Heavy bullet 38 Special data

[cainttype]

Since we’re currently running a group buy on a heavyweight 38 mold, some might appreciate a little data from the time such bullets were not that uncommon.
So here goes....
These are standard loads, not +P according to publishers... As with all data, use caution as you work up. You are responsible for your own use of any data.
First photo is from the old Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook...Second photo (with Pistol Data heading) is from Hodgdon’s 1997 pamplet.

[cainttype]

This is the data from the same old Lyman CBH for 357 Mag with a 200 grain cast bullet...As always, “Use at your own risk”.

[Beerd]

from old threads:

[Outpost75]

This is my own test data. The loads are safe in sturdy guns, but have not been pressure tested. Comparing to some of the older published data above, however, my loads are more conservative, but these are real-world chronographed loads from my guns.

Factory .38 Special +P and .357 Mag. Velocities and .38 Special (.38-44) Handloads

Ammunition__________________S&W .38-44 HD 4”____Colt New Service .357 Mag. 5”

Factory Loads for Reference:

.357 Mag. Super-X 158-gr.Lubaloy__1236, 8 Sd (fr.S&W Mod. 28)__1307 fps, 36 Sd

.357 Mag. Rem-UMC 158-gr. SWC___1221 fps, 23 Sd(S&W Mod28)_1287 fps, 27 Sd

.38 Special Super-X 158-grain LRN ___994 fps, 23 Sd____________1024 fps, 11 Sd

Winchester X38SPD 158-gr. LHP+P___909 fps, 16 Sd_____________936 fps, 16 Sd

“.38-44” Handloads in .38 Special brass, W-W cases, WSP primer:

Saeco #348 146DEWC 8.9 grs.#2400+P__922 fps,12 Sd__________1005fps, 34 Sd

Acc. 36-175H 4.0 grs. Bullseye+P______871 fps, 5 Sd_____________902 fps, 14 Sd
Acc. 36-175H 5.5 grs. AutoComp+P____902 fps, 14 Sd____________947 fps, 11 Sd
Acc. 36-175H 11.5 IMR4227+P________914 fps, 22 Sd____________981 fps, 18 Sd
Acc. 36-190T 8.4 #2400+P___________888 fps, 21 Sd____________926 fps, 37 Sd

[muskeg13]

Gee, I've been experimenting with 180 and 202 gr standard pressure .38 Special loads lately, and found a few my S&W Model 10 likes. Using the same 195 grain Lyman Cast Bullet data c. 1973 in the first picture as a guide, but with a 180 gr Saeco over 3.9 gr Unique was very good, about an inch or so high, but centered. I've also used 3.5 gr Unique with 200 gr SWCs and find the load data fairly mild/moderate.
Unfortunately for this thread, my .38 strongly prefers 155/158 gr SWCs and middle of the chart Unique loads as that was what the fixed sights were probably regulated for. However, I'm still looking for "the best" heavy bullet .38 Special load that I can use in both a Model 10 and my wife's .357 Mag Model 60, so thanks much for the old Hodgdon and Hercules data.

[gunarea]

Hello all interested

Lawnsteel players are using the RCBS 200gr 35 Rem for toppling steel through our 38 and 357 handguns. My particular cast projectile comes in at 212gr, sized to .358" unchecked and full lube groove with "Best Lube". Firearms currently using this include; Colt Python, S&W mod 27, S&W mod 66, Ruger Blackhawk, Contender and Uberti rolling block. We are loading to velocities between 760fps to 780fps. The low velocity is to maintain POA & POI sight settings of 160gr standard loads running over 810fps. Able to achieve pinpoint accuracy at 70yds with dialed in propellant charges. My particular load is for the mentioned Uberti rolling block. Using Alliant Promo, a charge of 2.65gr with no press or die changes. Use of 357 cases make the Lee collet crimp possible. When seating into 38 special cases, extra care is needed to properly crimp above the crimp groove. 38 caliber chambers must have a deeper seat to accommodate the longer projectile. The longer length makes it more effective on large steel targets than a heavier and shorter 44 or 45 slug. It also allows small caliber to compete effectively against the big guns. This same projectile is copied by a few other mould makers. I am sure this information could be used to tune in lighter cast slugs. Lawnsteel players have quite a bit of experience with this slug. Any of them would be a good source of information based on actual loading and shooting.
Roy