.38 Special or .357 Magnum downloaded

[The_Vigilante]

I have ordered three Safari Speedloaders for my 686-0 CS1 with the intention of shooting SSR in IDPA initially. So should I be shooting .38 Special reloads or downloaded .357 Magnum loads? Will .38 Special loads make the power factor required? What size bullet should I be looking for? What powders work best for revolver? Which speedloader holder should I get? Safariland 333 Competition Speedloader Holder 333-X-2 which looks like it holds 3 speedloaders or individual holders also available from Safari?

Edited March 6, 2010 by The_Vigilante

[colt]

I shoot 38sp. Shorter and less hang up going in and out.

I shoot 158gr lead RN on 4 gr. Of Bulleyes . I think its around 140 pf.

Brent

[MIT_Shooter]

Great question - I just got an SSR and was thinking the same things. I thought the 38s would be better for loading and unloading, but was also wondering if it was hard to make PF.

[kevinj308]

Alot of info over in the revo forum on this. I run 3.4 of clays with a 158 LRN to make pf in a .38 special. 4 inch barrel.

Good Luck

Kevin

[RAC]

I load 38 special with a 158 grain bullet either lead or jacketed I like something round nosed

Lead makes power factor easier than jacketed.

Many different powders are popular for the 38 I like 231 or V V 320

The safariland 333 holders work well but may not be legal in a sanctioned IDPA match as they do not cover the entire loader as required in the rules.

If your shooting a local match most times no one would say anything.