38 Special +P 158 gr Accurate #5

[Hi-Speed]

Deleted at sole discretion of author

[AlaskaMike]

Wow. I haven't tried Accurate #5 in .38 spl, but I agree there's a lot of velocity variation there.

Power Pistol for me has given me some of the most consistent velocities in both .38 spl +P and midrange .357 mag. I expect BE86 would be very similar to Power Pistol in that regard.

[gwpercle]

Chronographed the following load this morning:

Firearm: Ruger 4 5/8 inch New Model Blackhawk
Cartridge: 38 Special +P
Bullet: Missouri Cast 158 gr SWC (12 BNH)
Powder: Accurate #5
Powder Charge: 6.3 grs
OAL : 1.440” (Lee FCD crimp 3/4 turn)

Shot #/MV

1. 885 fps
2. 929 fps
3. 981 fps
4. 957 fps
5. 940 fps
6. 940 fps
7. 981 fps
8. 949 fps
9. 925 fps
10. 954 fps

Hi 981
Lo 885
Avg 944
ES 96
SD 26

I’ll take Power Pistol, BE86 or Unique over Accurate#5 in 38 Spl +P. Even Unique has tighter ES and SD spreads.

I agree with you . I was a little disappointed in AA#5 in the 38 Special ...and 38 special +P ...
I didn't get a complete clean burn until I loaded 6.0 grs . (unburned powder was evident in loads below that) it seems a bit slower than Unique ,
I'm thinking AA#5 will do better at higher pressure ... it may burn more completely and consistent at 357 Magnum velocities and pressures .
For 38 Special and 38 Special +P there are better powders .

Now AA#5 is showing promise in +1000 fps loads in 9mm Luger but the higher pressure of the 9mm explains some of that .
Gary

[downzero]

All powders (and all combustion) is better at higher pressures. That's why car with higher compression ratios have more power for the same displacement. If there's still room before you hit the pressure limit, try more powder. If not, try Accurate #2.

[45_Colt]

If you aren't, may want to try a magnum primer to light it off.

45_Colt