Need Help: Plinking load 38 SPL using AA#5

[Jeremybj]

Hey guys,

I have been looking all over the internet for a 38 special load. I recently purchased a Smith & Wesson 642 airweight chambered in 38 special +P.

I am looking for a good plinking load for Rainier 125 grain flat nose bullets

I plan on using AA #5 powder.

 

[Jeremybj]

Re: Need Help: Plinking load 38 SPL using AA#5

Anyone got a suggestions guys? I would consider other powders, my only requirement is that it meters easily....

 

[noahmercy]

Re: Need Help: Plinking load 38 SPL using AA#5

I used to run 5.8 grains of AA #5 behind a Remington 125 gr. JHP for a load mild enough for new shooters and those with bad arthritis. Out of a 4" K frame it only got 640 fps IIRC. I now use Winchester 231 and run 4.5 grains under a 125 JHP. This load's about 125 fps faster and accuracy is better from most of my revolvers. With my mom's old Model 10 snubby, I can connect with an 18" x 18" target backer at 200 yards...any misses are entirely my fault. Recoil is still very mild.

231 meters like water, so it works great with my Dillon. I also have good loads for 9mm, 40 S&W and 45 ACP using this powder, so in the interest of consolidation, I've gone to it for bulk loading.

About the only caveat is that most ball powders (which is what meters smoothest) tend to run low charge weights in the 38 Special. This means it's possible to double-charge cases, so just be aware of it and follow all the oft-repeated safety recommendation.

Good loading, pard!

 

[HathcockProtege]

Re: Need Help: Plinking load 38 SPL using AA#5

IMR Trailboss, Hodgdon TiteGroup or CLAYS, and of course Unique...all would do fine. Do some research on "short-barrel" powders and go from there. I shoot a ton of 158 SWC's over 4/4.5-ish grains of Unique through various .38's/.357's. With that light of a bullet, stay on the slow side of things and recoil and accuracy should be very pleasant.

-The Kid.

 

[HathcockProtege]

Re: Need Help: Plinking load 38 SPL using AA#5

Good info Noah.

 

[former naval person]

Re: Need Help: Plinking load 38 SPL using AA#5

231 or Bullseye. Works great.

 

[Jeremybj]

Re: Need Help: Plinking load 38 SPL using AA#5

I guess I'm not looking for a powder puff load for this thing as it is my concealed carry and I have to be used to a little "oomph" behind the loads(I carry it with Corbon DPX 110 grain +P loads)

I guess you say 5.8 AA#5 is a very mild load, would you say 6 or 6.2 too much?

Noah, I guess my ultimate question to you, would you go with AA #5 or 231?

When it comes to 231, is 4.5 a "max load" or would you be comfortable going to 4.8-5.0?



Also, it sounds like 231 is going to give higher velocities, which in a short short barrel, I'm thinking go for all I can get because there isn't much room get to that bullet moving....

 

[Jeremybj]

Re: Need Help: Plinking load 38 SPL using AA#5

One last thing, in my Nosler reloading book, it lists 4.0 grains of 231 for 158 grain bullet max load, is that ultra conservative on their part or what?

I have seen some loads online listing as high as 4.7 grains for that bullet....

 

[noahmercy]

Re: Need Help: Plinking load 38 SPL using AA#5

Sorry for the delay in replying, Jeremy. I plum forgot to check discussions I'd posted on for a few days.

6.2 should be a decently strong load with #5 without seeing anything even resembling high pressures. (Book for a 125 grain jacketed bullet is 6.8 grains.)

With 231 I wouldn't go past 4.8 and I'd work up to it slowly...velocities and pressures can jump rapidly with that powder. However, there are very few powders that can deliver higher velocities without rising to +P pressures. Because of this and the ease of metering, I tend to favor the 231 over the #5.

As for Nosler, their loading data seems to be pretty much in line with Hodgdon (they own Winchester powders now)...they list 4.3 grains as max with a 158 grain Hornady XTP and 3.7 grains as max with a 158 grain cast lead SWC. Nosler jacket material could be different enough from Hornady so as to cause more friction (higher pressures) or maybe they have a longer bearing surface. Nosler could also be testing in an unvented pressure barrel with a minimum tolerance chamber while someone posting the 4.7 grain load was testing it out of a revolver with a generous cylinder gap and forcing cone dimensions. Too many variables for me to say if Nosler's load is "lawyer proof" or accurately reflects the maximum with that combination.

Hope that answers some of your questions, pard...have a nice evening!