38 Special Reloading Question

[tomcatfan]

I bought an old colt officers model match revolver chambered in 38 special a couple of months ago. I put a box of factory ammo through the revolver with no problems what so ever. But once I started putting my reloads through it, I started having nothing but problems.

I noticed that after I shoot, there is a lot of unburned powder left in the barrel, cylinder, and it actually binds up the action. I am shooting 158 grain .358 diameter cast lead bullets in front of universal. At first I was shooting 4.0 grains of powder and the unburned powder would foul up my action after just a couple of shots. I bumped it up to 0.1 grains above Hornday's max load at 4.5 grains and I still get a lot of unburned powder. I'm using federal small pistol primers.

I was wondering how much room do I have to bump up my charge, or should I switch to small pistol magnum primers? I know I could switch powders, but if I can use universal I would prefer to do that as I use it in my other handgun loads. What can I do to get a load that doesn't foul up my action?

 

[Twitch2120]

Re: 38 Special Reloading Question

hmm, are you using a crimp to help build pressure? 4.5-5 seems to be around max for most 158 data. stepping up to magnum primers might help but make sure to reduce your charge a bit.

 

[former naval person]

Re: 38 Special Reloading Question

Try 231. Very clean and economical. Universal does best with hot loads. The old .38 Special does not. Bullseye is another old standard. Same charges. JMHO

 

[Modoc]

Re: 38 Special Reloading Question

I would second checking your crimp. A good solid roll crimp seems to be critical for getting a good burn. I shoot a LOT of 38 specials in Cowboy Action, and saw an increase in accuracy along with a cleaner burn when I added a solid crimp into the crimp groove. My load is 4.0gr of Unique pushing either a 125gr or 158gr cast RNFP crimped into the crimp groove.

I'd back off on the charge before adding crimp though, because the pressures will go up.

 

[leadbullet]

Re: 38 Special Reloading Question

try 3.5 of hogdgon clays topped with any 158 and a good roll crimp don't worry about pressures it wouldn't make the load a 357 magnum and even a double charge won't hurt anything.
clays is way cleaner than 231 at such low charges also.
you can get 2000 rds loaded out of one pound and shoot it all day too without feeling it.
hope this helps.

 

[tomcatfan]

Re: 38 Special Reloading Question

I will increase my crimp and see what happens. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[tomcatfan]

Re: 38 Special Reloading Question

Yea so the crimp didn't fix the problem. I think I'm just going to try a different powder the Universal doesn't seem to be a good fit. I've heard that bulls eye is a good powder and checking the charts, it has a much faster burn rate than universal. Any other recommendations?

 

[Modoc]

Re: 38 Special Reloading Question

Using both Unique (Alliant/Herculese) and Hogdgon CLAYS for match ammo in 38 Special with good results. Usually a couple of hundred rounds between cleanings.

 

[RugerSlinger]

Re: 38 Special Reloading Question

I only use bullseye in my 38 spl load. I don't crimp and I never have unburnt powder. Its not the cleanest burning powder but it works great.

 

[pcschwenke]

Re: 38 Special Reloading Question

I've been using WST in all my 38 special loads for many years. My favorite is 200gr RN lead with 2.9gr WST. Cases vary but, mainly Remington for my full moon clips. I also have use the same load with 148gr DEWC and 158 SWC with great results. With this load there is no unburnt powder.

When I load for 357 mag in my 686, I've used 2400. It does leave unburnt powder every time.