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Thread: .38 spec.

  1. #1
    Boolit Buddy
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    .38 spec.

    I'm close to buying one of Winchester's 1866
    In .38 spec. and want to try bp, or pyrodex. I cast Layman's 358156 and 358429. I can't find any info on what to expect from this rifle. Anyone?

  2. #2
    Boolit Master Dan Cash's Avatar
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    .38 Special black powder is a pretty weak sister. You can also find it dirty to shoot.
    To paraphrase Ronald Reagan, the trouble with many shooting experts is not that they're ignorant; its just that they know so much that isn't so.

  3. #3
    Boolit Grand Master Nobade's Avatar
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    Using Dick Dastardly's Snakebike bullet or one of Accurate's BP designs over 21gr. 3F Old Eynsford or Swiss works quite well, and is more powerful than standard pressure smokeless 38 spl. loads. I have run thousands of them through my Browning '92 in silhouette matches, with quite good results. Just use a bullet that carries enough lube, and good quality powder or you'll have foul out problems in the rifle barrel.

  4. #4
    Boolit Buddy
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    Thanks Nobade. Red or green?

  5. #5
    Boolit Grand Master Nobade's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by salvadore View Post
    Thanks Nobade. Red or green?
    Christmas usually.

  6. #6
    Boolit Grand Master


    missionary5155's Avatar
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    Funny how so many shy away from 3F.. We shoot lots of Goex 3F in all sorts of cartridges. Ol Eyns is even better for full case expansion sealing gasses in the barrel.
    But hey I guess real cowboys would have used smoky less if it could have been found... maybe.
    "Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
    Male Guanaco out in dry lakebed at 10,800 feet south of Arequipa.

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check