Got testing done today. Started a new thread here for the test.
https://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=613738
https://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=613738
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fast burning powders for 38spl
- Thread starter Shadow9mm
- Start date
I loaded some 125 XTPs with Accurate #2 years ago, ;ran almost 900 fps. Recently loaded some 158 Hornady lead HPs, didn't run over chrono but heavy recoil in 642, got bullet pull with regular brass. Loaded some in military brass(it's thicker) this worked but not chronoed so I don't know velocity. These were 5.3 of Power Pistol.
I merged the other thread into this one. Otherwise, you'll get a lot of repetition of what has already been said on the topic.
I see my 650 guess wasn't too far afield. That 13,000 fps reading may have been a random error, but if you didn't have the screens far enough from the gun, it was probably due to unburned powder particles that passed the bullet tripping the stop screen ahead of the bullet getting there.
I see my 650 guess wasn't too far afield. That 13,000 fps reading may have been a random error, but if you didn't have the screens far enough from the gun, it was probably due to unburned powder particles that passed the bullet tripping the stop screen ahead of the bullet getting there.
Ruger LCR chambered 38spl P+ (no +P loads used) with a 1.87in barrel.
Mixed 38spl brass
CCI #500 Small Pistol Primers
Brazos 158g SWC (hi-tek coated lead)
5 shot groups unless otherwise noted
HP-38 (aka W-231)
3.1, avg 524fps, SD 22.6, ES 53
3.7, avg 652fps, SD 27.63, ES 75
4.4, Avg 739fps, SD 4.39, ES 11
Notes,
HP-38, Has minimal muzzle flash, small orange fire ball, maybe 1in by 1in. recoil was moderate, not painful.
IMO that 4.4gr load of HP-38 would be one that would catch my eye, personally, based on your observations. I may have to play with that load myself.
Did a stepped test with hp-38 and 158 lrnfp (hard cast beveled base commercial ) in a K-38 a number of years ago. Hp-38, as in other calibers tested in, seemed to be very particular in accuracy by powder charge. The main purpose at the time was getting the load to shoot poa=poi at 25 yds, while being accurate. Numbers are rounded off, Fed 100 primers and didn't record the brass used.
3.2 gns hp-38 = 640 fps, bad accuracy
3.6 gns hp-38 = 631 fps much better accuracy
3.8 gns hp-38 = 689 fps decent accuracy
4.0 gns hp-38 = 742 fps poor accuracy
4.2 gns hp-38 = 804 fps very good accuracy and poi brought down to poa
If memory serves, the 4.2 gns may be above some listed loads, but not all listed loads are considered max, but target loads with soft lead. The lighter loads severely leaded a 638 barrel when using soft swaged lead.
When going for a vermin load for 638, am using 160 gn large meplat with V V -N350 or unique for about 800 fps from 638.
3.2 gns hp-38 = 640 fps, bad accuracy
3.6 gns hp-38 = 631 fps much better accuracy
3.8 gns hp-38 = 689 fps decent accuracy
4.0 gns hp-38 = 742 fps poor accuracy
4.2 gns hp-38 = 804 fps very good accuracy and poi brought down to poa
If memory serves, the 4.2 gns may be above some listed loads, but not all listed loads are considered max, but target loads with soft lead. The lighter loads severely leaded a 638 barrel when using soft swaged lead.
When going for a vermin load for 638, am using 160 gn large meplat with V V -N350 or unique for about 800 fps from 638.