Bulky powder for 125 RNFP in .38 Special?

[Triggernosis]

Can anyone recommend a bulky "case filling" powder, other than Trail Boss, that would be suitable for medium to higher velocities in .38 Special for a 125 grain RNFP cast bullet. I don't like Trail Boss because it doesn't meter consistently and I don't want to dip it.

[Bzcraig]

Thinking any 'bulky, case filling' powder is going to have the same metering characteristics.

[Triggernosis]

Thinking any 'bulky, case filling' powder is going to have the same metering characteristics.
I thought so too, but IMR-4227 fills a case up pretty nicely and throws nicely (reminds me of Reloder 15 that I use for .223) but is way too slow for .38 Special and a 125 gr bullet, I believe.

[rintinglen]

bulky powders are either going to be "puffy", and not meter well or way too slow for the application. Herco has some application here, but in reality, there is nothing that actually meets your criteria.

[Triggernosis]

Thanks, Glen. I'll just have to dip it or deal with it.

[Uncle Jimbo]

I use 4 gr. of green dot under my 125 rnfp. It meters as good as any and does fill the case pretty much.

[anothernewb]

I've had great luck with clays.

[Mytmousemalibu]

I'm loading my .38 special minor power factor loads for USPSA and IDPA with Vectan Ba9 and have been quite pleased with it. I also use it in minor PF 9mm and will probably use it for my new .40 limited gun. Its a short extruded stick type granule which meters pretty well and has decent bulk. Not quite as good as Trailboss but much bulkier than your spherical ball pistol powders. Its very reasonably priced and the canisters are 1.10lbs so you get a little extra for free.

[farmerjim]

I use 5.5 grains of Herco under the lee 358-125-RF sized .359 in 38SP. I use the same 5.5 grains of Herco under the lee 358-125RF sized .357 in 9mm. It is a slightly compressed load in the 9mm.

[rockrat]

I use Red Dot or Promo

[clum553946]

Clays

[Triggernosis]

Thanks, guys. I'm liking that Green Dot, since there are several loads listed for it for both .38 Spec. and .32 H&R that I also load for.

[fatelvis]

A quick look at Quickload shows Herco being the best chioce for the 38spl, if bulkiness of a suitable powder is of your concern. Green Dot is a close second.