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,38 Special

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Wing master View Drop Down
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    Posted: 28 October 2018 at 20:40
I am getting set up to load for .38 Special. I have been shooting them and saving brass for a while and now I have a couple of questions. 

I will only be using these for target shooting. So far from what I've seen I think I like 148 grain Wadcutters the best. They seem to be the most accurate. 

What is the difference in performance in Wadcutters and semi-Wadcutters? Are semi's better to load from a speed loader?

I have read that some people load Wadcutters flush with the end of the case and roll crimp the case over the bullet. Other people load them with the bullet slightly sticking out of the case and crimp the case into a groove in the bullet. Is one way better than the other? 

Would I be better off loading round nose bullets and just loading them like I would anything else?

Do any of you have any loads you could suggest?

Thanks guys

Wing master 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RobertMT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 October 2018 at 11:12
HB (Hollow Base) wadcutters are most accurate, DEWC (Double end) are a very close second and easier to load. (it doesn't matter which end is up, easier to load in bullet feeder in progressive loaded) Semi wad cutters, add a little more weight and slightly better bullet profile, for longer shots.

Whatever powder you use for 45 auto will work well, for 38sp, in lower doses of course. I use 2.8gr bullseye for 148gr DEWC and 3.5gr for 158gr LSWC, not terribly dirty and good metering. Some use one of the clays, for cleaner burn, any fast easy metering powder works. A 38sp has a rather large case, for fast powder, so just like 45 auto, double or triple charges are possible, some like bulky powder like unique or universal, with higher fill %, to avoid this.

The easiest cases, for loading 38sp wadcutters, have a cannelure part way down, for bullet stop, (WW white box 148gr WC, is common example). These are the easiest to use, since load is so light, you don't need ton of crimp, for bullet pull.

You can also use 38sp dies, to load 357, but not visa versa.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RobertMT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 October 2018 at 11:23
For loading from speedloader, 158gr LSWC are closer to RN profile and may be faster in speedloader, if you use bullet to index. Unless you need the edge, of wc, for clean hole in target, RN and LSWC performance is similar, DEWC and LSWC do, knock plates over easier and have slightly less ricochet potential.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jsgbearpaws1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 October 2018 at 20:25
Pet loads were RNL light load with an unknown filled the case powder back in the day SWC's are good double duty for paper and SD/PC, accurate, good thump and no over penetration.


I actually wondered if this was about the group 38 special from back on the 80's. Knew a girl back then whose claim to fame was.....having knowledge of the entire group. It didn't take much of a discussion with her to figure out she was the type to do such a thing. One of her friends was way cool though and we became long time friends...just kept away from the groupie friend of hers and all was well.
...oh yeah! thats gonna hurt!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Wing master Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 October 2018 at 22:22
Thanks for the replies guys. 

I think I will order some double end wad cutters and give them a try. Robert, It's interesting you say that because I use Bullseye and Clays in my .45 ACP. It looks like 2.5 grains of Clays or 2.7 grains of Bullseye should work good. That's where I'll start. 

Do you recommend seating them flush with the case neck or leaving a little bit sticking out and crimping them?

Thanks again guys. 

Wing master
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Wing master Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 October 2018 at 22:34
JSG,

I have a 38 Special story. 

I was in Sturgis for the Rally in I think 2004. 38 Special was playing at the Full Throttle Saloon. This was when they had free concerts nightly during the Rally. 

Me and the little lady went early to get close to the stage. We were about three rows from the front right in the middle of the stage. 

The lead Guitar player (One of the Van Zant's?)would throw his guitar pick into the crowd after every song and grab another one for the next song. That night it was hotter 'n a four balled tom cat. After a song he threw his pick and I felt it hit my shoulder. I was just sweating enough to not be running off of me but I was sticky enough that the pick stuck to my shoulder. I put my hand over it and grabbed it without looking away from the stage. I then put it in my pocket while I watched about 6 or 8 people around me looking all over the ground trying to find it. 

I looked over at Dana and smiled and said "I got it". 

I didn't take it out of my pocket until we were back at our camp that night. I think she still has it in her jewelry box. I'll have to ask her. 

Wing master
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RobertMT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 October 2018 at 11:28
They have a crimp groove, on each end, I use it. You'll be happy with either bullseye or clays. You going with coated?

Not my pic, but shows 148gr DEWC, (plated but coated or plain are the same) proper seating and crimp.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BEAR Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 October 2018 at 14:31
my plinker/target 38s are unique powder, and Wad cutters.

Inexpensive, relaxed shooting.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Wing master Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 October 2018 at 21:33
I am planning on using coated bullets. Deaddog suggested Missouri bullet company a while back. I would use Blue Bullets but they only make round nose in .357. 

Would you use .357 or .358?

Bear, .38 Specials are relaxing to shoot. and I'm looking at the cost of reloading at about 10 cents a round not counting brass that I allready have that's about the cost of .22 long rifle. 

I'll probably use Clays to start with at least. I have 2, 8 pound containers that a buddy gave me a couple years ago after his dad passed away. His Dad was big into trap shooting . If I did the math right that's 44,800 rounds worth. 

Wing master
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jsgbearpaws1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 October 2018 at 21:45
That's a pretty fair day at the range anyway. Probably should get more.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Wing master Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 October 2018 at 23:33
I've been shooting more the last few months than I have in a long time. I think that will last me well into retirement. 

Wing master
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RobertMT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 October 2018 at 10:03
I've always used .358". .357" is for tight barreled "match" revolvers. If your revolver has tight cylinder, .357" bullets, allow for looser fit and easier case extraction. With the coated bullets, you won't have leading, but coated bullets are "slicker" and unless your die sizes case, down the extra .001", you may have issues, with bullets dropping into case, while seating. If you're using cases with extra cannelure, for bullet stop, that wouldn't be issue.

Some hone out cylinders, instead of using smaller bullets, to ease case removal and speed up reloads. They leave throats/barrel alone, that way and if needed, can still shoot factory ammo.

When ordering from MBC, a bullet bundle, saves you on shipping, be sure to check into that. For many bullets, instead of 2,000 per flat rate box, you can get 3,000, for same shipping.

I've never shoot matches requiring, requiring fast reloads, with revolver, pistol is faster for me.
Want to stop Drunk Drivers, from Killing Sober Drivers? Ban Sober Drivers from Driving. That's how Gun Control Works.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Wing master Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 October 2018 at 21:03
Thanks Robert. 

I'm just shooting a S&W model 14. It shoots good but it's no match revolver. I'll just be plinking with it. and maybe use it on league nights that are not timed. 

Thanks for the tips on shipping. I'll look at that. 

Wing master
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jsgbearpaws1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 October 2018 at 21:10
You talking 3000 skids Robert? I'ld think free shipping at that point!



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