hebyta Posted June 13, 2016 Share Posted June 13, 2016 Hello folks, I checked through the forum but couldn't find exactly what I was looking for, so here goes... I'm looking for some recipes for 38 special for a 125 grain copper plated (like Berry's) flat point bullet using Unique, Bullseye, or W231. This would be for plinking for my wife's ~3" Rossi, so something light and fun to shoot would be great. Any questions, please fire away. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDA Posted June 14, 2016 Share Posted June 14, 2016 All three of those powders have published load data for that weight bullet in .38 Special. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hebyta Posted June 14, 2016 Author Share Posted June 14, 2016 All three of those powders have published load data for that weight bullet in .38 Special. Care to share please? My Lyman 49th has data for 125 gr JHP and 120 gr LRN. My Reloading Manual for .38 Special has plenty of data for 125 gr JHP, and 125 gr JFP for Scot Powders/Vhitavuori, but nothing for Unique/W231/Bullseye. Winchester's website has data for W231 and a 125 gr LRNFP, but not plated. My point being is I used the resources I have, looked elsewhere (The High Road, The Firing Line), and wanted to try here. If there is a search function for these forums (didn't see one) I'd be happy to use that too... Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDA Posted June 14, 2016 Share Posted June 14, 2016 Do you have a chronograph? Go to the Alliant website and find the data for Unique and Bullseye. It would seem that a 125 grain GDHP is of the same weight and would have a similar profile to what you want to use. Reading the "WARNING" on the site, it states to not exceed the loads published and to start 10% below the loads shown and work up from there. It also shows that the loads were established using a 6" barrel, so regardless of what any published data shows, the chances of ever finding published data for the exact projectile and barrel length you are using, as well as the exact conditions you will be shooting in, would be nearly impossible. If you are new to reloading. it seems awful confusing, but with time you will be able to interpolate the published data into something that will give you good starting points to work up your loads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDA Posted June 14, 2016 Share Posted June 14, 2016 Sorry I can't be of more help, but I use 158 grain coated RNFP and don't use any of those powders that you list. I also only shoot 1 7/8" and 4" barrels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Mitch Posted June 14, 2016 Share Posted June 14, 2016 Use data for weight. Don't worry too much about lead/coated/plated/jacketed. Start conservative if you wish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hi-Power Jack Posted June 14, 2016 Share Posted June 14, 2016 All three of those powders have published load data for that weight bullet in .38 Special. Winchester's website has data for W231 and a 125 gr LRNFP, but not plated. Welcome to The Forums ... If you're looking for a real light load that's easy to shoot, I'd just use WW's data for the W231 with a 125 gr LRNFP - your load, with a plated bullet should be Very Similar, or slightly slower and safer. Best to start a little low, and work up slowly with a chrono, though. What are YOU shooting? Any pistol competitions yet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hebyta Posted June 15, 2016 Author Share Posted June 15, 2016 Thank you all for the suggestions! I don't have a chronograph, but have considered picking one up. These loads are for my wife's revolver. We've got some great loads for 158 coated and plated semi wadcutters, and we're trying something new. I shoot a Glock 21, and had a great time shooting some poly coated 230 grain round noses today. I have a long way to go before I'm ready to compete, but enjoy plinking and hand loading. I checked out Alliant's website-no data for flat point with the powders I have, but data for Gold Dot HPs for Bullseye and Unique. Between that, some other info on other forums, Winchester's data for a lead flat point, and numbers from loaddata.com, I think I have some to start with. Thanks again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hi-Power Jack Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 I don't have a chronograph, but have considered picking one up. Really important to have a chrono if you're going to work up loads ... When I first bought my chrono, I was amazed at how HOT my loads were - unnecessarily. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jschweg Posted June 25, 2016 Share Posted June 25, 2016 (edited) I load a hard cast 125gn for my 38 special all the time. I don't know what bullets you have, but Berry's recommends per their website to use hard cast data for their plated bullets. Here's what the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook says for cast 125g flatpoint for 38 in the powders you mentioned. Bullseye 3.2gr / 763fps --> 4.2gr / 892fps (max) Unique 4.3gr / 773fps --> 5.3gr / 944fps (max) 231 3.9gr / 733fps --> 4.8gr / 896pfs (max) These are out of a 5.5 inch barrel Edited June 25, 2016 by jschweg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Phil Posted June 26, 2016 Share Posted June 26, 2016 Hi. I load rounds for my wife to shoot @ Win 231 4.0 to 4.3 gr. 125 gr plated or 125 gr lead RN. Soft shooting. I have found that if you go down too low in charge you will have some ignition issues occasionally. Use the lead bullet loads with the plated and you will be fine. Great to get the Mrs out there! Good job on you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruleyoutoo1911 Posted June 28, 2016 Share Posted June 28, 2016 (edited) I haven't used any of those powders but I like faster powders in 38 Special like Titegroup and Clays. With the powders you listed I would try Bullseye, 231, and Unique in that order. I bet you can find some nice shooting loads with Bullseye. http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/Powder.aspx?powderid=1 Edited June 28, 2016 by ruleyoutoo1911 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minionman69 Posted July 20, 2019 Share Posted July 20, 2019 I also have the Berry's 125gr plated flat point bullet and I am trying to find a min and max load with unique powder. Does anyone have any data Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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