38spl load for PPC

JB

JB

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ok im looking for the lightest load i could use in 38spl for PPC Shoots and still do the job on the target . Id really like to cut the recoil done so it would feel like you were shooting a 22cal if it can be done

Powder = ?
bullet type= ?
bullet weight ?

and so on
 
A 148 grain HBWC is a very good choice for a bullet. Cuts a nice clean hole in the paper .

The 2 powders of choice seem to be either Bullseye or Win231.
I use 2.8 grains of Win231 as I find it measures well being a ball powder. Note that HP38 is the same powder as Win231.
The powder choice is up to you. Either will be mild & accurate.
 
Remember the rule that the bullet has to pass through the target AND it's backer.

When PPC was shot at Stittsvile, the backer was 3/8" Aspenite.

I used 2.8gr Bullseye under the BDX 148gr HBWC.

Friends used 3.0gr 231, but everybody had tried and subsiquently did not use HP38. Too dirty and inconsistant.

A friend from Montreal used 1.8gr 231 for his 7yd and 15yd load (speed and lack of recoil), but he stopped that practice when he mistakenly tried them at 50yds - the bullet dropped in front of the targets.
 
PPC Loads

The standard load for PPC is 2.8g of Bullseye behind a 148 Wadcutter used in a barrel with 10:1 twist. 3.0g of 231 is also a standard and both produce about the same velocity and enough power to be accurate at 50 yards/meters. Don't use different loads for 7 and 15 as you will likely get them mixed up, unless you use different bullets which are easily identifiable. If you are just starting PPC or have a stock barrelled gun and want to use a 158g semi wadcutter try 3.0 of Bullseye or 3.2 of 231, which give good accuracy out to 50 as well. I have found that there is little difference between case brands except Dominion, which are shorter overall length that other cases. I use Federal 100 primers which tend to be softer than some others so you can have a softer hammer fall and still ignite them. Good luck and hope to see you at a match some day!
 
The Master will respond.

PPC is my game. I have loaded literally thousands of rounds for PPC since the late 1970's. Thousands.
Over the years, I have talked to High Masters and PPC shooters at the top of their game and have gleaned countless tips and rules for the most accurate PPC reloads to be had or made.
The best PPC loads must shoot and inch to an inch and a half at the 50 yard line in a quality revolver. We are talking custom barrel to start.
The 50 yard line demands a hollow base swaged lead wadd cutter bullet seated almost flush with the case mouth.
The best powders to consider are [in no particular order] Clays, Bullseye, WW231, PROMO, ClayDot, RedDot and Titegroup. Forget all other powders.
:50cal:
 
3.2 gr. 231 win, 148 gr. HBWC with .38 special brass and Fed. Sm. pistol primers from my heavy barrled PPC. gun.
3.7 gr. 231 win, 158 gr. SWC with .38 special brass and Fed. Sm. pistol primers from S&W Mod. 686 for Dist. Rev.
2.8 gr. 231win.,148 gr. HBWC with .38 special brass and Fed Sm. pistol primers for S&W snub nosed revolver.

The S&W L Frame Revolver Mod.586 or 686 is probably one of the better revolvers to start with. They will also shoot the 148 gr. HBWC fairly well. Try to avoid getting one with the adjustable front sight, you will not be allowed to use it in the Distingushed Revolver match. I would also consider having the front ramp sight replaced with a patridge front sight. MD Charlton and Co. can do this and set it up for PPC. They can set it up so you can adjust for a neck hold at the 50 yd. line. Not usually enough adjustment to do this with the standard ramp sight.
 
I used a 110 grain WC for 7 & 15 yards with 2.5 of 231 with a moderate taper crimp out of a tricked out heavy barreled revolver,
For all the rest I used a Star 148 HBWC at 2.7 grains of 231 also with a moderate taper crimp. This load was also used in snub and service class.
My brass was all nickel PMC and I used Federal primers and this was all loaded on an old Dillion RL 450.

khornet
 
slightly too much bullseye or 231 can result in a 'ring' separation from bottom of hollow base bullets. 2.7 bullseye or 3.0 grn 231 should be ok. Cast wadcutters may cause a bulge in thick walled nickel brass, and failure to feed in tight revolvers. Some people taper crimp only for better accuracy, but they feed poorly for rookies with inexpensive speedloaders. Sport is lots of fun with proper training and/or coaching.
 
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