38 Special ICORE load Lee 358-150-1R

[dave_g]

I'm going to give ICORE a try and I need some help with load data. I'm using the Lee 358-150-1R in 38 special. Right now my normal load is 4.4 grains of HP38. Shoots very accurate for me in my 3" S&W model 65. I have no idea what kind of velocity this load will generate though. I've done a lot of searching on the web but haven't found anything to support or reject this load. My Lyman casting book says 4.4 grains of HP38 should get 900 fps from a 4" barrel with a 146 grain bullet, but it takes 5.0 grains of W231 to get 930. Load data for HP38/W231 in 38 special seems to be all over the place.

Does anyone have any experience with this bullet? Any load recommendations? I'm not averse to changing powder. Right now I have HP38, Bullseye and Unique. One of the local stores is pretty well stocked with powders so I can pick up a pound of something new to try.

[runfiverun]

best i got.
4 grs 231 with a 158gr rn or 358477 [a 158 swc]
gave me just over 750 fps in a 6" rossi and 6" dan wesson.
if you don't have a minimum to meet i'd use what you have.

[imashooter2]

I use that boolit in ICORE myself. Love the smooth profile and short OAL. It speed loads very well. My load is 3.9 grains of WST over a Federal small pistol primer. That's good for 839 fps average and a 127 power factor in my 5 inch 627.

I really doubt you are going to make chrono with any .38 special standard or +P load for a 150 grain boolit in a 3 inch revolver.

[Lefty SRH]

I'd like to eventually try ICORE. Is there a minimum power factor you must shoot?
I use 3.6gr of HP-38 with a Lyman 358311 160gr boolit. But I only have to make 105K power factor minimum.

[imashooter2]

I'd like to eventually try ICORE. Is there a minimum power factor you must shoot?
I use 3.6gr of HP-38 with a Lyman 358311 160gr boolit. But I only have to make 105K power factor minimum.

120 minimum power factor or you can shoot a few different factory 158 grain RN loads and power factor does not apply.

[dave_g]

I use that boolit in ICORE myself. Love the smooth profile and short OAL. It speed loads very well. My load is 3.9 grains of WST over a Federal small pistol primer. That's good for 839 fps average and a 127 power factor in my 5 inch 627.

I really doubt you are going to make chrono with any .38 special standard or +P load for a 150 grain boolit in a 3 inch revolver.

I decided I'm going to buy a Chronograph so I can have the peace of mind of knowing exactly what my loads are doing. I think your right about the 3" though. I shoot it well, but maybe if I spend some time with my 6" model 14 I can get good with it also.

[dave_g]

Thanks to the magic of Amazon I got a chronograph today. Took 3 of my revolvers out and tried my handloads and some factory stuff. Just a quick test. I didn't have much of the factory American Eagle ammo so I only tested it in two guns.

The two loads were
Lee 358-150-1R sized to .358 with 45/45/10 tumble lube, 4.4 gr HP38, Winchester small pistol primer.
American Eagle 158lswc factory new.

S&W Model 65 3" barrel.
Lee 150- 828 fps
American Eagle - 739 fps

S&W Model 14 6"
Lee 150 - 892

Dan Wesson Model 15 6" barrel.
Lee 150 - 855 fps
American Eagle - 764

Dan Wesson Model 15 4" barrel.
Lee 150 - 801 fps

[Lefty SRH]

Sounds like you are good to go. Although you are cutting it REAL close with the LEE and the Dan Wesson....

[imashooter2]

How about that? Your 3 inch is good to go! Congrats!

[dave_g]

I'm pretty happy that the 3" made the power factor.

As for the Dan Wesson, I won't be using it in competition until I figure out its light strike problem. I put in a new main spring, but it still only goes off about 25% of the time in double action.

[dave_g]

Just to revisit this. I'm now shooting a 4" S&W 620 with moon clips. I'm about out of hp38 so I decided to try imashooter2's load of 3.9 grains WST with the 150 grain bullet. Works great. Velocity was spread a bit. Lowest was 810 fps or so, most were around 840-850. Accuracy was excellent and no leading. I'm mixing in 50/50 range lead and ww and leading has pretty much disappeared.

[imashooter2]

Hey Dave, glad it's working for you. I moved to .38 Long Colt brass this year. I was expecting marginal improvement but was surprised at how much faster and more consistent the shorter rounds load.

[dave_g]

I'd like to try the .38 Long Colt too, but probably not until next year. I've already spent too much this year.

[imashooter2]

I understand that. If you load on a SDB, I can let you know how I cobbled together a die set to work when you are ready.

[sargenv]

I've also had good luck with Solo 1000 and Ramshot Competition though I'd have to look up my data for them. One of the top shooters that always wins Limited @ the IRC still uses Bullseye in his 627.. He doesn't shoot a 3" though..