LOADING AND SHOOTING REPORT!!!!!
Hello All: Thought I'd give an update on my 38 Spec loadings with FFF and DD's Snakebite bullet. After reviewing all posted and readin up on all I could muster up, I loaded 12 rds with 18.5 g of Goex FFF and seated some Snakebite's. They were compressed approx. 3/16" of an inch. I loaded up thee ol' 1860 RM (1st time ever poppin a primer with it) and made some smoke. My first shots were at 15 yds, aimed first at the 6 o'clock spot on the target and that's where it hit. Aimed the last five at the bulls eye paper target, three hit approx. in a small group 3" or so to the left, the remaining were 2-3" to the right. This was from a two handed hold. Went back to 25 yds, aimed at the six position on the target and that's where that one hit, so the remaining five were aimed at the bullseye. Not as tight as from 15 yds, but within a 6" group. These shots were fired one handed. Not a cloverleaf grouping, but well enough to clang any metal or make believers out of cans.
I loaded up another 150 rounds using the 1.3 cc Lee dipper, slightly rounded at the top, using Winchester SP primers and assort cases. I did notice that the Snakebite bullet, which has a long 'snout' on it, compared to normal 150 g SWC's, came close to the end of the Colt RM cylinder. Not enough to hinder cylinder rotation, but within .005 or so. This won't bother my 357 chambered Ruger Vaquero. Even stuck five in a S&W Model 60 2", had plenty of space left in the cylinder. Shooting them in that Model 60 would be something! I've hardly ever had to trim 38 cases, due to the fact I've shot mostly target and low fps/velocity rounds through them. Will have to take note of any further loadings with them so I don't get over length rounds. I did crimp in the crimping groove. Montana Slim's suggestion of crimping further up the bullets ogive has been taken into consideration-thanks Slim. The remaining 150 cases I have primed, ready for powder and bullet, I may reduce the powder some to see what that does, maybe taking Slims suggestion into play also. Sir Charles; do you use the egg carton wad for just filler, lubrication, or both? Happy with the results of the 12 I shot, maybe this weekend, I'll do so more shooting with them. I tried unsuccessfully twice to download several pictures of the target and one with gun, bullets, and finished rounds, would have had more luck tossing a rock at a bucket 100 feet away and getting a hole in one.