[DixieLandMan]

Ok, I finally got around to loading some 148 grain bevel base wadcutters for the .38/.357 pistol. The manual says the OAL should be 1.295". I loaded to that length and one ring of the lube is still showing. I know it is a bad picture but at the mouth of the case, there is a lube line and it shows. What I would like to know is if it is safer to load a little deep to where just the or just leave as is? I am using 5.2 grains of Unique with this load. I know the bullets have been discontinued so I was wondering. Thank you!

 

[243winxb]

Seating deeper to the crimp groove is ok if loading a 357 mag case. That load is to hot for 38 special .

 

[todd51]

DLM, that load sounds a little stout to me. It exceeds most of the max recommended loads I found after a quick check of my manuals. I found one loading using a Lyman #35891 BBWC (Linotype) that lists 3.8grs start and 5.3grs max which pushes that bullet at 1013fps., CUP of 16,700 Pretty fast for a target bullet. Your load is right at that one. It lists OAL at 1.317 for that bullet. When at max loading seating depth can have critical effects on pressures so proceed carefully.

It is not uncommon for BBWC bullets to have a crimp groove that when used would give the results you are showing.

Other loads I found for Wad Cutter Bullets are:

150gr. Lyman #385091, Unique, 3.7start, 4.2max, 1.317 OAL

148gr Hornady #10108, Unique, 2.4start, 3.5max, 1.180 OAL

Alliant Powders lists Unigue with 148gr WC with a 3.2gr. max.

That 148 gr. Wad Cutter is normally loaded as a target round at velocities in the +/-700fps. and CUP Pressures around 1000. Why are you loading that normally low speed target bullet so hot?

 

[Bud0505]

I use 2.8 gr Bullseye and seat a 148gr HBWC flush in a .38 special case. Great target load.

 

[DixieLandMan]

Thank you for your replies. I forgot to mention that this is for a .38 but will be shot in a .357 as well. I'll drop the powder back to 4.7 grains and maybe look at some more books too. Not meant to be a hot load but I could not get over the fact that a lube groove was still showing.

Question. Leave as is and back off the powder charge?

 

[myfriendis410]

You also need to consider the fact that bullet is swaged from soft lead (probably) and won't shoot well at higher velocities. It really is a target bullet.

 

[243winxb]

Leave as is and back off the powder charge?

Back off. The COL can be long, showing grease grooves, but will collect dirt. I shoot 5.3 gr Unique in 38 spec, but with a 158gr cast lswc . The base of the 158 is not as deep into the case as a 148gr. The deeper the base goes into the case, the more pressure it will produce. Start low on the powder charge and work up as always.

 

[DixieLandMan]

I did back off the powder charge. Throwing 4.7 grains of Unique. I also found out that it is not a bevel base wadcutter but a button nose wadcutter.