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148 gr Wadcutter 38 Spcl Load
- Thread starter Nathan
- Start date
The Hodgdon site runs 2.0 to 2.5 max of 700X under the 148 grain wadcutter using a Winchester SP. The reason for the small load is the powder is fast and space in the case is small, so 2.5 grains is right close to the upper limit for standard pressure load. The Accurate sight has a start load of 3.6 grains of #5, and a maximum of 4.0. Traditional 750 fps loads will be in about the middle of the range for both powders.
condor bravo
New member
I've mostly used Bullseye with the 148 grain and .38 Special. The Lyman cast bullet handbook shows loadings of 2.7 to 3.3 700X. They show the potentially most accurate load with the 148 as 3.5 Bullseye (the indicated max load). AA5 is not listed in the Lyman data.
Looking to make an accuracy load with win or CCO primers and 700x or AA#5. Any ideas?
(I assume you mean CCI primers.)
148 Wadcutters? Are you talking a Hollow base (HBWC http://www.midwayusa.com/product/59...8-grain-lead-hollow-base-wadcutter-box-of-500)?
Or a Bevel base double-ended (DEWC http://www.midwayusa.com/product/46...-grain-lead-double-ended-wadcutter-box-of-500)?
The two are different animals and must be approached differently. The hollow-base will deliver maximum accuracy. But it's more limited in its application. It is a purpose-designed bullet for pure target shooting. Fast propellants such as Bullseye or W231 are the usual choices. 700X would work nicely too. AA#5 could be made to work, but it is rather slow for the application. But I suppose it could be done. Incomplete combustion/low pressure could be problematic with AA#5.
It is ill-advised to over-drive a HBWC because the hollow base - designed to obturate at low pressure and seal to the barrel - delivering maximum efficiency and consistency. Running pressures too high could over-obturate and cause accuracy/consistency issues.
The DEWC is far more versatile, yet is still a highly accurate bullet. While HBWC's are usually soft swaged lead; the DEWC is cast and usually harder. With that, they can be driven harder without problems. I've run up hard cast DEWC's in 357 Mag to over 1000 fps without problems (some leading, but that's outside the scope of this post).
I have lots of experience with both. Although these days, I usually go with a soft cast DEWC for my go-to for 38 Special target and competition. I use these: http://missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=118&category=5&secondary=9&keywords=. They're soft cast and have superb accuracy - go right were I point them - every single time.
I don't use 700X, but I'm sure it would work for either bullet. I do have AA#5, but it's just not the proper choice. I would never use AA#5 for a wadcutter in a pure target application - unless that's all I had. Bullseye is my long-term go-to propellant for the application. Although these days, I'm getting fond of both Nitro 100 and N310.
As far as accuracy goes: Good news there . . . these wadcutters - all of them - are highly accurate. As long as they're sized properly (.358 for most guns), and going through a healthy bore, they're going to shoot straight. Accuracy is rarely an issue with these types of bullets.
First time I have seen 700X put forward as a handgun load.
I loaded many thousands of .38 Special cartridges, for classes (I ran my own training Company in Canada) and the reason I went to 700X, I picked up a 12 lb keg at a very good price.
A locally manufactured 160g round nosed plated projectile, with 3.5 of 700X gave a decent equivalent to the +p LHP carried by Police and Private Security.
In using Dupont 700X for over 20 years, no problems.
I loaded many thousands of .38 Special cartridges, for classes (I ran my own training Company in Canada) and the reason I went to 700X, I picked up a 12 lb keg at a very good price.
A locally manufactured 160g round nosed plated projectile, with 3.5 of 700X gave a decent equivalent to the +p LHP carried by Police and Private Security.
In using Dupont 700X for over 20 years, no problems.
I am on the wrong side of the country and don't have my books and notes available..that said....
DO NOT use starting loads for swaged HBWC's with these.. you will get a stuck bullet.
One thing you will want to do is to seat the bullet flush to the brass where you crimp the brass to roll slightly over the top curve of the bullet. This will increase your powder dwell time and allow it to build pressure longer and more consistently.
DO NOT use starting loads for swaged HBWC's with these.. you will get a stuck bullet.
One thing you will want to do is to seat the bullet flush to the brass where you crimp the brass to roll slightly over the top curve of the bullet. This will increase your powder dwell time and allow it to build pressure longer and more consistently.
Those are a standard cast DEWC pattern, except with no lube groove. They have a crimp groove at each end. That reflects the original purpose of the DEWC, which was a bullet that could be easily loaded in automatic loading machines without regard for which end of the bullet went in. So, yes, you press them in until ther crimp groove nearest the end that will be the nose is under the case mouth, then crimp. In other words, until the nose is getting close to flush with the case mouth.
The crimp groove is designed for a roll crimp and not a taper crimp. You will find, in a full size revolver you need very little to no crimp with such light loads, but in a very light gun you need a full crimp. You may find a full crimp gets you more consistent ignition and accuracy in your particular guns, so you'll have to try it and see if it matters to them or not.
The crimp groove is designed for a roll crimp and not a taper crimp. You will find, in a full size revolver you need very little to no crimp with such light loads, but in a very light gun you need a full crimp. You may find a full crimp gets you more consistent ignition and accuracy in your particular guns, so you'll have to try it and see if it matters to them or not.
"...don't think they are hollow base..." Doesn't really matter if they are or not. The weight is what's important. Swaged HBWC's do shoot better than cast though.
Anyway, Accurate gives 3.6(710 fps) to 4.0(807 fps) of AA #5 for a 148 WC. MAX load of Bullseye is 3.1 at 799 fps. Seat 'em flush with the case mouth in .38 Special OR .357 brass.
Anyway, Accurate gives 3.6(710 fps) to 4.0(807 fps) of AA #5 for a 148 WC. MAX load of Bullseye is 3.1 at 799 fps. Seat 'em flush with the case mouth in .38 Special OR .357 brass.