Wc820/.38 Spl.

[Jim]

Can one of y'all help me with some load data? I'd like to use WC820 under .358-158 tumble lube SWCs. The best I could find on Castpics is for a .38 Super. If possible, I'd like to get a minimum charge for my fiance' and a kind of peppery charge for my self. The pistol is a S/W mod. 19, 4" and I'll be lubing with this cuss-fired Lee lube.

Thanks,
Jim

[felix]

You are on your own with these formulas, because that gun is a nice one and not meant for power loads. With the special cases, not magnum cases, start with 7 grains for the light load, and then 10 grains for the heavier one. Do NOT exceed 11 grains with special cases; or 13.5 with magnum cases. That gun will work loose in no time if you do. ... felix

[Jim]

Felix,
Thanks for your response. I didn't make myself clear and apologize for that. The handgun is a S/W mod. 19.
I used to have a place where I could take my field equipment and work up loads, but not anymore. My fiance' wants to learn to shoot, so I'm looking for a load I can use WC820 with as I have a jug of it. She'll be starting at 50' and I want something that will just punch holes in a target.

Thanks,

Jim

[Junior1942]

Get a lb of Unique. WC820 likes medium-high to high pressure.

[Jim]

I got 2 lbs. of Unique. I want to use WC-820 'cause Unique leaves unburnt powder in the action and I got 6 lbs. of 820.

[KYCaster]

Junior's right, WC820 isn't suitable for light loads. If you don't like Unique for this application then try Clays.....burns cleaner than anything else in light loads.

Jerry

[felix]

Repeat, Jim, don't destroy that 19. Light to medium loads only! If you want power, get a large "frame" gun. ... felix

[Jim]

Felix,
First, thank you again for your response. I guess I'm in for an education. Believe me, I ask this question out of ignorance, not challenge. How is it that .38 loads can tear up a model 19 when it will handle the hottest .357 loads on the shelf? Teach me!

Jim

[felix]

Jim, our own Deputy Al is the true expert on the board about these guns. But, basically this gun was a cop gun made to shoot qualifying "groups" with 38 target rounds, and then loaded with hot ammo for the street. This model was meant for holster wear all day long and built to support that idea by not dragging down on the belt.

Yes, there is a hot WC820 lot out there and with HS7 a load of 7 grains in the 38 special case would be maximum. In other words, if your 7 grains shoots quite hard, and with the experience you have that would be trully hot, then treat your lot as the fast WC820 variety. If so, you'd be lucky because that speed would indeed be great for both you and your wife. Your wife's load could be downgraded significantly from 7 grains without trouble.

felix

[Junior1942]

Light to medium loads of WC820 will give you occasional squib loads. Voice Of Experience speaking. . . .

[felix]

Absolutely no argument, Junior. The 820s should be loaded on the warm side to work as intended appropriate to its burn speed on hand. I don't know why Jim wants to use it except for economy, which is false in reality. ... felix

[Jim]

I'm learning.