.38 s&w reloading cast

C

Colt .45

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Hi all

Reloading for the .38 s&w enfield/webley revolver that I just got. This is my *first* attempt at reloading start to finish ( Ive casted before and had a hutterite friend load em up ).

So the reloading manual that I have has loads for 125 and 158 grain bullets ( the 158's are cast ) the mold that I have right now is a 140 grain semi wad cutter. Should I just start at the same powder & OAL as if these were 158 tips? or should I be making some kind of a mashup inbetween the 125 load and 158.

For now I was just going to be starting using bullseye and the minimum 158 grain tip load. ( Unless someone has better advice ).

Small aside note, pumped for this Sunday and some range time with my very first boolits. :rockOn::sniper:
 
I shoot cactus plains 158gr cast with 3.1 gr of red dot. I have been very happy with the load. I have bullseye but have not loaded for it.
 
In general, you are right to start with the loading data for 158 grain. The key point is to make your seating depth the same as the 158 grain bullet, not the overall length. Since it is a short case with small volume, a slightly deeper seating depth can drastically change the pressure.
 
Thanks AL, just a bit curious about that; I think these ones are fine because the 140 grain bullets are 2ish mm shorter than the 158's ( my 158 mold just arrived today ).


When you say seat depth what exactly are you referring too?
 
Last edited:
The depth the bullet is into the case. I normally eyeball it with a bullet seated into the case, and another one held alongside to see how deep it is seated. You can be more precise if you want. If you work up a load, then the easiest measurement is the overall length.
 
Al-Sway said:
The depth the bullet is into the case. I normally eyeball it with a bullet seated into the case, and another one held alongside to see how deep it is seated. You can be more precise if you want. If you work up a load, then the easiest measurement is the overall length.
Click to expand...


Be sure to use a quality caliper when you are measuring your seating depth. You don't want to cause excessive pressures.
 
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