.38 Spl

[Balduran]

Howdy.
I just got a bunch of 700x dumped on me, I thought i would load up some .38spl in the 3.0 grain under a 158 swc.
thought i would check my load manuals cuz i dont like to depend on my memory for such things.
none of the manuals i have (five or six) lists 700X in the heavier cast or jacketed bullets.
Bullseye...yup
231.........yup

Did a search here and folks use this load.
Any reason it wouldnt be listed?


Jody

[rmcc]

I use 700x in both 38 Spl & 45 ACP both. Have had good luck with both. Use minimum for a plinking load, accurate and mild. 1911 functions fine with 233 cast SWC & 12 lb spring.

Rich

[badgeredd]

The load you ask about is an extremely nice shooting LOW velocity load. You'll notice that most of the book loads go for higher velocity. That would be my guess why you don't see 700x listed.

Edd

[Balduran]

well What i am really getting at is i can find loads for all the other powders in the same burn rate in all my manuals with 150 or heavier but 700X only with the lightest bullets.

Jody

[fecmech]

Hodgdon's web site lists 3.0/700x start and 3.4 max behind a 158 LSWC.
http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

[Balduran]

hmm thats interesting. thanks, looks like i need more books.
or a laptop in my reloading room...yuck!
Jody

[Le Loup Solitaire]

I've used 700X in 38 spl for my Smith M52. The bullet is the H&G double ended, flat faced WC with only one groove lubed and seated flush with the case mouth. The charge is 2.5-2.6 grains. Recoil is very soft, the slide recycles ok, and no prob with ejection. Accuracy at 25 yards is one tight group. Increasing the charge makes the group start to open up. 700X works well with somewhat higher charges in 38 spl for revolver loadings; it also will work in light loads with 357 and as well in the 45ACP. It is not necessary to "soup things up" in order to get good accuracy with 700X. LLS

[GabbyM]

Been shooting 3.0 grains f 700x in my K frame 38’s under a 148gr DEWC this summer. They shoot a little high so I think I’ll try going to the max listed charge of 3.3 grains under the wad cutters. To get the POI down and since the rounds I shot into a 55 gallon drum failed to exit the far side when shot at an angle. Those WC’s punched big holes though. With a bullet that seat more shallow than the full wad cutter I’d start with 3.3 grains then work it until the POI is with the sights.

I had about eight pounds left in a twelve pound keg from my trap shooting days a quarter century ago. Will be a long time burning all this up at these charge weights.

P.S.
I should point out that my charges are with a Quarter century old powder so a newer powder may have more power and not need to be run at max listed load weight to achieve the same result.

[fryboy]

i usually use a slower powder for the 158's but a midlevel charge of 700x with the 148-150 wc's is an excellent low recoil load ( ie; the women and kids love it ! ) and it's accurate as heck ta boot ( which of course enhances the fun factor ) they shoot equally well out of a revolver or a contender
on many cartridges a starting load of 700x is a thing of beauty but for best groups at higher level loadings 800x seems to do better YMMV

[smkummer]

The lyman manual list 3.6 max for a 158 grain bullet and 3.9 for a plus P. The only issue I had with it, is my Lee pro 1000 doesn't meter it as well as bullseye or 231. For high velocity with the 38 special and heavy bullets, other powders work better but if standard or slightly lower velocity is fine, then your OK. I did switch to unique with the 158 bullet.

[rexherring]

I've also shot a lot of 700x since I quit trap shooting in my .38sp. 3 grs and a Lee TL158 alox. Shoot nice and mild.

[Balduran]

Which Lyman manual are you using smkummer? I have the 47th and 49th and both of thoes use 700x up to 146 grain in the 47th and 150 in the 49th.

I loaded up 500 rounds yesterday of my rcbs 38-150-swc, I will try out a group or two today if it dont rain.

Thanks for the replies.

Jody

[daniel lawecki]

I use Clays in 45acp 38 & 45colt boolit cast of coarse 200 swc 158 & 200swc