38 Special/Unique max load discrepancy?

TheIndifferent1

TheIndifferent1

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I am reloading 38 special cases for my S&W N frame (going to get some 357 casings next time for ease of cleaning...). I am using Unique and Speer swaged 158 grain SWC. My 3 manuals all have different max loads though, and I'm looking for some opinions.

The sheet that came with my Lee dies states to start with 4.0gr and never exceed 4.3gr which will have a velocity of 930 fps

My Hornady 7th ed states that I can start with 3.3gr for 650 fps, and load up to a max of 4.2gr for 800 fps.

The Speer manual states a min load of 4.0gr for 740 fps, and a max of 4.7 for 815 fps.

Which is right? I don't have a chrony unfortunately. I want some target loads, but not something which will have me dealing with excessive leading. The gun has a 6" barrel.

Thoughts?
 
Start with the lightest load 3.3grs. and load up 6, and tag them with a marker.


load up 6 more 3.6......3.9....4.1 ect

at the range try one of each. see how you like it and build it up from there. I think you fill find around 4 may be good for you.

Unique is versitile. Personally I have both target and magnum loads with this powder.

good luck.
 
38 special target loads

If you are using the speer 158 swc`s stay with there loads as these will lead above 1000 fps this is stated in the manual.With a good hard cast 158 bullet the lyman book shows loads for unique from3.4(611 fps) which is the start load to5.4 which is a +P LOAD at(946fps).
Load safe and have fun
Tornado
 
Thanks for the help guys :)

I found out that my Lee powder measure doesn't much like Unique. It was varying +/- 0.4 of a grain for each throw. Are there any powders that will meter better? I want something I can use for both 38 special and .45 acp.
 
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