38 special cast bbolits with Accurate Arms #7?

[armoredman]

I have been using the TL356-124-2R mold, sized to ,356, plus the old standby, the Lee C358-158SWC mold, for my great Smith Model 10 revolver, always with Accurate Arms #2, a very good powder. Problem is, I have about 2/3 pound of #2 left, and much, much more of AA#7. Please, I know, but "just buy more #2", isn't an option right now. I have everything I need without spending any more green, which I don't have.
I found 1 load for 38 special with #7, a +P load under a 110 grain Barnes XPB, (all copper bullet that goes for $15 for just 20!!), for 7.3-8.1 grains. I THINK I could start with 5 grains and work up a little, but I was very curious if anyone here had tried using a slow powder like #7 in 38 Special?
Thank you for any replies.

[rintinglen]

7 grains of #7 under a 150 grain RCBS boolit worked ok, not great but ok. I had a half can to use up after a failed 44mag experiment, so I ended up burning it up in my trusty revolvers.

I'm not a huge fan of the Accurate Arms powders, simply because of their availability, or rather lack thereof. Here in SoCal, they are often off the shelf. They simply aren't cheap enough to make it worth buying them over Alliant or Hogdon. I like HP38, RedDot, Unique and Bullseye--though I have used a lot of WW-231 in recent years.

[missionary5155]

Good morning
I would be cautious about under loading #7. It Needs pressure to work well. I tried some in 44 Russian with 220 grain boolits and it was a dismal failure at 5-6 grains.

[Shiloh]

AA #7 is a bit slow for .38 special with lighter boolits.. Works better in the .357. Had good results with it in the past with 158 gr. and 170 gr in the .357. haven't used AA #7 in a while, in fact, I don't even have any. I do use AA #5 and Unique in .38 Special.

SHiloh

[armoredman]

I use a lot of AA#7 in my 9mm loads, which is why I have so much of it, just didn't invest in the #2 at the same time.

[JRR]

In the past, I simply phoned Accurate and asked for assistance from their resident reloading expert. Very helpful! Gave excellent advice that was not printed.
Jeff

[Doc Highwall]

The AA#7 was made for the 9mm so that should give you an idea as how it should be loaded. I think with a heavy bullet might work with cast but the light bullets will have to be full power. I have some that I might try in a 357 mag single shot with 195 gr and heaver bullets.

[Shiloh]

The AA#7 was made for the 9mm so that should give you an idea as how it should be loaded. I think with a heavy bullet might work with cast but the light bullets will have to be full power. I have some that I might try in a 357 mag single shot with 195 gr and heaver bullets.

My experience with AA #7 in the 9MM, was that it worked better with heavier boolits.
147 grain.

AA#5 works much better in the 9mm

Shiloh

[armoredman]

My experiance was the opposite, go figure, my CZ liked #7 better than #5 for some reason. I'll call AA Monday.