Load data help needed please.

[Bisbee]

I want to make sure I am not under charging this load and ending up with a squib.

Gun: S&W 19.
Powder: Win231.
COWW lead
Boolit: PBWC cast from an 148gr H&G #50 mold, seated to OAL of 1.410.

The load data I have found follows.

Hodgdon: LHBWC 3.0-3.4 gr.
Lee: WC 3.0-3.4 gr.
Handloads.org: WC 3.1-3.4 gr.

This is the first time loading the 357Mag with a wad cutter boolit.

Your wisdom and advice would be very much appreciated.

[Shiloh]

Lyman 48th edition lists 3.7 start and 4.2 max for .38 special.
Winchester data is 3.5 start and 4.0 max for .38 special, and 3.0-3.4 for .357 mag.

Shiloh

[GP100man]

3.5 gr.as Shiloh posted is a good starting point ,but as ya go up 231 will burn alot cleaner .

My Lee auto disc drops 4.2 gr. & it shoots good & clean , a little more than a bunny poot load ,but shoots better than I can !

I would`nt use the 4.2 gr. load on HBWC , as it will blow the skirt & possibly the nose out .

[Bisbee]

Lyman 48th edition lists 3.7 start and 4.2 max for .38 special.
Winchester data is 3.5 start and 4.0 max for .38 special, and 3.0-3.4 for .357 mag.

Shiloh

Why less of a charge in a 357 case than the 38spl?

[cbrick]

Lyman 48th edition lists 3.7 start and 4.2 max for .38 special.
Winchester data is 3.5 start and 4.0 max for .38 special, and 3.0-3.4 for .357 mag. Shiloh

I didn't look this up but are you sure the starting load for a 38 Spl is more than the max load for a 357?

Rick

[Shiloh]

Why less of a charge in a 357 case than the 38spl?

Beats me.
Unless this is in keeping with the target load purpose that this boolit is used for.

Shiloh

[Hamish]

Verify, verify, verify. After a quick search:

http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-143027.html

[williamwaco]

In my experience, all maximum loads I have ever seen in loading manuals for 148 grain wad cutters are not determined by pressure at all but are selected to produce a velocity in the high 700s.