.38 S&W Cartridge

[Barbarosa]

     I just bought a LEE 3-die set for the .38 S&W Cartridge.
I have some Pyrodex powder that I would like to use for powder, for now.
I am shooting an 1880's Hopkins & Allen top-break revolver.
This revolver is in excellent condition, but I still want to shoot light loads.
The factory loading for blackpowder is 15 grains.
I was thinking of using a liitle grease under the bullet, then a thin card under it.
This is my first time loading BP in a cartridge.

Anyone here load this round w/ BP?
Any links to discussion here, or any advice on this subject?

                                 TY

[Dr. Bob]

Howdy Barbarosa,

I would suggest that you peruse the Darksider's Den.  I don't know if there is a a past thread on 38 S & W or not, but there will be folks who load it and willing to share their experiences.  Good luck!

[Hoof Hearted]

Barbarosa

Grits works fine in this application just make sure you have compression

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[W0LFY]

not meaning to hold up the coach, but can anyone recommend a smokeless load for this round?

I've found some .360 cal RNL bullets weighing in at 92 grns.   Was thinking light loads (as its for an old lemon squeezer).  I have new brass and access to Bullseye as well as Grn Dot and Unique powder.

Thanks in advance...

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

I just bought my HODGDON 2008 reloading issue.  The manual does have a full variety of smoke-a-wee-bit loads.

If the issue is not at your magazine rack try Hodgdon's website.

[Dr. Bob]

Sir Charles,

With the strong Looney, they were probably all shipped to Canada!

[W0LFY]

I just bought my HODGDON 2008 reloading issue.  The manual does have a full variety of smoke-a-wee-bit loads.

If the issue is not at your magazine rack try Hodgdon's website.

Their web site had a 145grn RNL listing.  Excellent...
Thanks

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Dr Bob; 
NO!   I bought it in a gas-station magazine rack in El Paso TX.  (The adopted home and last resting place of John Wesley Hardin.)

Wolfy;
I noted that HODGDON lists several loads for .38 Short Colt, some with a 93 gr RN bullet.  The Short Colt seems have about 10% less capacity than .38 S&W.  I'd say go to the websight and look it up.  I'd be tempted to use the starting loads for .38SC, IF THE GUN IS SOUND!

Now HODGDON lists data for the W-W line of powders, as well as the other powder Company they seem to have absorbed.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Another factor to consider when trying out different weight bullets is the change in point of impact.

Generally speaking for pistols, and in my experience, ALWAYS, the heavier the projectile the higher the POI.  For example if your revolver strikes above the point of aim with the 145 gr bullet, it will strike lower with the 93 grain bullet.   

Accuracy is often affected by bullet weight..  My VICTORY model S&W M10 was very accurate with the 158 Keith Type, but hopeless with the 122 gr. truncated cone bullet intended for the 9mm Para.  This is an area where you will have to experiment.  The RCBS 38-140-CM works very well in the .38 Spl and in the .38 S&W.

[Buffalow Red]

I BEEN LOADING 11.1 GRAINS OF 3F GOEX WITH A LUBED WAD & 92 GRAIN LEAD IN MY 38 S&W WORKS WELL

[Goatlips]

Hay Barbarosa,

I load 'em for side matches in my Iver Johnson break-tops and my S&W safety hammerless.  I just fill the case with 3F BP (about 14 g or less) and top it with a 158 g Snakebite boolit pan lubed.  They all shoot high like Sir Charles said but are accurate enough for Cowboy stuff.  Makes a nice looking round, too.

Goatlips