You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
38 spl ?
- Thread starter rebs
- Start date
jetinteriorguy
New member
If you've been seating the SWC to the crimp groove, try seating the bullet as deep in the case as you can to see if that helps. This should run the pressure up a bit without having to crimp and stress the brass more than necessary. It will also reduce the open space in the case, which should also help a bit. I've never done this myself, but just a thought I've had.
Like I said I only have a problem with loading 38 target loads in 357 cases. I have no problem with dirt or smoke when I load 4.2 of BE with a 200 gr lswc in 45 acp.
I am starting to think just forget about target loads in 357 cases.
Maybe I missed something but just add more powder, like a "357 target load". To me that would be anywhere from the max for 38 Special +p to the min for 357, same bullet and powder. You may be lucky you didn't stick a bullet.
CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond or not covered by currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The Firing Line, nor the staff of TFL assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.
Rebs,
Bullseye has graphite on it that blows around, leaving things gray. But it doesn't get sooty until you are really underloaded.
Most likely you don't realize how much you reduced pressure by using a bullet that doesn't seat as deeply as the wadcutter. I don't have data on your bullet length or the COL you are loading it to, but if I use Speer's COL of 1.44" with their 158 grain LSWC, QuickLOAD thinks you'll need 3.8 grains of Bullseye to come up to match the peak pressure your Wadcutter load. You 45 load is operating at about that same pressure (about 12,500 psi in QL). So I would try 3.5 grains (the Alliant maximum) but understanding your particular gun may need even more.
Rebs,
Bullseye has graphite on it that blows around, leaving things gray. But it doesn't get sooty until you are really underloaded.
Most likely you don't realize how much you reduced pressure by using a bullet that doesn't seat as deeply as the wadcutter. I don't have data on your bullet length or the COL you are loading it to, but if I use Speer's COL of 1.44" with their 158 grain LSWC, QuickLOAD thinks you'll need 3.8 grains of Bullseye to come up to match the peak pressure your Wadcutter load. You 45 load is operating at about that same pressure (about 12,500 psi in QL). So I would try 3.5 grains (the Alliant maximum) but understanding your particular gun may need even more.
Any chemist can tell you that "bullseye + lead" is, in fact, the official chemical formula for dirt and smoke (BE+Pb => Drt+Smk).
Now that's funny, Mr Borland...but not to put too fine a point on it...it's technically "flaming dirt"...a term which precisely describes Unique in less than generous amounts!
Rod