View Full Version : 38spcl/357 Mag with HP-38 and LSWC
Redleg11b
04-08-2017, 07:31 PM
I opened up my bottle of HP-38 today. I was cleaning the brass from my morning range session and figured why not load a few. I am going with 3.7 grains (Hodgdon max load, but Lyman shows 4 grains). It took a little bit to reset my dies from Magnum, but I am up and rolling. I put the lid back on and am now taking a break. Weighing each charge is time consuming and tedious. I am learning that trickling flake powders can be a bit tedious. Hopefully I will be able to go back out tomorrow and test them over the chronograph and see how well they print. I am looking for a small game load.
I am going to load up 10 each in the Mag starting at 4 grains and going up .3 grains until 4.9 grains (Data from Hodgdon shows 3.4 start and 5.0 max). We shall see how they do. I put 25 Trail Boss loads through the H&R today at 910 fps without leading. The accuracy was not that great though with groups near 1.5" at 50 yards. Hopefully I can get these into half that size.
Either way, it will be fun.
P.S. - I seat each bullet as I fill the case so there is no worry of double charging.
First, HP-38 is not a flake powder, it's a ball powder. Trickling? Get yourself a powder measure. Ball powders go thru powder measures quite nicely and accurately.
Don
Redleg11b
04-08-2017, 08:46 PM
Looks like little flat round flakes to me, but if it is a ball powder it could have fooled me. A measure is on my short list of things to get, but my fun budget is tight as a snare drum cover right now.
rintinglen
04-08-2017, 10:22 PM
Pick up popcans and get yourself a LEE Perfect Powder Measure from Titan Reloading. It will run you less than forty dollars, including shipping, and it will make life easier.
Scharfschuetze
04-08-2017, 11:09 PM
If it'll help, I use HP38 or 231 quite a bit in 357 cases with good results for mid range loads.
My load is:
147 grain truncated cone bullet (9mm design) sized to .358"
357 cases with CCI SP primers
6.0 grains of either HP38 or 231 (depends on which one I have in stock)
Velocity from a 6" Model 28 is 990 fps. Accuracy from a couple of different S&W K and N frame revolvers averages 2" at 25 yards from a rest. Surprisingly for a mid range load, there is quite a muzzle flash from this load. It's not a max load, but the powder just seems to fireball more than Unique does at the same velocity level.
Redleg11b
04-10-2017, 10:34 AM
Scharf, thanks for that info. I will be shooting them from an 18" barrel. I wasn't able to get out yesterday, but I will eventually.
Petrol & Powder
04-10-2017, 11:23 AM
WW231, AKA HP-38 is one of my primary powders. I've burned so much over the years that I couldn't even make a guess as to how pounds I've gone through. It is my "go-to" powder for 38 Special loads.
HP-38 meters beautifully and I just use a powder measure (usually the one mounted on my Dillon) or occasionally a bench top powder measure. You'll use your sanity if you weigh every single charge when loading handgun cartridges. Another method is to make a powder dipper for the charge weight you desire. A smaller casing, such as a 9mm case, can be filed down until it holds exactly the amount of powder you desire. A small piece of stiff wire can be soldered to the casing to form a handle.
Good Luck
I will be shooting them from an 18" barrel.
Redleg11b,
With a long barrel like that, you will be better served using a slower burn rate powder such as 2400 or 4227.
Don
Redleg11b
04-10-2017, 07:25 PM
I do not see load data for those in the Mag for LSWC, but the 4227 Looks good for the Spcl. I have 2400, H110, Trail Boss, and HP-38 as far as "pistol" powders go. I will probably keep the 2400 for Mag J bullet loads or hold onto it for something different. I really want to get this rifle reamed to Max and shoot strictly cast bullets through it (maybe even work up to 180gr or so).
Don't know what you are using for a reloading manual if you can't find good load data for LSWC's in .357 Magnum. Do yourself a favor and get the Lyman Reloading Manual for good lead bullet load data.
Don
Redleg11b
04-10-2017, 08:35 PM
I have Lyman 49 and the newer Sierra, as well as online searches and powder manufacturer data. I want something in the 1000-1200 range as a top end. I will try a few combinations for groups over the chrony and see how things pan out. Load development is part of the fun. I will look into the Lyman Cast manual.
fecmech
04-11-2017, 01:03 PM
I want something in the 1000-1200 range as a top end.
With your 18" barrel 5 grs of 231/HP38 with a 158 swc will put you right in the middle of what you're looking for, a little over 1100fps.
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