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Andrew Quigley
10-19-2008, 06:45 PM
Howdy ya'll

I was wanting to replicate or duplicate factory loads for 38 special and +P using Unique powder. Using 148hbwc and 158gr rnfp bullets. Reason for Unique is because I like it and have plenty on hand. Also have some 2400 on hand.
Anyone know where I can get then info I need? Thanks

454PB
10-19-2008, 10:25 PM
Looks like 4.7 gr. of Unique will do it with the 158 gr. Alliant doesn't list a Unique load for the 148 gr. HBWC, but I'd try about 4 grs.

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/RecipeDetail.aspx?title=Pistols%20and%20Revolvers&gtypeid=1&weight=148&shellid=26&bulletid=29

Andrew Quigley
10-19-2008, 11:06 PM
Is that suppose to be factory loads? They don't say start load or give any other info.

454PB
10-20-2008, 12:43 AM
They approximate factory loads, depending on your barrel length. If you want exact velocity duplication, you would have to chronograph factory loads, then adjust powder charge to suit.

9.3X62AL
10-20-2008, 02:29 PM
From memory here........so might be a little flawed. I think 454's Unique data is pretty close to factory-level performance, I used to do a LOT of factory-load duplication loading for 38 Special, both target WC and +P loads. With the Speer or Hornady HBWCs, 2.7 grains of Bullseye and 3.0 grains of WW-231 are EXACTLY equivalent to factory target velocities. These loads were chronograph-compared, and varied less than 5 FPS (mean) from factory loads.

Larry Gibson
10-20-2008, 02:30 PM
Try 3.8 gr Unique with the HBWC to duplicate a factory HBWC load. It gives around 750 fps out of 4-6" barrels. Be advised that Unique is not the best powder for this although it may give yeoman service. Bullseye , HP38 or 231 are all better powders for .38 target loads. Also be advised to work up slowly to 5.3 gr if you want more velocity. Some where in there you will lose accuracy as the skirt of the HBWC will get blown on bullet exit from the muzzle.

I used to duplicate the WW "FBI" 150 gr lead HP +P load out of my 4" M15 with a soft cast 358477 that I HP'd with a Forster tool. The WW +P load averaged 925 fps. The 358477 over 5.5 gr of Unique averaged 950 fps.

Larry Gibson

missionary5155
10-20-2008, 06:23 PM
My old SPEER book says.. in a 6 inch Ruger they used 5.5 gr Unique with a 158 grain JACKET bullet for 875 fps... Book shows 2400 using 10 grs (same bullet) for 929fps.
I would use the same load with the appropriate diameter and mix boolit. Cast generates less barrel friction and less pressure... BUT more FPS with the same charge... WIN WIN
There are NO +P loads for HB boolits ...

Andrew Quigley
10-20-2008, 11:07 PM
Thanks for all the help. Had been practicing with my daughter's CAS loads but felt these were to light for practical practice. I'll expand my powder inventory in the near future but for now I'll use what I have.

Andrew Quigley
10-27-2008, 10:25 PM
Finally got some rounds loaded up and went to the range this afternoon. The 158gr's are really fun in my Chief Special. Will try to get back out and see how it they fair in my model 10. Thanks again.