crovello Posted March 24, 2005 Share Posted March 24, 2005 I am currently using VV N350 in my 38 super loads. I use 8.9gr. with Zero 115gr. FMJ to make just under 170PF. This loads nearly fills the 38 super case. I load with a Dillon 550 and no matter how smoothly I index I get powder spilage. This causes me to stop and clean spilled powder every fifty rounds or so. If I load very slowly I can avoid spilage but with golf weather arriving I have better things to do than load 100 rounds per hour I can see by reading posts that VV 3N38 is very popular for 38 super. I was wondering if you can make major with that powder without filling the case so much. I want to stick with a powder that will work well with my comp and ported barrel. Any advice on other powders that may work well for me? Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robomanusa Posted March 24, 2005 Share Posted March 24, 2005 can you set the bullet ontop of case before you rotate the plate? even if case is full you should be able to set the bullet ontop of case with enough finger pressure to make it stick in place so it doesnt tumble off onto the floor when plate gets indexed......just and idea.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Hangin' Chad Posted March 24, 2005 Share Posted March 24, 2005 I have used both powders, you are going to use more grains of the 3N38 but because it is so much finer it requires less case space. My gun has 3 chamber comp with 3 barrel ports, I really liked the 3N38 with a 115 gr. JHP, the gun stayed fairly flat and moderately soft. However, I eventually started experiencing intermittent flame balls that I found distracting and could not get them to go away. At my best guess I thought it was certain lots caused this but I gave up trying to figure it out and switched to Vectan SP2 which feels the same in the gun and requires even less case space. The downside is I can only buy it in a 55 lb. keg out of state. Hope this helps THC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoNsTeR Posted March 25, 2005 Share Posted March 25, 2005 I use robomanusa's suggested technique: bullet goes on before you index. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErikW Posted March 25, 2005 Share Posted March 25, 2005 I've loaded up to 11 gr of 3N38 in .38SA without spillage problems from my 650. But it was close. And based on your N350 load, you will need over 11 gr of 3N38. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crovello Posted March 25, 2005 Author Share Posted March 25, 2005 Place the bullet on before you index. Why didn't I think of that? That is one of those ideas that seem obvious once you hear it. I will give that a try tonight. I think I will still order some 3N38 and give it a try. I think it is a bit slower burning than N350 and may work my comp better. This is the first I have heard about flames from 3N38. I will have to see how it works for me. When I first bought this gun and did not have dies for loading I bought some factory stuff from Federal so I could try the gun. It produced about a two foot flame from the comp on every shot. Very distracting but it kept the shooting bays next to me empty Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scooterj Posted March 25, 2005 Share Posted March 25, 2005 Dave, IMR 7625 is another option. Lots of data on Jeff Maass IPSC reloadeng page. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric nielsen Posted March 25, 2005 Share Posted March 25, 2005 I never had the flameballs with 3n38 either, but it's a common thing with people who shoot N350. Either way Vectan SP2 is a whole lot less expensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zerwas Posted May 15, 2005 Share Posted May 15, 2005 Where does a person find Vectan SP2? I have never heard about this powder,,,but then again I am brand new to open guns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoNsTeR Posted May 15, 2005 Share Posted May 15, 2005 Either way Vectan SP2 is a whole lot less expensive. I wouldn't call "can't get it for love or money" less expensive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harmon Posted May 23, 2005 Share Posted May 23, 2005 dont you have to be a class 6 FFL holder and buy it in georga to get the SP2, and even then it comes in 55 pound kegs that are too large for UPS to ship? i would try something thats a little less of a pain in the ass to get. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric nielsen Posted May 24, 2005 Share Posted May 24, 2005 Sorry. I'm a pack-rat, got 7lbs stashed away from years ago. Probably shot about 18lbs worth too but that's when the sp2 was easily available. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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