I'm loading my first batch of .38 Special, to be used in a Smith .357 Mag revolver. Right now, I've got a Wolf 158gr. swc seated to an oal of 1.540". They're sitting a little proud of the crimping groove at that length. I did this deliberately- am I right in thinking longer is better in a .357 mag so there's less jump to the forcing cone? I'm wondering, as far as accuracy, is there any advantage to seating deeper to the groove, or seating longer for that matter? I'm using 4.5gr of unique for now, so compression is no issue.
.38 special OAL?
- Thread starter Oddbawl
- Start date
It's better to load .357 brass to .38 Special velocities when shooting a .357 mag revolver. Eliminates the lube gunk build up in the cylinders. Don't forget to clean the ring out before you shoot .357's again. It's no big deal.
4.5 grains of Unique is a mid-range load for a 158 grain cast bullet in a .38. It won't necessarily be the most accurate, but it won't give you any grief either. Use the max OAL given in your manual(1.550" using .38 cases. 1.559" using .357's) and ignore the crimping groove.
4.5 grains of Unique is a mid-range load for a 158 grain cast bullet in a .38. It won't necessarily be the most accurate, but it won't give you any grief either. Use the max OAL given in your manual(1.550" using .38 cases. 1.559" using .357's) and ignore the crimping groove.
I have used a lot of Unique, but in my thrower is does not do so well. I have since switched to IMR 7521, a rare powder, but for mid power loads it meters very well in anything. Easy to ignite. Good for everything except max velocity. 4gr makes a good 38 Spl load.
If Unique works well in your thrower, it is a nice clean powder. Makes good cast laods ina rifle, too. I use 10 to 15 gr of it for rifles.
If Unique works well in your thrower, it is a nice clean powder. Makes good cast laods ina rifle, too. I use 10 to 15 gr of it for rifles.
I got originally started with Unique because it works well in .45acp cases in my Webley MKI, as well as .45colt loads in a Vaquero. Hopefully it'll jive in my waiting-for-approval-from-the-CFO-Smith too. Stupid waiting for approval.
What are shootin' that doesn't like Unique?
What are shootin' that doesn't like Unique?
