revchuck Posted April 5, 2006 Share Posted April 5, 2006 Folks - My current IDPA SSR revolver (S&W M10-8) dotes on 4.5 grains of 231 under a Zero 158 grain RNL. It shoots under 2" at 25 yards. HOWEVER, during a match last night I had problems with reloads using this ammo. After two reloads, the rounds started not wanting to go into the chambers easily. I had to brush the cylinder out after each stage - not really the way I want this to work. The expander plug isn't too big, since there's an obvious bulge at the bullet base with thicker brass; and I roll crimp the ammo. That leaves the primer. I'm using Fed 100s, and have Fed 200s. Would the magnum primers be enough to clean this up...or do I renew my search for a cleaner powder? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tightloop Posted April 5, 2006 Share Posted April 5, 2006 You might be better off with something faster like Bullseye, about 3.5 grains... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revchuck Posted April 5, 2006 Author Share Posted April 5, 2006 You might be better off with something faster like Bullseye, about 3.5 grains... I've got most of a 4 pound can of Bullseye. It takes 4.1 grains to make minor (current Alliant data says 3.8 grains is max for +P). Otherwise I'd be loading it. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gm iprod Posted April 7, 2006 Share Posted April 7, 2006 Try Hodgdon Clays. It will make minor at 2.8gr (800fps) and can be loaded to 3.2gr (871fps) but you better be careful and verify the data in your handgun. I used a 686 with very few modification for this load, 158gr LRN bullet seated to 1.425" I used to use 231 all the time for my NRA AP loads (3.7gr = 820fps), never had serious fouling until about 250rounds. Turned out it was the bullet lube more than the powder, used JHP's for a while and the fouling was reduced by 80% at least. Went back to Lead and back it came. When I shoot LEad now I use a Polymer coated projectile not a wax / gresed lubed one. Much less fouling but not as good as JHP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmccrock Posted April 8, 2006 Share Posted April 8, 2006 Chuck, I have fired lots of 38 rounds from a Mdl 10 loaded with 231: lead, plated, jacketed. I have not had your problem. I wonder if the cylinder has some hard fouling that may not swab out with solvent and may need a pick? Clean out the carbon once, and you are good for a long time. If I started reloading for 38 again, I would try Titegroup. Supposed to help with position sensitivity (which is a problem I DID have). Lee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LPatterson Posted April 8, 2006 Share Posted April 8, 2006 The Hodgdon Manual is using a 7.7" barrel for 38 Spec loads but 3.2 TiteGroup is listed at 815 to a max of 3.8 at 920 OAL 1.475. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Hostetter Posted April 8, 2006 Share Posted April 8, 2006 231 likes lots of pressure to run clean, try a heavy crimp and a magnum primer....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Watson Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 Zero lead bullets? Ewww. I use W231 and "moly" coated lead .38 bullets with little fouling. Current batch from Bear Creek. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek45 Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 Try WST or Clays Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sendf1 Posted May 15, 2006 Share Posted May 15, 2006 231 likes lots of pressure to run clean, try a heavy crimp and a magnum primer....... I had never heard of that before but it turns out to be true, good tip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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