Loading 38 Special

[michael_aos]

I think I'd like a load for my 1866 that will send a 158gr @ ~1000fps.

Qiuckload shows me some slow powders that will get me to ~1400fps at <17,000 psi (SAAMI).

Is there any way to tell if 4.5gr of TiteGroup behind a 158gr and COAL of 1.55" is "safe" (38 special pressure)?

I'd hate to put undue stress on the rifle, but I've also got a LOT of TiteGroup and I'd like to use it if I could.

Mike

[car-15]

I'm no expert by far, with that said the below is taken from the hodgdon 2006 annual manual shows the max safe load as 4.3 grn's titegroup with a 158 grn bullet. that will put you at 905 fps with 19,300 cup,and that is with a 7" barrel so a rifle should net you a few more fps. they reccomend a oal of 1.455 but my lyman manual shows 1.550 as the max safe oal. I dont know if I helped you, but if you need any more specs out of the annual let me know. :cool:

[Hoser]

Keep your eye on how hard they extract. If the initial pull on the lever is hard and you get any primer cratering, back off. What does Hodgon say for a max load?

Whats the main reason for a goal of 1,000 fps? I would just pick a load that is accurate, minimal recoil and is clean. If thats 800 fps or 1200 fps, no matter.

If you want to drive 158s faster, get a slower powder. Keep in mind, the faster you push lead, the more likely you are to get lead buildup.

[michael_aos]

I'm using the Rainier copper-plated lead right now. Also ordered some FMJ.

Nothing "special" exactly about 1000fps. Just a nice round number.

Hodgdon lists 3.9gr with a 158gr HDY XTP, but they don't mention OAL.

It seems to cycle more smoothly w/1.55" OAL, and I was sort of hoping I could reduce the pressure a little by running them longer.

38 Special
38 Special +P

Mike

[michael_aos]

Quickload estimates only 10405psi @1001 fps w/4.1gr of N340.

11174psi @ 1006fps w/3.9gr N330
13304psi @ 1009fps w/3.7gr N320

Even lower pressures w/3N37 / N350 / N105, but the don't achieve 100% propellant burn.

Quickload doesn't list TiteGroup.

Honestly, I'd thought I'd be there w/4.0gr of TiteGroup. I wonder if maybe I need more crimp?

Mike

[michael_aos]

I've been shooting this 1866 sort of like a "big .22", if that makes any sense.

I figured getting the velocity up near a normal .22LR would be a "good thing", but yeah I don't have my heart set on 1000fps.

It's amazingly accurate with anything and everything I've fed it so far.

Mike

[Colorado Osprey]

Here is a link to Hodgdon's website and the loadings for 38 Special in Cowboy loadings for a carbine:
http://www.hodgdon.com/data/cowboy/spc38spe.php

They list 158 grain with 3.2 grains of Titegroup at 815 ft/sec up to 3.8 grains at 920 ft/sec

They also list the XTP 158 grain at 4.3 grains for 905 ft/sec

Titegroup burns so fast that getting 1000 ft/sec and keeping pressure down will be tough with a 158 grain bullet.

To get over that 1000ft/sec threshold the pressure almost doubles in the .357 mag from 17,000 CUP to 40,000 CUP as well as the powder charge almost doubles.

[michael_aos]

Any suggestions on different powders then?

I'm loading with a Dillon RL550B.

Mike

[michael_aos]

I saw the 4.3gr listing @ 19,300 CUP.

That's 905fps in a 7.7" bbl. Any way to extrapolate that into a 19" barrel?

These Ultramax 158gr SWC commercial reloads are 785fps in my 4" revolver and 1030fps in the 19" carbine.

Mike

[michael_aos]

Anybody played with the Alliant powders?

American Select
Red Dot
Green Dot

Some others that caught my eye were Bullseye and Unique. Nice low pressures, but they don't burn completely in a 4" revolver. I figured it would be nice to have a single load for both.

Mike