38 Special / 140gr cast lead SWC

Reloading equipment, methods, load data, powder and projectile information.

38 Special / 140gr cast lead SWC

Post by Sarge » 12 Sep 2022, 5:52 pm

Good evening all, I am starting to work up some loads for my S&W 686-3, .357, 6” barrel. I have recently managed to lay my hands on some additional powder. I currently have APS450 (3KG),AP50N (.5KG), and some AP100 (.5KG). I can find load data on various weight projectiles, however, I cannot find anything on the 140gr CLSWC. Having a look across the 38/357 load data, I am thinking of a starting load of 4.5gr of APS450, and work up. I intend to use the load for Sevice Pistol, and require to shoot 50yd. Any load data for any of those powders in the 140gr CLSWC would be appreciated.
Lithgow LA101
Adler B230T
STI 2011 38 SupeR
Tanfoglio XL2
S&W 686-3
Churchill 28” Sporter
In the absence of evidence, create statistics
Sarge
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South Australia

Re: 38 Special / 140gr cast lead SWC

Post by rc42 » 13 Sep 2022, 9:57 pm

You're in the right range for 38 Special loads and since the revolver is rated for 357 Magnum there are no concerns about over pressure, they will all shoot 50yd but weaker loads will have more drop that you have to allow for, not a problem as long as you know your sighting points.

Remember that you are working your load for group size at 50yd and your two variables are powder volume and seating depth, that may not necessarily mean working up unless you need to make power factor. All you can really do is make up some different recipies, maybe just 6 of each with variations of about 0.2 grains of powder and 10 thou of seating depth, that will be a lot of combinations.

If you don't have access to a ransom rest I'd suggest you fit a red dot and test out to about 20yd initially using a stable bench rest, make notes on group sizes and how warm/hot each load is. at 20yd it's easier to aim and a good group there is worth checking again at 50yd.

Also, be very mindful of squib loads if you go very light.
rc42
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Re: 38 Special / 140gr cast lead SWC

Post by Sarge » 14 Sep 2022, 8:22 am

Thanks for that, I appreciate the response.
Lithgow LA101
Adler B230T
STI 2011 38 SupeR
Tanfoglio XL2
S&W 686-3
Churchill 28” Sporter
In the absence of evidence, create statistics
Sarge
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Posts: 7
South Australia

Re: 38 Special / 140gr cast lead SWC

Post by Sarge » 18 Sep 2022, 3:09 pm

Update on the load data if anyone interested.
I ran the .38 special over the chrono yesterday 17/9/22, it was very cold, wet and windy.
The result,
4.5gr APS450, S&W 686-3 (6"), Projectile 140gr CLSWC dia .357, S&B Prime, Geco case, avg mv = 959fps, Power factor 134. will do accuracy test another time.
For s**ts and gigs I ran some factory across as well,
MAGTEC 158gr LRN, avg mv=754fps, not a massive fan of the MAGTEC, doesn't burn all of the powder, and shoots a bit dirty. not overly expensive though, however, the brass must be fairly thin, as it buckles a little when seating projectiles.
Geco 158gr LRN, avg mv=826fps, didn't have any issues, cases can be reloaded without aparent issues.
Lithgow LA101
Adler B230T
STI 2011 38 SupeR
Tanfoglio XL2
S&W 686-3
Churchill 28” Sporter
In the absence of evidence, create statistics
Sarge
Recruit
Recruit
 
Posts: 7
South Australia


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