38 s&w

[Major Tom]

Having just acquiered a top break pistol in this caliber, I need to know some reloading data. I would like to use Bullseye and Unique with a 125gr. lead bullet if possible.
Also, what is the bore diameter nominally for this caliber?
Thank you, gentlemen

[Rick the Librarian]

To piggyback on Major Tom's thread, I also bought a .38 S&W, a S&W Victory Model in this caliber. Any good loads using Red Dot and/or Bullseye and a 158 gr. SWC?

[Tuna]

Rick you can try these loads. Major Tom I would suggest the starting loads for your top break.

Bullseye 1.8 gr. start at 607 fps. and 2.5 top for 763 fps.

Red Dot 1.8 gr. start at 543 fps. and 2.6 top for 751 fps.

If you have some Unique you can try

3.0 gr. start for 719 fps. and 4.0 gr. top for 892 fps.


For the 125 gr. bullets for Major Tom

Bullseye 2.0 gr start for 622 fps. and 3.0 gr. tops for 865

Unique 3.5 gr start for 787 fps and 5.0 gr. tops for 1059 fps. I do not recommend this final load for your top break as it's designed for solid frame revolvers.


Grove diameter on the S&W is listed as .361 so you may not get the best accuracy out of a SWC sized at .358 or less but doesn't hurt to try.

[joem]

Try some "Trail Boss" powder. That's what I use and find some .361 bullets. I load 170 grain pills.

[Parashooter]

Anyone new to handloading for the .38 S&W cartridge should pay close attention to seating depth. Bullets designed for the short .38 S&W case have the crimping groove located much closer to the base than those intended for the longer .38 Special. Especially with bulky or slow powders, a Special bullet seated way down in the stubby S&W case can generate pressures significantly higher than intended. Consequently, load data lacking overall length can be a problem.


On left is a factory .38 S&W bullet. Others are .38 Spl. designs.

[emmagee1917]

There is the .38 S&W and there is the British .38/200.
Rick , your Victory was regulated for the 38/200 , which is basicly a hot .38 S&W . The "K" frame can handle it easily.
A 200 grain lead load for a top-break using Win 231 , for example , would be about 1.6-1.8 grains . For the S/W and Colt Commandos we use 2.7 grs.
We use Western Bullet Co. .358 200gr round noses , Lyman # 358430 because these US guns were made with .38 spl rifled barrels. They also offer the same bullet in .360 ( .361 ? ) for the British revolvers.
We did use 3.0 grains for a 158 gr bullet and 2.5 grains for a 215 gr bullet , but we have settled on the 200 gr.
DO NOT USE THESE IN A TOP BREAK SATERDAY NIGHT SPECIAL . Victories , Commandos, Webleys only.
Chris

[emmagee1917]

Good point . Forgot to add that we did cocern ourselves with seating depth . The 358430 has a crimp groove above two grease grooves . We crimp into the top of the second grease groove .
Chris

[Litt'le Lee]

as far as powders go,,all those OLD powders like bullseye,and espec Unique are OK as long as you don't mind cleaning your weapons every time you shoot them,,the new powders are MUCH cleaner burning than them and are more efficient

[da gimp]

you can double charge & maybe even triple charge Bullseye powder, so be very careful if ysing it. It has very little bulk & you can get into extremely dangerous pressures very easily.........my advice is NOT to load Bullseye because of this.

[JohnF]

Here is a good reloading page with loads for the .38 S&W. It also lists loads for top break revolvers.

http://www.reloadammo.com/38sw.htm