Smokeless 38 S&W Reloads
I am in the procees of selecting which of the smokeless powders would be best suited for mild 38 S&W cartridges. The original 38 S&W was loaded with black powder and there are many black powder revolvers in collection today.
A 38 S&W case (Starline) will hold 15 Grains of 3Fg Goex powder when filled to the top of the case. There obviously needs to be space on top of the powder in order to seat the cast lead bullet. Does anyone know the specs. of the 19th Century 38 S&W cartridge, such as the weight of the B.P. charge and the pressure and muzzel velocity ? I seem to think that Ken Waters may have published the information that I'm looking for but I don't have his book title "Pet Loads".
After I obtain the original spec for black powder, which of the modern pistol powders such as Unique, Bullseye, or #231 would you recommend and at what weight charge ?
A 38 S&W case (Starline) will hold 15 Grains of 3Fg Goex powder when filled to the top of the case. There obviously needs to be space on top of the powder in order to seat the cast lead bullet. Does anyone know the specs. of the 19th Century 38 S&W cartridge, such as the weight of the B.P. charge and the pressure and muzzel velocity ? I seem to think that Ken Waters may have published the information that I'm looking for but I don't have his book title "Pet Loads".
After I obtain the original spec for black powder, which of the modern pistol powders such as Unique, Bullseye, or #231 would you recommend and at what weight charge ?
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I'D SUGGEST 'TRAIL BOSS', BURNS CLEAN. JUST FILL THE CASE TO THE BASE OF THE BULLET (ANY CASE/CAL.). 0 -
I cannot argue with Mike. Trail Boss.
The more important question is the gun. I'd think twice before loading for any H&R or similar break-top. No, thrice.0 -
The Speer reloading manual has loads for the 38 S&W. Including a 1060fps one for a 110 gr jhp. Please note all their loads were shot in a S&W model 33. It has loads for Herco, Unique, Bullseye, Red Dot and 231. It also has SR7625, but I have never tried it. I like Bullseye, 231 and Unique...and I have used the Herco for a 1060 fps 110 gr jhp load. 0 -
I use 2.2 gr of Bullseye in my Webley under a 158 gr SWC. It is a very mild load, but then the Webley is a strong modern action. 0 -
I have a copy of Ken Waters' Book, PET LOADS.
He separates the Guns into "Strong" and "Weak" categories. He spends half of one of the (HUGE) pages, Warning about the importance of determining both the Category (Strong or Weak) and the Diameter of the Grooves in YOUR Piece of History.
That said, he notes that the original loads were for FOURTEEN Grains of Blackpowder, with a 145 Grain bullet weight.
Ken notes that the velocities were in the 650 - 760 FPS range, from Three and Four-Inch barrels.
If you want me to read you the info for the powders you have, you will have to send me an E-mail, and I will give ya my Phone Number.
I don't want to post loads here.
[EDIT] You were asking about Pressures...Ken's Book says they were limited to around 8000 PSI for "Weak" and around 12000 PSI For more Modern "Strong" category examples.
[EDIT 2] If anyone was paying attention, the earlier version of my post had load data (for BP) for .32 S&W. Now Amended to correct.
Ken just Barely lists info for Top-Break Guns...0 -
My load for my weak 38 S&Ws is 1.7 gr of Trail Boss with a 148 Speer HBWC. 0 -
I too use bulleye for this cart.
I dont know about the rest of you, but I like to load up some black powder rounds every now and then. I occasionally load up around 50 38spls, take to the range and have a blast.0 -
Hi there HandLoad !
I really appreciated receiving your reply with the Ken Water's data pertaining to the 38 S&W. The revolver that I am dealing with is an Iver Johnson "Break Top" revolver in 38 S&W cartridge and is definitely in the "Weak" category. What surprises me is that Ken Waters rate the weak revolver at 8,000 psi.
What I would like to do is try and locate a copy of Waters' book and see what he lists for this application regarding powders and charge weights.
Thanks again
Creedmoormatch0 -
MidwayUSA.com has it. You will be disappointed if you are only looking for .38 S&W loads for Top-Breaks. The book goes for over $50 everywhere, and I have seen it at $75.00 0 -
I have an old Lyman reloading manual. It lists the starting loads for the 38 S&W as max loads for break top revolvers where the gun is in good working condition...that have been checked out by a gunsmith. 0 -
I think I have a copy of Ken Waters load data for the 38 S&W...if interested send me an email. 0
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