Cd662 Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 I've read a lot of threads in the reloading section on 38 Special for 125 PF. I have experienced somewhat inconsistent results with multiple types of powder, on average, a 40 - 50 foot per second spread (with spikes in either direction). Is this something that's simply typical for this round? Does matching headstamp brass or a different crimp combat this issue? I consider myself a shooter, not a handloader, so perhaps I am doing something wrong here. I've used two different types of chronographs and a load that should easily make minor (4.9 VW N320 with Berry's 158 at 1.500") has an uncomfortable amount of shots going subminor for me. If anyone has experience with this powder or any general suggestions, I'd appreciate it. Shooting these out of a 6 inch barrel. The loads are accurate (hit plates at 15 yards), but I need more juice. I have some magnum primers as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toolguy Posted July 5, 2012 Share Posted July 5, 2012 (edited) One way to get inconsistency is to not have enough crimp. However if you crimp a Berry's too much it starts having problems. I would try either a good cast bullet or a jacketed bullet with a firm crimp. This is just one possibility. There are many variables that it could be. Edited July 5, 2012 by Toolguy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M1911 Posted July 5, 2012 Share Posted July 5, 2012 Are you raising the muzzle before chronoing each shot? Most .38 Spcl loads are quite small compared to the size of the case, so unless the powder is settled at the back of the case you are going to have inconsistent velocities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anachronism Posted July 5, 2012 Share Posted July 5, 2012 Are you raising the muzzle before chronoing each shot? Most .38 Spcl loads are quite small compared to the size of the case, so unless the powder is settled at the back of the case you are going to have inconsistent velocities. But in a match, you won't have the time to raise the barrel before every shot, plus it could cost you a procedural DQ. Competition ammo needs to be shot in development and practice the way it would be used in competition. This would suggest using a bulkier powder if you have to go to this extreme to get consistent ignition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cd662 Posted July 5, 2012 Author Share Posted July 5, 2012 I am using this for USPSA, not IDPA. There is no barrel tipping at the chronograph. I suspect the opposite will be true: the chronograph SO will load the cartridges in the gun with the muzzle forward, so it'd be more of a tip FORWARD. I try to chronograph in this fashion (tipping FORWARD so the powder is off the primer) unless the load is specifically for IDPA although, given IDPA distances, I'm noticing the loads aren't terribly important for that. I've tried Clays, VW N320, Titegroup, Trailboss (only useful for lead application), and Bullseye. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubber Posted July 6, 2012 Share Posted July 6, 2012 The more pressure built, the more consitant the load, lower standard deviation. The longer 38 special case allows more space that the gases can be compressed. My best luck was with Solo 1000 at between 3.5 to 4.1 grains behind a 160 Molycoat Billy Bullet. SD was from 11 to 16 percent I guess. Light bullets are not my cup of tea. later rdd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cd662 Posted July 6, 2012 Author Share Posted July 6, 2012 Thanks for the input, Bubber. I juiced up my load and retained the overall length, that should certainly increase the pressure. I'm using 158 grain bullets at present, I have considered switching over to Moly although I don't plan on shooting tons of USPSA with this ICORE setup and the power factor has never been a concern for the other games (ICORE's more generous chronograph policy and IDPA's comically low power floor). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M1911 Posted July 6, 2012 Share Posted July 6, 2012 But in a match, you won't have the time to raise the barrel before every shot, plus it could cost you a procedural DQ. You really thought I was suggesting to do that in a match? Seriously? Competition ammo needs to be shot in development and practice the way it would be used in competition. This would suggest using a bulkier powder if you have to go to this extreme to get consistent ignition. The .38 Spcl case was designed over 100 years ago, when powders were far less efficient. As a result, typical .38 Spcl loads using modern powders simply don't fill up much of the cartridge case. And yet these loads have been used by top notch shooters for many years. Yes, the variation in velocity isn't ideal. But .38 Spcl is still quite accurate nevertheless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyT Posted July 6, 2012 Share Posted July 6, 2012 I use Trail Boss powder and have experienced fairly tight velocity spreads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cd662 Posted July 6, 2012 Author Share Posted July 6, 2012 I found Trail Boss to be one of the most consistent powders that I've used but it's useless for plated or jacketed rounds, it just doesn't generate enough pressure. Anyway, regarding the VV N320, I just chose a random number in the ballpark I'm already in and am going to hope for the best (famous last words). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seancswife Posted July 6, 2012 Share Posted July 6, 2012 I found Trail Boss to be one of the most consistent powders that I've used but it's useless for plated or jacketed rounds, it just doesn't generate enough pressure. Anyway, regarding the VV N320, I just chose a random number in the ballpark I'm already in and am going to hope for the best (famous last words). I will be sure to put on my welders mask when you are shooting... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyT Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 I do use Trail Boss with the 158 gr. Berry's plated RN bullet. In my limited tesing the plated bullets provide ca 10% lower velocity than a comparable lead bullet at the lower end of the recommended range and appear to provide velocity similar to lead bullets near the top end of the recommended loads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GmanCdp Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 (edited) win 231 and 125gr swc/flat point lead, 128 to 132 pf.. IDPA load runs 112 to 116 pf use 231 for 38/9mm/45acp Edited July 12, 2012 by GmanCdp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anachronism Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 You really thought I was suggesting to do that in a match? Seriously? It was my hope that I was misinterpreting what you were trying to say. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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