358-105 38 spc Too Hot???

[ncbluedot]

All,

Need some advice/confirmation on a load for 38 Special. I bought a lee two banger 358-105 for a Model 10 I recently purchased. I used CastPics and found a load for a "Lyman #358425 112gr" with a max charge of 6.9grns of Unique. The Lee boolits are dropping at 108grn so I figure that was pretty close. I dropped the load down to 6.3 grns but after reading posts on this site for this particular mold, I haven't found anyone recommending a charge in the range of 6.3 (let alone 6.9!). So my question is; are these too hot? Should I pull'm and start over or shoot them? Thanks!

[runfiverun]

tough call I don't really have anything to say yes or no.

it would depend on the gun your using them in.
but your hanging right close to the +p area for a 38 special.

[MediumCore358]

I've just started working up loads for a .357 rifle using .38 cases w/Lee 105 grain swc, I started quite light and advanced to about 4.6 grains of unique safety. Just for example 4.5 grains unique and a 158 grain bullet is a +p load. In my opinion I'd start in the neighborhood of 4 grains unique, this isn't load data but I would consider it safe in my own firearms.

[Lead Fred]

According to Elmer Kieth, 5.0gr of unique is his standard load for 158gr SWC.

Not even snappy out of the Blackhawk

[warf73]

Just glanced at the Alliant web site using 110gr condom bullet 38 special max charge of unique is 5.8grs @ 1065fps. Also in the +P section for the 38 special using 110gr condom bullet max charge of unique is 6.3grs @ 1117fps. Both with a 6" barrel, you will be running less pressure with lead but that give you an idea of where you’re at with your charge.

[Larry Gibson]

I did extensive load testing of the Lee 105 gr SWC 25 years ago in the 38 SPL for use in my M15 S&W, developed an excellent load and still use it today. I never found Unique to burn efficiently. If we look in Lyman's CBH #$ we see they do not list any powders that slow burning with that bullet. I switched to Bullseye and found 4.7 gr to be an excellent load shooting consistent 1 1/2" groups at 25 yards twice around the cylinder (12 shots). It is just borderline +P. Velocity is 1025 fps out of my 5" barreled M15 S&W.

Larry Gibson

[runfiverun]

one of my favorite 38 special loads is the 358091 on top of unique, I use a small pistol magnum primer and push things a bit.
the extra weight of the boolit and the hotter spark cleans things up nicely.
it's actually one of the very few unique loads I do like.

[jeepyj]

Just an opinion. That's hotter than I'd push out of mine but you may find data to back it up. I play with 38s and unique quite a bit & I don't recall anything seeing much over 5.5ish.
Jeepyj

[paul h]

I did extensive load testing of the Lee 105 gr SWC 25 years ago in the 38 SPL for use in my M15 S&W, developed an excellent load and still use it today. I never found Unique to burn efficiently. If we look in Lyman's CBH #$ we see they do not list any powders that slow burning with that bullet. I switched to Bullseye and found 4.7 gr to be an excellent load shooting consistent 1 1/2" groups at 25 yards twice around the cylinder (12 shots). It is just borderline +P. Velocity is 1025 fps out of my 5" barreled M15 S&W.

Larry Gibson

I concur. With a light bullet in the 38 you need a really fast burning powder. I'd suggest bullseye, red dot, 700x or W-231.

I don't have my manuals with me, but nearly 7 gr of unique sounds too hot for the 38 special. The thing with the 38 is that it operates at such low pressure levels that you'll never see any indication that you are operating at +P or higher pressure levels, but such loads will beat up your gun over time.