38 special reload help - The Firearms Forum

2muchfreetime · 04-19-2012, 10:28 AM

I am new to reloading and ready to make 38 special.i got berry 125 grain flat point double struckcopper plated bullets.I am using accurate 2 powder.I looked in many manuals.Can someone reccommend a starting point for this powder.The case seems so large that there will be alot of empty space is this normal.I will be using them for target practice in my Smith 357 magmun 6inch barrel.

Alpo · 04-19-2012, 10:51 AM

I just checked all my Accurate manuals, and they all agree. They do not recommend using #2 with a lead bullet that light (yes, I know Berry's bullets are not "lead", but they recommend you use "lead bullet data" when loading them). They do have a load for a 125 JHP, but the the velocity is a little high for best results with a plated bullet.

I suggest you either go with a heavier bullet (there are loads out there for 158 grain) or a bulkier powder (there are loads for #5).

Hammerslagger · 04-19-2012, 10:55 AM

Do not let the extra case apace fool you. The .38 special was originally a "Black Powder" cartridge. The .357 Magnum was developed by making the .38 special case 0.135" (1/8"+) longer. This lengthening was done primarily to prevent ammo that produced 4X as much pressure from being shot in lightly constructed revolvers.

Based on what you wrote, you can likely use any maximum reloading manual recommended .38 Special load for your powder and bullet in a .357 Magnum revolver. However, one warning, do not use .357 load data (that is not also recommended for the .38 Special) in a .38 special case. The .38 Special has less case volume, and will produce higher pressure for the same powder, powder weight, bullet, and bullet seating depth than the same load in a .357 Magnum case.

carver · 04-19-2012, 11:13 AM

No.2 125 HDY XTP, starting load 4.8grs, @ 871fps, Max load 5.3grs., @ 990fps 16,780 psi.

I know that you are using plated bullets, but the speed you will be shooting them at is not going to cause a leading problem. The presures are for .38, and you will be shooting them in a .357, so you will be OK.

mikld · 04-20-2012, 12:31 PM

FWIW; normally I find a usable load from my reloading manuals before I buy components. If there ain't any loads listed for a specific powder/bullet combo., it may be for a reason; the powder/bullet manufacturer doesn't think the combination you want to use is appropiate/usable/safe.

gdmoody · 04-20-2012, 10:01 PM

Here is a link to Accurate Arms online reloading manual. Look about half way down, right side, on page 4 and you will see the recommendation for AA#2 and a 125 grain bullet. Even if it is a plated Berrys bullet, the velocity is less than 1000 FPS so you should be OK.

http://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-con...d_data_3.5.pdf

04-19-2012, 10:28 AM	#1
2muchfreetime Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 6	38 special reload help I am new to reloading and ready to make 38 special.i got berry 125 grain flat point double struckcopper plated bullets.I am using accurate 2 powder.I looked in many manuals.Can someone reccommend a starting point for this powder.The case seems so large that there will be alot of empty space is this normal.I will be using them for target practice in my Smith 357 magmun 6inch barrel. -->

04-19-2012, 10:55 AM	#3
Hammerslagger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,099	Re: 38 special reload help Do not let the extra case apace fool you. The .38 special was originally a "Black Powder" cartridge. The .357 Magnum was developed by making the .38 special case 0.135" (1/8"+) longer. This lengthening was done primarily to prevent ammo that produced 4X as much pressure from being shot in lightly constructed revolvers. Based on what you wrote, you can likely use any maximum reloading manual recommended .38 Special load for your powder and bullet in a .357 Magnum revolver. However, one warning, do not use .357 load data (that is not also recommended for the .38 Special) in a .38 special case. The .38 Special has less case volume, and will produce higher pressure for the same powder, powder weight, bullet, and bullet seating depth than the same load in a .357 Magnum case.

04-19-2012, 11:13 AM	#4
carver TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DAV, Deep in the Pineywoods of East Texas, just west of Shreveport, LA Contributor Posts: 11,251	Re: 38 special reload help No.2 125 HDY XTP, starting load 4.8grs, @ 871fps, Max load 5.3grs., @ 990fps 16,780 psi. I know that you are using plated bullets, but the speed you will be shooting them at is not going to cause a leading problem. The presures are for .38, and you will be shooting them in a .357, so you will be OK. __________________ Y'all be safe now, ya hear! Lamentations Chapter 5: 1. Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach. 2. Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens. 3. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers [are] as widows. 5. Our necks [are] under persecution: we labour, [and] have no rest. 16. The crown is fallen [from] our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned! 21. Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.

04-20-2012, 10:01 PM	#6
gdmoody Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Georgia Contributor Posts: 6,324	Re: 38 special reload help Here is a link to Accurate Arms online reloading manual. Look about half way down, right side, on page 4 and you will see the recommendation for AA#2 and a 125 grain bullet. Even if it is a plated Berrys bullet, the velocity is less than 1000 FPS so you should be OK. http://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-con...d_data_3.5.pdf __________________ NRA Endowment Member GeorgiaCarry.Org Member Retired US Army Postal Worker Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant)

04-19-2012, 10:51 AM	#2
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,657	Re: 38 special reload help I just checked all my Accurate manuals, and they all agree. They do not recommend using #2 with a lead bullet that light (yes, I know Berry's bullets are not "lead", but they recommend you use "lead bullet data" when loading them). They do have a load for a 125 JHP, but the the velocity is a little high for best results with a plated bullet. I suggest you either go with a heavier bullet (there are loads out there for 158 grain) or a bulkier powder (there are loads for #5). __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

04-20-2012, 12:31 PM	#5
mikld Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oregon Posts: 573	Re: 38 special reload help FWIW; normally I find a usable load from my reloading manuals before I buy components. If there ain't any loads listed for a specific powder/bullet combo., it may be for a reason; the powder/bullet manufacturer doesn't think the combination you want to use is appropiate/usable/safe. __________________ My Anchor is holding fast. Last edited by mikld; 04-20-2012 at 12:35 PM..