Bullseye substitute

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Wayneinky

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For target shooting with my S&W 686 6in I have been reloading 38 Special with Berry 148gr DEWC with 2.7 gr Bullseye. I am board to death stuck at home, I thought I would reload some more shells but have run out of Bullseye powder. I have Winchester WST and thought I would try using that powder. Any recommendations for a formula using WST. I also have TiteGroup and Silhouette oh hand as well if one of those would be a better substitute for Bullseye.
 
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Hodgdon website has data for 38 spl with WST. Google search Hodgdon load data. Select the cartridge, then skip the other selection boxes to the last one and select the powder.
 
WST is what I currently use in .45 ACP and .38. I wish Hodgdon would bless it for 9 MM..
I know it will work in 9 MM if super hot Titegroup works, WST would work.
 
Thank you both for a quick response.
Alliant Powder’s recipe for a 38 special 148 HBWC bullet is 3.1 gr of Bullseye powder. However it is my understanding that for a very long period of time the go to recipe for accuracy with a revolver shooting the same bullet was to use 2.5 -2.7gr of Bullseye powder. I may be wrong, but that is my understanding.
I am also aware that Hodgdon’s website lists their recipe 2.5 to 2.8gr of WST for the same bullet. Trying to follow the same logic where for better accuracy you use a reduced load of bullseye powder, perhaps you may want to use a reduced load of WST as well. The two powders are totally different so I did not want to reinvent the wheel and thought I would see what others have experienced with WST powder. I am sorry if I did not explain myself more clearly.
 
Note that all of Alliant's "recipes" are their maximum loads. Download the PDF file of their manual and you will find they expect you to know to knock 10% off those recipe charge weights and work up. So that covers 2.8 to 3.1 grains of Bullseye. Because of the small charges involved and greater sensitivity to exact bullet length and seating depth that high power rifles have, Western Powder recommends reducing maximums by 10% for rifle and 15% for handgun loads. I think that's a good policy and apply it to Alliant data, personally. Western's recommendation would take Bullseye from 2.6 to 3.1 grains for the wadcutter in this instance, and frankly, I know a lot of people who have loaded lower. The fast powders in most handgun-size cases are not sensitive to being loaded low the way rifle cartridges are.
 
On the other hand, for the specific purpose of loading .38 Specials for use in a .357 Magnum revolver, I have no compunction against loading the maximum.

Actual data:
S&W M28 4"
148 gr Speer HBWC
2.7 gr WST = 744 fps
3.2 gr W231 = 745 fps, my usual load
2.7 gr Bullseye = 696 fps

Greater friction of copper plate on steel than waxed lead, I think your Berrys are even slower.
 
Thanks Guys

More they once I have found that what I think I know is not always exactly 100% correct so that is why I like to research here. I always learn a lot for you and your help is always appreciated.

Wayneinky
 
Here' what I use in my Clark PPC Revolver.

Bullet: Bullet Works Copper Plated 148grn. DEWC
Powder: Hodgdon Titegroup 3.3 grs.
Primer: Federal 100 Small Pistol Match
Case: Federal .38 Special
LOAL: 1.220 (Taper Crimp)
Avg. Vel.: 733.58 fps
ES: 55.64
SD: 20.80
 
I'm using Titegroup right now, just because it is what I already have. However, I do a lot with Accurate #5. It will do target loads up to mild magnums and works great in auto pistol rounds.
 
Just be careful using the HBWC and don't push them too fast. They have been known to leave a barrel obstruction without any indications until the next shot.

The DEWC is no worries.
 
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