WST in 38 special ?

[Digger]

Have WST powder available but looking on Hogdgon's chart for loading 38 Special , they do not list it ?
What is the caliber that is preferred for WST powder then ? ...

[USSR]

It pays to have old load data:

158gr Lead SWC 3.3gr WST 705fps 12,800psi
158gr Lead SWC 3.7gr WST 770fps 15,700psi

Don

[dannyd]

If have not used that powder before: It's real fine and messy open the bottle slow, I use it in my shotgun.

[Bazoo]

I don't have it in front of me, but I'm sure loadbooks USA 38 manual lists it in some of their data. Best I recall, it's listed in the Lyman 49 for 45 acp.

[tazman]

Use the online data site for Hodgdon powders. There are loads listed for three bullet weights. http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/

I have used it with 158 grain, 148 grain, and 125 grain boolits with good results. The 125 grain load isn't listed on the data site. I was using a very light load for plinking.

[oldsalt444]

WST is a favorite among bullseye competitors. 2.7 gr. over a 148 HBWC is considered "the load" for 38 Spl. Highly accurate. I also use it my 45. 3.8 gr. over a 185 or 200 gr. LSWC also gives excellent accuracy.

[Digger]

Thank you gentlemen for your input ...

[AviatorTroy]

I use it too. As mentioned it’s kind of fluffy and staticky and likes to go all over the place.
Let’s see, my notes say...

.38 special
3.3-3.7 gr WST 158gr My standard utility load is 3.5gr under a Lee 158gr SWC TL
As low as 2.5gr WST 148gr HBWC - My wife loves this load for practice in any light framed snubbie. It is still enough to seal the case and base of the bullet.

.45ACP 4.0-4.5gr WST 230gr bullet
My standard load is 4.2gr under the Lee 230gr TC

[dannyd]

Works great in shotgun slugs

[Alferd Packer]

good for mousefartloads in 30 cals.

[blue32]

I always used it for 45 auto but used it for target loads under 148 HBWC 38 spl loads in the past. Last weekend, I used Hodgdon's online data to work up a load using Lyman 358311 under 3.4 gr. WST with a CCI 550. Its a nice gentle J frame load that feels softer than my usual 4.6 gr. Unique with a CCI 500. Just be careful because the online data range is narrow.

As an aside, the data doesn't specify magnum primers but I wanted to save the standard for 9mm and didn't see pressure signs.

[shtur]

If you look on the Bullseye forum, lots of the shooters there use between 3.0 - 3.5 grains of WST with 158gr 38 spl bullets for revolver shooting at paper. It's not high velocity, but accurate.
If you want an accurate casual load, those loads have been doing it. If you need velocity for something else, that may not be the load.

[dougader]

WST is a favorite among bullseye competitors. 2.7 gr. over a 148 HBWC is considered "the load" for 38 Spl. Highly accurate. I also use it my 45. 3.8 gr. over a 185 or 200 gr. LSWC also gives excellent accuracy.
It usually works best if you load the powder under the bullet....8-)