358429 in standard pressure .38 Special

[nicky4968]

I recently sold my last .357 (a Model 28) and only have a Model 10-5 and a 15-8 left. I wish to find a load to use up my 358429 173 gr Keiths, but do not want to duplicate the .38/44 loads.
What is a standard pressure load for this bullet using Unique powder?
Is there one with 2400 powder?
Many thanks

[USSR]

4.5gr of Unique will work for you - 5.0gr is a +P load. 2400 is too slow a powder for a standard pressure .38 Special load.

Don

[David LaPell]

I think I use 4.2 grains of Winchester 231 and that bullet, works great.

[nicky4968]

Many thanks

[fecmech]

Nicky--The Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook third edition lists 5.0/Unique as a max std pressure load at 860 FPS and 16500 CUP for 358429.

[bootsnthejeep]

I like 5.0 unique in my K38.

[subsonic]

My 2nd edition Lee loading manual lists 7.2gr @ 802fps and 7.6gr @ 850fps of 2400 behind a 160gr jacketed bullet yeilding 15900psi - this is a standard pressure .38 load.

They also list a 200gr Lead load with 2400 at +P pressure as follows:6.6gr = 834fps and 7.1gr = 890fps@17500psi.

I would think you could find a load with 2400 at around 6.5gr in that pressure range with your boolit - but at your own risk of course - and check for lots of unburnt powder in the bore after every cylinderful of loads. This is likely a very dirty load if that matters to you.

Lee also lists AA5 for both standard and +P .38 loads with that boolit as follows:

4.9gr@766fps is starting load, 5.4gr@870fps is top load with 16500psi for regular .38spl.

.38+P shows 5.0gr@792fps and 5.6gr@900fps/17900psi for max.

Hodgdon Longshot is probably a good powder for reaching top velocity at low pressure with this boolit in .38s, but I don't see any data for this particular combination.

5gr of Unique was a safe load when I tried it with this boolit, but I would not call it an accurate or good load.

[FN in MT]

5.0 of Unique and the #358429 was my Field load for 20+ years in .38's and .357 mag revolvers. If I recall correctly...The old Elmer Keith recommended load was 5.2 grs. Typical Elmer...push the limit a bit.

FN in MT

[Hi-Speed]

Why start a new thread? I also like standard 38 Special loads with the 358429/Keith SWCs. I like 4.4 grs W231, approx 890 fps (5 in S&W HD) or 4.8 grs Unique 925 fps (Ruger 4 5/8 in BH). They’re accurate for me.

I’m due out at our open range for some tests…have at least six different loads using the Keith SWCs (358429, NOE Keith, Rim Rock Keith and 358439 HP) using Unique, HS-6, N350, Accurate #5, and contemplating 38-44 level ones with Power Pistol (6 grs) and Accurate #5 (7.0 grs) (38-44 ref load data derived from “Handloader Oct 2016 Brian Pearce” 38-44 loads).

[lawboy]

4.2grs. HP-38 works fantastic. Same as W231.

[zarrinvz24]

Like most everyone else, 4.5gr W231 is my standard .38 load, for all bullets. 5.2 is my +P. You've identified that you've got 2 K-frame .38's left in the stable, and I wouldn't think twice about these loads in them.

[Outpost75]

I use 4 grains of WST for a full-charge, standard-pressure load. Very clean.

[rintinglen]

Put me in the 4.5 WW231 camp, but not lower though, I have to say I have never had great results with the 358-429 at lower pressures. It is at it's best when the velocity gets up to or over 1000 fps.

[LAH]

Is there one with 2400 powder?
Many thanks

I've used this load data for years with no problem. People say it is out dated & I should leave it alone. But it's worked fine for me. Maybe the accuracy load would be a great place to begin.

[sixshot]

And you might compare .357" diameter to .358" diameter, some guns are like women.

Dick

[waco]

And you might compare .357" diameter to .358" diameter, some guns are like women.

Dick

Hi Dick. I see you are in Soda Springs. Do you know Lamar?(Fiver)