin iron.
You might want to update your reload data. I've just started getting new books, and there have been a lot of changes. I went from a 2nd edition Hornady book to a 4th, and just got a 7th.
Now I have to update the rest of them. You can also get a lot of other load data online from bullet manufacturer sites.