Do I have a problem??

[gchapman1965]

I just realized that I accidentally loaded some 38 Specials with small pistol magnum primers instead of the standard small pistol primers. I've done numerous searches today and get conflicting answers. Some people are reporting little to no difference and some are saying there will be a significant increase in pressure. I've loaded 4.5 grains of Unique with a 158 grain LSWC with a gas check. These are working fine with the standard small pistol primer but before I shoot any of these "mistakes" with the magnum primers I want to make sure that I haven't screwed up.

Thanks,

Greg

[Bullshop]

How near is 4.5gn to a max load? Now is that a max load for a small frame?
Are you shooting in a small frame or a large frame?
Switching to a mag primer can raise pressure but unless you were already at the ragged edge of safety I doubt the change would put you over the top.
I think most of the 38 data published unless otherwise stated is for small frame guns.
If you are shooting a large frame there is likely little to worry about.

[koehn,jim]

The newest lyman manual says that 4.5 gr unique behind the 158 gr is a maximum load. I would take them apart and reload to be safe but thats me.

[gchapman1965]

The data that I've seen shows 3.5 to 4.9 grains for that boolit. My revolver is a large frame 357 but my brother-in-law has a small frame 38. Sounds like I'll be fine, but I'll pick out the "mistakes" and not let my brother-in-law shoot them.

I guess this is enough to make me address the real problem and make that appointment at the eye doctor for those glasses I've been putting off.

Thanks for the input.

[Three-Fifty-Seven]

[smilie=s:

[gchapman1965]

So who do you believe? Lyman gives 4.5, Alliant's website give 4.7 or the 4.9 that I read (sorry I can't remember who it was from). Maybe I'll back off to 4.3. I'm almost out of Unique so this might be a good time to try something different. What's your favorite powder for 38, 357 and 9mm?

[Houndog]

My standard go to load for a 38 is 5.0 gr Unique with a 158 SWC. My old Lyman and a Hercules loading manual lists 5.3 gr as a maximum load. IF you are using something like a K or N frame Smith, a Gp or Ruger Blackhawk I'd use them and not worry about it, but if you are shooting an alloy frame snubby, I might think about it some.

FWIW" I do use the 5gr load in an old Charter Arms stubby and a j framed Smith, but I do not shoot these guns all that often.

[bhn22]

As long as you're not shooting something like an RG, you should be fine. The real concern about hotter loads stems from repeated long-tem use in lightly constructed guns, which accelerates wear. The truth be known, I routinely shoot much hotter loads than that, but I too shoot Ruger revolvers & S&W L frames.

[mooman76]

I'm with BHN22. Most revolvers in good shape can shoot +p loads with no problem. I am not reccomending this as it is harder on the revolver and will wear them out sooner. Just saying it's not going to blow up. Most mag primers are not really any hotter than regular primers but some are. They usually just have a thicker cup to withstand the pressures. I would shoot one and its comfortable to shoot, then you should be fine to finish them off.
About a little over a year ago I was showing a friend how to reload and by mistake I was looking at the wrong data page and instead of loading light 44 special loads, I loaded light 44 mag loads. They were more like +P loads but I tried them and was it very uncomfortable to shoot in my 44 special snubbie so I quit. The good part was that I have a 44mag revolver so I just finished them off in it and they shot fine.

[WILCO]

I just realized that I accidentally loaded....

That's why they make "boolit pullers" Greg. :mrgreen:

Take them apart and start over: http://www.battenfeldtechnologies.com/frankford-arsenal/catalog.asp?product=Quick-N-EZ-Impact-Bullet-Puller

[ddixie884]

Alliant website says 5.2gr is +P with a 158gr swc.

[rond]

I like Titegroup for .38 Special loads. I use CCI small rifle primers with good results.

[Dan Cash]

If you are not using a Cobra or an alloy J frame Smith, shoot them.

[atr]

Greg,
my general rule of thumb has been to reduce the given load by 5% when I use magnum primers. I use magnum primers with this rule and have never had a problem (158gr SWC).

[NSP64]

I concure with everyone else that was wondering what your shooting them from. Out of a good moderen frame gun you should be O.K.
I also shoot 231 and universal clays in 38 loads

[gchapman1965]

I'm shooting them from a Taurus 66 .357 that I got new back in 1986. It's in great shape and since it's a 357 and not a 38 I'm just going to shoot them.

Thanks for all the input.

[ddixie884]

Good idea......................