358439 HP in a K-14-4 38 spl 6 inch ??

[10 Spot Terminator]

Have ran accross some #358439 HPs running about 165 grs. from 20 to 1 alloy and would like to load them for my S&W K-14 with a 6 in. barrel. Dont know how warm I can load them with this alloy for small game and am looking for some insight from those who have maybe loaded these before.

10 Spot

[Wayne Dobbs]

I would try 5.0 Unique or 4.5 231/HP-38. Both of those have worked well for me in my K-frames with the non-HP version of that bullet (358429). I like to put these up in either new or once fired brass for testing and actual hunting use. Did you cast them or find them for sale?

[EdS]

I would think, for small game, that accuracy takes priority over velocity/energy. Like Wayne, I'd start at 5.0 gr. Unique, and then try 5.2, 5.4 and 5.6 gr. looking for best accuracy. Any of these loads shoud work just fine for small game. -Ed

[fecmech]

Another vote for 5.0/Unique. It is the most accurate load in my 6" K-38 with 358429 at 173 grs. When I had the 358439 mold using 20/1 I got decent expansion (using that load) shooting through a half gallon milk carton full of water. I placed a piece of cardboard behind the carton and the holes were approx .5-.6". Velocity in my gun was 900 fps.

[10 Spot Terminator]

I am definitely impressed ! This may be a forum 1st . All 3 of these replys are recommending the same load ? Dont know as I have ever seen a unamimous vote on a load before . I am pretty sure I know what I will be loading today thanks to all of you and Wayne, I actually bought these from Glenhills bullets a great cast to order guy I have dealt with in the past . As for the brass it is all from factory fired Rem ammo of the same lot # courtesy of a great friend who does not reload and gave me 1400 fired cases all in their original boxes . Hard to beat friends like that. Thanks again fellas and I will post my test results soon .

10 Spot

[thegreatdane]

+1 on 5.0 Unique.