38 Special +P question.

[foffe1]

Hodgdon manual gives 10 gr of H4227 for 38spl and 11 gr of H4227 for +P. Can I put 11 gr in a 38 spl casing or do I absolutely need a +P casing? Thanks.

PJ

 

[Canuck223]

Just curious, but is your paper target impressed by the extra speed and pressure?

The answer to your question is no, +p .38 special brass is different only in the headstamp.

 

[sunray]

"...need a +P casing?..." Same case with '+P' stamped on it. Done in the factory so regular factory loads don't get mixed up with +P's. Not a bad idea to use 'em, a different brand of brass or a different bullet shape for reloading, but you don't need +P brass to load +P ammo.

 

[Ganderite]

You shooting these in a rifle? 4227 is kinda slow for a pistol length barrel.

 

[glycerin]

Check recommended usage from Hodgdon. Probably says something like for magnum loads in magnum cases and jacketed bullets. In a .38 special, especially handgun, most of the powder is wasted, burns after bullet exit. In a J-frame or aluminum frame will probably kaboom. Another powder will likely serve better.

 

[sunray]

"...kinda slow for a pistol length barrel..." IMR4227 is the classic .44 mag powder. Number 51 on Hodgdon's burn rate chart. H4227 is number 52. Used for 158 grains and up jacketed bullets for .38 +P too. Hodgdon only gives max loads on their site though. 11.0 grains is a max +P load. Reduce by 10% and work up.