38 Special +P 158 gr lswchp AA5

[Hi-Speed]

Got to the range today and chronographed 38 Special +P with Hornady 158 gr LSWCHP and 6.2 grs of AA5. OAL 1.455. Cases Starline. Primers CCI 500. Avg velocity was 826 FPS, ES 37.

5.2 grs Unique and same bullet averaged 832 FPS, ES 52 fps.

5.0 grs Power Pistol and same bullet did better today and avg 806 FPS, ES 26.

Firearm was S&W 642 1 7/8 inch barrel.

These loads for all practical purposes duplicate Win/Rem/Fed FBI loads 158 gr LSWCHP.

[RED BEAR]

Unique and red dot are my go to powders for 38 spec. I have never even tried any aa powders . Just stuck in my ways i guess.

[Hickok]

Thanks for the chrono results.

I am like RED BEAR, I use a lot of Unique in .38, 9mm, .40 S&W, 45ACP and .45 Colt.

It helps keep my supply and inventory of powder simpler.

[Hi-Speed]

...as many others before me have confirmed on this great site, it’s easy to duplicate Win/Rem/Fed FBI loads. One thing though, is the ability of Power Pistol to meet FBI load velocities with standard pressure loadings (5.0-5.3 gr PP)...bark is much less at these loadings. Then again, all revolvers are not created equal...guess that I have a tight snub nose...and higher elevations here may help as well with higher velocities.

[USSR]

Got to the range today and chronographed 38 Special +P with Hornady 158 gr LSWCHP and 6.2 grs of AA5. OAL 1.455. Cases Starline. Primers CCI 500. Avg velocity was 826 FPS, ES 37.

That pretty much is what I found with my 2.5" snubbie: 158gr LSWCHP, 6.4gr AA#5, 845fps. The hands down best FBI load is found with 7.0gr of HS-6 and a magnum primer: 940fps.

Don

[Petrol & Powder]

I think you're RIGHT ON THE MONEY with the AA#5 load and a 1 7/8" barrel.

[gwpercle]

Thanks for the report , I use the AA #5 and Unique loads in snub and don't have a chrono .
Now I know the velocities...have recorded them in notes !
Gary

[ddixie884]

Got to the range today and chronographed 38 Special +P with Hornady 158 gr LSWCHP and 6.2 grs of AA5. OAL 1.455. Cases Starline. Primers CCI 500. Avg velocity was 826 FPS, ES 37.

5.2 grs Unique and same bullet averaged 832 FPS, ES 52 fps.

5.0 grs Power Pistol and same bullet did better today and avg 806 FPS, ES 26.

Firearm was S&W 642 1 7/8 inch barrel.

These loads for all practical purposes duplicate Win/Rem/Fed FBI loads 158 gr LSWCHP.

Good report thanx for the data.....

[sniper]

5 gr. Unique, 357 maggie brass, standard primer, 150-158 gr SWC, 4" barrel = 860 fps chronoe'd.:bigsmyl2:

[sniper]

I think you're RIGHT ON THE MONEY with the AA#5 load and a 1 7/8" barrel.

Even for my big, ungainly 4" barrel & 357 brass, a very useful go-to load! .2 or .3gr. additional of powder to make up the difference in case capacity, and CHOOT 'EM!:bigsmyl2:

[USSR]

Using AA#5 and HS-6 with 158gr SWCHP .38 +P loads (The FBI Load) in my 2.5 inch Model 19, I get 845fps with AA#5 and 940fps with HS-6. AA#5 is good, but HS-6 is better.

Don

[Carrier]

HS6 is the one I use. Very accurate load as well.

[charlie b]

I like AA powders as well. I used to keep AA2, 5 and 7 on the shelf all the time. Now days it is just AA7 for the pistols I shoot.