American Select and 38 Special Loads - Help Needed

[Chnqpn]

I've been lurking around for a couple years preparing to do some reloading. I've got everything I need except the powder I planned on using. Unique is not to be found. I managed to get some Alliant American Select and CCI 500 primers. I have 1000 Rim Rock .358, 158 gr. LSWC WN boolits. I've searched and searched and all I can come up with for these components is 3.7gr of American Select. Does this sound correct? Just need some practice loads for my Ruger LCR, SP, GP and 77/357.

Also, if anyone has data, what is the minimum and maximum for these components and powder?

[WallyM3]

Found this that might be a good read. I'm not familiar with American Select, myself. Pretty much stick to Bullseye.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/104054-american-select-cast-bullets.html

[Chnqpn]

Thanks WallyM3. I saw that thread. I'm afraid I'm stuck with American Select until unique comes back to the market. I'm sure many of you veterans can see a load and extrapolate to what you want. As a newbie, I need exact numbers.

[Ed_Shot]

Look at Reloading Guide on the Alliant Powder website. Look for 38 Spl. under Cowboy Loads to get an idea. Better yet, email Alliant powder and ask for a safe load with your boolit and powder.

[Chnqpn]

This is as close as I can get with their guide.

357 Mag 158 gr RN lead 1.585 American Select 4gr. 840fps

I guess I can load them up in .357 brass. The specs look good for plinking and practice.
Given the case length difference does the 3.7 gr sound correct for 38 brass?

Also, didn't know I could email for load recommendations. I'll do that.

[kens]

Through this current components shortage, I been able to buy some cans of Green Dot.
I found that I like Green Dot nicely.

[WallyM3]

Case length isn't the variable that I'd be relying on, though I do see what you're driving at. Volume would be a better proportional constant, but probably not sufficient or safe.

Note that the pressure max. (SAAMI) for .38 Special is 17,500 psi, and for .357, it's 35,000 psi, about double. I trim .38 special to 1.145" and .357 is about 0.130" longer. Nothing near a double in internal case volume there, so that construct falls apart.

You might have more confidence in finding a set of load min/max for both cartridges for a powder of similar burn rate, and doing some proportional calculations from there.

However, the best approach is to e-mail the folks who make the powder. They'll not likely advise risky loads, and you can proceed from there.

Powder is available, it's just expensive/elusive. Just bought an 8lb metal tin of IMR 4895 for $150 from a fellow club member who doesn't use it. The price sticker on the can was $150. This fellow is not unaware of current pricing, just a good chum at the local gun club. These places produce many companionable and rewarding associations.

[Chnqpn]

Thanks for all the help. I emailed Alliant so hopefully they will provide some concrete guidance. Basically, I'm just interested in putting together some safe shooting rounds in .38 and later, .357. I'll rely on Buffalo Bore or Double Tap for my self defense and hunting loads. If I get some useful info I'll hustle out and buy some more American Select to get me through and post the data on here.

[Chnqpn]

So, another newbie question. If a load states that 4gr of xx powder in 357 magnum with 158gr lswc travels at 1150 fps and you put the same load in a 38 case, what changes? Fps, pressure. Just been wondering about that.

[fecmech]

you put the same load in a 38 case, what changes? Fps, pressure.
Both go up. Fps slightly and pressure more so.

[lylejb]

3.5 to 4.0 of American select will do well in the 38 special, with a 158 Lswc. It's a fast powder, between red dot and unique, so there's no need to be "stuck with it". Enjoy it!

Works well in the 45 ACP too.

[Chnqpn]

Thanks for the info. You are probably correct, it is a good powder, just not many loads out there for 38/357.

[mac60]

I wouldn't feel handicapped at all if American select was all I had to load .38 spl. with. From the little bit of looking around I did, the lowest starting load I saw was 3.2 gr. and the highest max. load I saw was 4.3 gr.

[Chnqpn]

From your help and what I've found it sounds like 3.7 give or take a smidge will serve me well. Since this is the powder I'll have for a while I wonder if I can load some medium power 357’s with it. The only Alliant load listed in 357 is 4gr at 840fps (cowboy load). Everyone has been very helpful. My deepest thanks.

[Chnqpn]

For others interested in American Select, older Alliant load data listed the 357 magnum, 158 grain with a maximum load of 6.0 grains at 1210 fps.

So, It looks like I'm leaning toward...
3.7 grains American Select for the 158 grain 38 Special w/estimated 730+ fps
5.2 grains American Select for the 158 grain 357 Magnum w/estimated 1,000+ fps
That 357 load should do well be quite healthy in the rifle.

[bangerjim]

3.5 to 4.0 of American select will do well in the 38 special, with a 158 Lswc. It's a fast powder, between red dot and unique, so there's no need to be "stuck with it". Enjoy it!

Works well in the 45 ACP too.

Agree 100%. Am Select WAS available here is tons.I bought a bunch up and use it successfully in 38SP and 45LC. I have contacted Alliant in the past on questions about other loads and they are totally unhelpful. They stick to the very VERY few loads they publish......and that's about it. And their published loads are almost all based on jacketed commercial weight bullets! Others provide J and cast data.

I have found that pretty much 3-4 grains of just about anything (shotgun/pistol burn rates) will work with 38's and 45's for plinking. If you are going mag, that is different.

Take a look at the several burn rate charts around the net and use that as a guide (but not the bible!!!) on playing with unknown loads. Usually there is a common powder pretty close to what you have that has listed load data in the books and on-line.

Good luck!

bangerjim