Hp-38

[Rex]

This powder has showed up in some quantity in my location but not Bullseye. Anyone use HP-38 to replace Bullseye in their 38 Special? I like 4 grains Bullseye with a 150 grain bullet and would like to find a replacement for that powder at that load. These are shot in a S&W 686.
Thanks a million,
Rex

[btroj]

It is a different lot of Win 231.

I use it a bunch in 38 special with a Lee 158 swc with 3.5 to 4 gr of HP38. Shoots well for me.

When that 8 pounder is empty I will likely switch over to the 8 pounder of Promo I bought. So many good powders in that range.

[curiousgeorge]

Either HP38 or 231 (same powder) would be a good sub for Bullseye. I shoot all 3 of these powders along with 700X, AA2, and Red Dot for loads in the range you are talking about.

Check the loading books, buy the HP38 and shoot, shoot, shoot.

Steve

[Hardcast416taylor]

I went thru quite afew 8 lb. jugs of both HP 38 and 231 in the .38 Spcl. case. My favorite load using a 148 gr/150 gr. boolet for fun shooting was 3.5 gr. It can be stepped up faster, but this is a low recoil load anybody can shoot. I also have used 700X, Red Dot with the same 3.5 gr. load.Robert

[ironhead7544]

I used to live by a Winchester gun club. Bought Winchester powder cheap in big cans. 231 was a favorite for any handgun load. In 38 Special, 4.3 grains of 231 with a 158 grain cast is a factory speed load. Works great in any 38 Special and is very accurate. Shoots to most factory fixed sights.

[fecmech]

I know this sounds crazy but it works at every level I have tried. Whatever your powder measure setting was for your BE load use that setting with 231/HP38. You will throw slightly more powder( by weight) but velocity will be the same. I load with bushings on a CH Auto Champ and switching between BE and 231 with various bushings and load levels always gives pretty much the same velocity. In your case if you are happy with 4.0/BE then 4.6-4.7 231 should give you the same velocity.

[Bohica793]

I love HP-38/231 and load it in 9mm, 38 and 45ACP. A very versatile, relatively fast burner that you can use in a lot of different loads. Highly recommended.

[rexherring]

I've loaded and shot many .38's with 4.5 grs and works well in my 4 inch. It should be close to your BE load

[osteodoc08]

I love HP-38/231 and load it in 9mm, 38 and 45ACP. A very versatile, relatively fast burner that you can use in a lot of different loads. Highly recommended.

+1

A very versatile powder.

[Win94ae]

Anyone use HP-38 to replace Bullseye in their 38 Special?
I've only used HP-38 for my 38 special loads; so no. [smilie=p:

[Win94ae]

+1

A very versatile powder.

I also use it for a plinking load in my 30-30.

[Rex]

Thanks a lot guys. Just got home from town after watching grandkids ball games. Brought a pound of HP-38 with me, will give it a try this next week.
Rex

[osteodoc08]

I'm gonna venture to guess that you'll need more than 1 pound.....yes, I love it that much.

[Vinne]

Rex, you can't go wrong using HP-38. Cleaner than Bullseye.

[Rex]

Pulled out an old Hornady manual last night. With their 158 grain jacketed bullet they show W-231 going +P at 4.8 grains and topping out at 5.1 grain. Never realized it could be pushed that far. Newer manual is lower I'm sure.
Rex