125gr .38 Special

[DrSpaceJam]

For those in the know reloading .38 Special, I'm curious about the 125 grain plated bullet.

The heavier lead bullets are generally favoured in the 38 from what I have gathered, but today during a conversation I was told for the first time that if I'm going to stockpile bulk projectiles to reload both .38 and .357, then the 158gr bullet is the choice over the 125gr. I was told the 125gr just isn't all that strong a performer in .38 special loads accuracy-wise, having a tendency to shoot low at longer ranges.

As I'm just starting to really get into shooting .38s at longer ranges (25 to 50 yards), I really don't want to bum myself out with ammo that won't work for this, so I'm just looking for some guidance on what type of bullet to purchase. Between jacketed 125gr and 158gr, which would you recommend? Will it make an appreciable difference in accuracy (my only real concern), or is it nothing to worry about? I'll be shooting these loads out of a 4.2" S&W 686, and will be loading some .357 loads with the same bullets, but my loads are about 10 .38s to every .357.

Thanks for any help, this forums has been enormously helpful since I've gotten into reloading.

 

[daBear]

First off, dont even consider the 125g plated as a jacketed bullet. It is not. It has a thin plating of copper over a lead core whereas a jacketed bullet has a lead core enclosed in a true metal jacket, formed from a flat piece of brass or copper. With a plated bullet, you should not load to the high velocities capable with the 357. In fact, you load a plated bullet to lead specs, not jacketed. A little research will confirm this. If you plan on using the plated bullet in full power loads, you may actually cut through the surface when applying a heavy crimp, not a problem with the lower velocity 38Spl where you have little if any crimp. Have a look on some of the plated bullet mfgrs websites and see what they are saying about using plated in a magnum caliber. Personally, I load 158s in both 38 and 357. Nice to have 1 bullet weight that works for both, although I do have 158s in lead and jacketed, but based on past experience I do not load plated bullets in revolver calibers. Many folks do, but it is a matter of choice and I choose not to. I do load plated but only in the auto's. Bottom line, I find the 158 to be about as good as it gets and if you are wanting accuracy from the 38, there is the old standard 148g HBWC but its not something you would want in the 357.
Cheers
dB

 

[Spawn-Inc]

i would get a small amount of each weight and see what your gun likes, then go bulk. otherwise get a bunch of each and sell what doesn't work well.

 

[joe-nwt]

First off, dont even consider the 125g plated as a jacketed bullet. It is not. It has a thin plating of copper over a lead core whereas a jacketed bullet has a lead core enclosed in a true metal jacket, formed from a flat piece of brass or copper. With a plated bullet, you should not load to the high velocities capable with the 357. In fact, you load a plated bullet to lead specs, not jacketed. A little research will confirm this. If you plan on using the plated bullet in full power loads, you may actually cut through the surface when applying a heavy crimp, not a problem with the lower velocity 38Spl where you have little if any crimp. Have a look on some of the plated bullet mfgrs websites and see what they are saying about using plated in a magnum caliber. Personally, I load 158s in both 38 and 357. Nice to have 1 bullet weight that works for both, although I do have 158s in lead and jacketed, but based on past experience I do not load plated bullets in revolver calibers. Many folks do, but it is a matter of choice and I choose not to. I do load plated but only in the auto's. Bottom line, I find the 158 to be about as good as it gets and if you are wanting accuracy from the 38, there is the old standard 148g HBWC but its not something you would want in the 357.
Cheers
dB

I've never had a problem loading plated bullets to any velocity including those loads listed for a gas-checked lead bullet. I've shot 1000's of 124gr plated at a 185power factor in a 38 super with no problems whatsoever although they are taper crimped rather than roll crimped. Start low and work up.

 

[HammerliSP20]

I've had no issues plated bullets in my 686.

I'm using the Berry's 158 gr FP in both .38 Special and .357 magnum.

5.2 gr of VV N340 gives you a velocity of about 850 fps in the .38 spl.

6.2 gr of VV N320 gives you a velocity of about 1100 fps in the .357 magnum. DO NOT EXCEED 1250 fps using a plated bullet.

The most accurate .38 spl target load is 2.7 to 3.0 grains of Bullseye pushing a 158 gr lead SWC.

 

[daBear]

Lucky you. Like I said some use them with no problem but I wont. I had one repeated experience with plated and that was enough. Led me to think the gun had timing issues but it turned out to be bullet issues. Granted, some makers use a heavier plating than others, but I prefer to stick with lead or jacketed if I am using full loads but I have had no issues in semi's. It is mainly a crimping issue where the roll crimp can cut thru the plating but a taper crimp does not have that problem.
dB