Lyman 358-495 wc with W231 at target speeds??

[s1120]

Anyone have any luck with 231 under the 358-495WC? Right now, my S&W model 19 likes this projectile with 2.8-3.0gr of bullseye. Well Im saving what BE I have left for working up some 45acp loads, and am looking to load up some target loads using w231 what I have quite a bit of. We are talking just 50ft BE shooting, so not worried about hitting the 50 yard targets... Has anyone used 231 with this bullet? Ive seen some loads listed in the 3.1-3.2 range, but just wanting to get some input if anyone has done this combo before. Thanks!

[Stonecrusher]

Works great for me and others. I use 3.4 gr in .38 special and 4.0 gr in .357 mag brass. Haven't chronoed the .38 but .357 gives 815 fps out of my 4" GP-100 and the wifes 4" M66.

[fecmech]

Whatever load shot best with Bullseye set your powder measure exactly the same. You will now throw .3-.4 more grains of 231 and have exactly the same velocity and pretty much the same or maybe even better accuracy. My guns prefer BE over 231 but the difference is very small, I could happily live with either powder in my .38/.357.


PS. When I shot Bullseye pistol my most accurate load with 358495 or the H&G#50 was 3.1 BE with a light taper crimp.

[s1120]

Whatever load shot best with Bullseye set your powder measure exactly the same. You will now throw .3-.4 more grains of 231 and have exactly the same velocity and pretty much the same or maybe even better accuracy. My guns prefer BE over 231 but the difference is very small, I could happily live with either powder in my .38/.357.


PS. When I shot Bullseye pistol my most accurate load with 358495 or the H&G#50 was 3.1 BE with a light taper crimp.

Good tip! Thanks. Ill check that out and see what it throws. My measure is set for 3.0 of BE right now... I didn't go any higher with BE in my testing. Im still working at getting a better shot with the revolver so my skill level is at the place where I cant really see small improvements. But Im still working on it.

[tja6435]

Brownells is taking back orders for Bullseye in 1# containers.

[runfiverun]

you could go to about 3,0 grs of the 231.
I shoot it at 4grs and the 358477's I use will stay stabilized over 200yds without any problems.
so 50 ft shouldn't pose a problem.
as with anything you'll want to move the scale up and down a bit until you find the balance between stabilization and recoil, then move the sights to correspond with the holes.

[Scharfschuetze]

I've used a lot of 231 over the years in both the 38 Special and the 357 and if fact, just loaded up some 900 rounds of 357 brass with a 146 grain boolit and 231.

During my PPC days, I sometimes used 231 in lieu of BE with a 148 grain HBWC and to be honest, 50 yard scores were the same with either propellant. Both would hold the X and 10 rings if I did my part. I did up my load from 2.7 grains of BE to 3.0 grains of 231 for use in a dedicated PPC revolver as well as my stock S&Ws.

[s1120]

Well a update. I did some test loads at 2.8, 3.0,3.2,3.4gr of 231. I also did two groups with the WC seated flush, and also out a bit to the crimp grove. Well at 50feet the 2.8 flush, and the 3.2 out a bit worked the best. I decided on loading the 2.8gr load. Nice soft recoil, and I got my best CF match scores ever by a LONG shot!!! So for not Im shooting this load, and getting some practice in. Im hoping to shoot a few 2700's this summer, so Ill need to work out a 50yd load. Im assuming I will need a bit more umph pushing them out that far.

[TenTea]

Glen Fryxell's articles recommended 4.5 gr. of W231 and that bullet, so I went with him.

http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell_Book_Chap..._Wadcutter.htm

The classic example of a Type II wadcutter is H&G #50 or Lyman 358495. These bullets have 3 grease grooves, followed by a crimp groove, one driving band and a small "button nose". This design provides all of the advantages of the Type I (deep seating, wadcutting ogive, full-length bearing surface, etc.) but it also allows for easier and more uniform seating and crimping. For over 3/4 of a century, this bullet design has established itself as the definitive bullseye pistol competition bullet. Moulds for the Type II wadcutters have been made in virtually all of the common revolver calibers, and in a variety of bullet weights. Loaded to 900 fps or so, these bullets make excellent small game hunting loads. The Lyman 358495 over 4.5 grains of W231 for 950 fps is a personal favorite for such activities.

Later, after shooting some astounding groups with GP100, I discovered that his load is well above most, modern published data.

I decided to stick with it, anyhow and have cast, loaded and fired many many.

Pleasant to shoot, accurate and I won't be hurting a GP100, SP101, S&W14 or 15 with that load either.

[s1120]

Glen Fryxell's articles recommended 4.5 gr. of W231 and that bullet, so I went with him.

http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell_Book_Chap..._Wadcutter.htm



Later, after shooting some astounding groups with GP100, I discovered that his load is well above most, modern published data.

I decided to stick with it, anyhow and have cast, loaded and fired many many.

Pleasant to shoot, accurate and I won't be hurting a GP100, SP101, S&W14 or 15 with that load either.

That seems a bit hot, but I will be testing hotter loads once a get to a range where I can test 50 yard loads.