38 special very light loads.

[Fotis]

A buddy's spouse has a Ruger snub and she wants to start shooting it again. Problem is her arthritis is killing her and as much as she wants to part take in this endeavor she can not with regular 38 special loads.

Now I do handload and I have brass dies bullets all sorts of powder etc.

I was thinking of using 125 cast bullets with bullseye win 231 trail boss etc. Can you fellas suggest some loads. Basically all I want is NOT to have any squib loads. This will be practice and fun ONLY. Thank you!

[Burnt Fingers]

148 gr HBWC, start at 1.5 gr Bullseye. Bring a squib rod just in case.

[JM7.7x58]

Flush seated DEWC 148 grain 2.7 grains Bullseye. I use AA No.2 2.6 grains with the same boolit.

Deep seated wadcutters reduce case capacity, and allow small charges of fast smokeless powder to burn efficiently. 38. Special started off it’s life as a black powder cartridge. It was designed to replace the shorter .38 Colt. It has a very large case capacity because it was designed to be a black powder “Magnum” (the term “magnum” had not even been coined yet, “Special” meant bigger and better.)

JM

P.s. Your friend needs a bigger gun. 4” or 6” full size .357 revolver eats this load like candy. Better grips will also help.

[oldsalt444]

The lighter the bullet, the less recoil. Matt's sells wadcutters as light as 75 grains. I have used their bullets and can attest to their quality. With standard target charges of 2.7 WST or 2.8 BE, around 700-750 fps, these would be a pleasure to shoot and also quite accurate.

https://www.mattsbullets.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=65&zenid=f18gpl5avfuhqpv3ij3oaaeat4

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I would recommend a WC style boolit, so when seated deep it will reduce powder capacity space.
Below is a comment I made years ago about light loads in 38 spl.

=======


There is a great article in "The NRA handloaders guide" C1969
"Minimum Loads in handguns" by William Dresser.

He worked up a load of 0.75gr of Bullseye for a 146gr. WC specifically for a Smith & Wesson Chief's Special [38 spl] with 2" barrel. MV=195 fps

The article goes into great detail on how to work-down to where the boolit sticks in the barrel and then work-up to a level where it will reliably shoot. Also mentioned was that Wad Cutters are best as they can be seated deep which then reduces powder capacity space, which would be desirable in this instance.

I couldn't find any online free copies, but you can loan it from the local library, no doubt.
Good luck,
Jon

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?212551-Light-loads-in-38-spl&highlight=lite+load

[JBinMN]

My missus has had both wrist worked on for carpal tunnel & some "trigger finger" work done as well so she wanted some lighter rounds to shoot.
I downloaded 38Sp rounds for my missus in her .357 LCR snubbnose using Red Dot using both 148 gr WCs & 158gr SWCs..
I started working up from 2.6gr to 2.9 gr.. The 2.9 was the most accurate load for both boolits with that particular firearm. I wrote down the next best accurate round weights, but do not have them in front of me & don't remember them so I cannot suggest them right now.

I would have to go back to look for the chrony results as well, since I think I did them too, & will do so if asked, but I think it was in the mid to upper 600s at the low point & perhaps mid 700s for the upper end ones.. I just don't remember right now.

Bullseye would be a comparable powder if ya have that in approx. the same range of weight.. I just used Red Dot as I wanted to try it since it was less expensive at the time.

Anyway, G'Luck!
:)

[Fotis]

Thank you guys!

[Petrol & Powder]

All good advice but if we are talking about an Airweight snubnose, we're already behind the curve in terms of recoil and shooting comfort.

Normally I don't recommend installing large grips on a snubnose revolver because it completely defeats the reason for having a snubnose revolver in the first place BUT, if the gun is only used on a range and is not carried as a concealed weapon; bigger grips might be useful for someone with arthritis.

Super light WC's start to resemble round balls when the weights get down to about 75 grains, so I'm not a fan of those either.

The 148 Gr HBWC with a light charge of Bullseye would be my choice for low recoil, good accuracy and little chance of sticking a bullet in the barrel. (a short barrel is actually helpful here). The runner up would be a full WC of 120-150 grs and enough Bullseye to reliably get it out of the barrel.

[Larry Gibson]

Fotis

The 125 gr cast bullet is a favorite with SASS (cowboy action) shooters. They load it way down for reduced recoil and velocity. I suggest trying 2.5 - 3.0 gr Bullseye under your 125 gr cast bullets before buying anything else. I've loaded a lot of those for use in SD training shooters (kids, woman and men) with their small frame 38 SPL revolvers with complete satisfaction. I just used 3.0 gr Bullseye.

[5 iron]

I’ll second the recommendation for larger rubber grips. Pachmayr are my favorite.

[Paper Puncher]

I use a Lyman 358242 . I have the 92 grain version. With 3.5 grains of Bullseye it shoots about 600 FPS out of my S&W Body Guard.
Low velocity low weight = very low recoil.

[ABJ]

My grandkid load is the Lee 105 swc on top of 3.5 Unique or just a little more of HP-38. My precision pistol (aka-bullseye) load is the same bullet on top of 4.1 grains of HP-38. The unique load will hold the 10 ring at 25 yds. out of a 4 inch k frame. The 4.1/HP-38 will hold the x ring at 50 yds but the recoil is a little more.
Nothing wrong with the wadcutter loads already listed but the 105 bullet is a lot less recoil and just as accurate. Out of a 1-7/8 barrel I assume your shooting in the 7 to 15 yds area so the 3.5/Unique should be fine for an accurate plinking load.
I use a pretty tight crimp to help the Unique burn better.
Tony

[Thumbcocker]

Lee 105 is very accurate and easy on the lead stash.

[dverna]

I have shot 10's of thousands of the 125's. Loaded with 2.5 gr of Clays and never a squib. 10 shot groups of under 1.5" at 30 yards out of a Marlin 1894.

W231 would do, but I would start at 3.0 gr.

[Fotis]

Fotis

The 125 gr cast bullet is a favorite with SASS (cowboy action) shooters. They load it way down for reduced recoil and velocity. I suggest trying 2.5 - 3.0 gr Bullseye under your 125 gr cast bullets before buying anything else. I've loaded a lot of those for use in SD training shooters (kids, woman and men) with their small frame 38 SPL revolvers with complete satisfaction. I just used 3.0 gr Bullseye.

I loaded 2 gr of bullseye with the 125 cast after watching a video on youtube. The guy was shooting a 1911 converted to 38 special with wadcutters. He started at 3 gr of BE and working down in 0.1 gr intervals. His slide stopped working (cycling) at 1.9 bullseye and finally got a squib load (stuck in the barrel) at 0.4 gr of BE. So I think I am good at 2 gr from a 1.75" tube.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=38+special+bullseye&&view=detail&mid=B0BD2C03CF2ED1C5997DB0BD2C03CF2ED1C5997D&&FORM=VRDGAR

[onelight]

My favorite light 38s are 3.5 to 4 grains RedDot and 130 rnfp from summers they shoot well in in all my 38/357s and my Rossi 92 I like both the hi-tek and plain.
https://summersenterprisesllc.com/product/38-130gr-358-900-ct-box/

[Wild Bill 7]

My favorite is 2.5 grains of Bullseye with the 148 grain w/c seated flush with the case mouth. Low recoil and very accurate to 15 yards. My wife has arthritis in her fingers and this load is easy on her with her Rossi in 38 special or the 686.

[Alferd Packer]

Deleted 8-30-19

[Alferd Packer]

Deleted 8-30-19

[GhostHawk]

Either .22lr or .32sw long or .32acp will significantly reduce both recoil and muzzle blast while teaching essential skills.

My wife also has athrititus in both hands. For her I got her shooting a Ruger Mk III 22/45 with standard velocity loads.
Eventually switched guns to one with a rail and put a red dot sight on it.

With a couple of mags of practice she got where she could put 10 of 10 into a pop cap sized circle at 20 feet regularly.

She does not go to the range often but she has her Ruger were she could get to it and use it if needed.

I just kept telling her imagine that bad guys eyeball is a pop cap. You'd drill it first time.

He "might" not be dead, but I suspect he'd be a bit self absorbed at that point. Not much of a threat. Good enough for me.

[Fotis]

Well they shot pretty well with no recoil at all (more or less). Made up another 100 with 125 cast WC and 3 gr Red dot.

[Fotis]

It is her 38 Ruger LCR. She bought it before she had the hand problems. She is wanting to shoot it.

[JBinMN]

I will add, but it is up to your buddy/his missus, but I put the rubber aftermarket grips on my missus 357 LCR for better grip for the both of us.

Got rid of that problem we both have with having the pinky/little finger hanging out & giving the feeling of a lack of control. ( I "HATE it for ANY handgun.)

It did wonders & was worth the little expense for the both of us.

If your buddy/his missus are interested in doing something like that, I can give you a link for one that fits.

{ETA see below. Added so I don't forget to do it later if asked. I may be out of town a few days. "Gone Fishin w/ the grandboys. ;) }

Up to your buddy/his missus.

Some folks like the little finger hangin out underneath. Complain about bigger grips & CC ...

For a firearm that is sometimes SD carry, I want ALL the control I/we can get, if I/we need to get er out & shoot.

The hell with them other folks... It ain't their *** on the line.

Don't worry about other folks whinin about changing grips to fit Your Buddy/His missus needs....

Tell your Buddy/his missus to "Do as ya think is right for YOU/HER!", & G'Luck!

-------------------------------

ETA: Here is the one we got for her LCR & it was inexpensive(about $17+ shipping) & works great!:

https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/0001002482/diamond-pro-series-grip-ruger-lcr



DESCRIPTION

Diamond Pro Series Grip Ruger LCR
by PACHMAYR

Pachmayr is proud to introduce the Diamond Pro Series revolver grips. This new grip line is designed to fill the hand comfortably, with natural feel and point. The new unique shape is covered with our new "Diamond Plate" texture. This gives you rugged good looks and absolute control of your revolver, even under the heaviest recoil. The new grips are made using our specially blended rubber compounds, formulated to give you the long lasting soft feel you expect and the best recoil reduction you deserve. Features:

Diamond checkering
Finger grooves
Covered back strap


https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/images/product_images/010-02482/010-02482.jpg

[Alferd Packer]

Deleted 8-30-19

[rintinglen]

My own experience in making light loads involved the 358-101, a 75 grain WC and 2.2 grains of Bullseye. I made hundreds for my two daughters, and found a few rules to help. Seat the boolit FLUSH with the case mouth. Ignore the crimp groove. Secondly, firmly crimp the boolit in the case. Both of these help insure proper combustion. If you don't, you will get crazy wide extreme spreads.
Later on, I went to the 358-345, 115 grain boolit and a slightly heavier (IIRC, 2.7 grains of bullseye) charge. Eventually, they were shooting 148 grain WC over 2.8 grains of RED DOT. All of these loads were softer shooting than the standard 38 loads.
247619These pictures show the boolits used, but represent multi-ball 357 loads that are a far cry from the light loads the OP was seeking.

[5 iron]

Well they shot pretty well with no recoil at all (more or less). Made up another 100 with 125 cast WC and 3 gr Red dot.

How did the Red Dot loads shoot?

[gwpercle]

Use that 125 gr. cast boolit with 2.8 grains of Bullseye , makes for very pleasant and accurate shooting .
Gary

[smkummer]

Fotis

The 125 gr cast bullet is a favorite with SASS (cowboy action) shooters. They load it way down for reduced recoil and velocity. I suggest trying 2.5 - 3.0 gr Bullseye under your 125 gr cast bullets before buying anything else. I've loaded a lot of those for use in SD training shooters (kids, woman and men) with their small frame 38 SPL revolvers with complete satisfaction. I just used 3.0 gr Bullseye.

Yep, lee cast 125 FP bullet and 2.8 grains bullseye. Goes bang and sounds like a real gun with little recoil. This is my cowboy bullet. You are shooting a load just a wee bit more powerful than a 32 S&W long.

[tazman]

That 2.8 grains of Bullseye load is listed in the Lyman 49th manual as giving 690fps.
Not bad for such a light load.

[MT Gianni]

360 round ball sized to .358" to put a slight flat on the sides, then rolled in LLA. Seal with a toothpick of LLA around the edges. Keep velocities between 600 and 800 fps.

[trapper9260]

I will add, but it is up to your buddy/his missus, but I put the rubber aftermarket grips on my missus 357 LCR for better grip for the both of us.

Got rid of that problem we both have with having the pinky/little finger hanging out & giving the feeling of a lack of control. ( I "HATE it for ANY handgun.)

It did wonders & was worth the little expense for the both of us.

If your buddy/his missus are interested in doing something like that, I can give you a link for one that fits.

{ETA see below. Added so I don't forget to do it later if asked. I may be out of town a few days. "Gone Fishin w/ the grandboys. ;) }

Up to your buddy/his missus.

Some folks like the little finger hangin out underneath. Complain about bigger grips & CC ...

For a firearm that is sometimes SD carry, I want ALL the control I/we can get, if I/we need to get er out & shoot.

The hell with them other folks... It ain't their *** on the line.

Don't worry about other folks whinin about changing grips to fit Your Buddy/His missus needs....

Tell your Buddy/his missus to "Do as ya think is right for YOU/HER!", & G'Luck!

-------------------------------

ETA: Here is the one we got for her LCR & it was inexpensive(about $17+ shipping) & works great!:

https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/0001002482/diamond-pro-series-grip-ruger-lcr





https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/images/product_images/010-02482/010-02482.jpg

I put one of these on my SP101 and found it is alot better to handle then the grip it cam with. I had put it on my 357 mag and wait for my 327mag to come in and later will put one on that one also The grips that came with it is alittle small for me. this works.

[deltaenterprizes]

I use a Lyman 358242 . I have the 92 grain version. With 3.5 grains of Bullseye it shoots about 600 FPS out of my S&W Body Guard.
Low velocity low weight = very low recoil.
You beat me to it! VERY light load!

[AlaskaMike]

Hot glue bullets seated over a primer with no powder. Instant death on cardboard boxes, and you're not going to find anything with less recoil.

[Moonie]

My wife loves shooting my 6" Security Six SS with 38 specials using the Lee 125gr and a light load of clays.

[Silvercreek Farmer]

I have shot 10's of thousands of the 125's. Loaded with 2.5 gr of Clays and never a squib. 10 shot groups of under 1.5" at 30 yards out of a Marlin 1894.

W231 would do, but I would start at 3.0 gr.

I loaded and shot a batch of the 125/2.5g Clays. Nice load. Surprisingly clean. Got a Lee TL wadcutter mold on the way. Figured I couldn’t live my entire life having never loaded and shot wadcutters. I like the idea that they punch nice leaky holes in vermin should I decide to use them for such.

[crandall crank]

I've loaded some Lee TL 356-95-RF, which are powder coated and UN-sized in 38 Spl cases. It has almost zero recoil and is slightly louder than a 22wmr. I use 231 or HP38 powder. This should be just what she needs.