3n38 38spl/357 loads?

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coleman1495

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Hello,
Recently just picked up all the gear to reload 357. I have a surplus of 3n38 powder available. I was wondering if anyone has tried it in 357?

I have had success loading 9mm with 3n38. Powder is super slow and requires heavy load before I get consistency. I was thinking a stout load of 3n38 under a 158gr bullet should work nicely. I might have to use 38spl brass but not sure.

Anyone have some starting points for 3n38?
 
According to the 2019 Hodgon Annual Reloading manual, 3N38 is #48 on their burn rate chart. Putting it slower than WSF & Herco, but faster than BlueDot & 2400, it seems that it could be suitable for 357 mag.

Unfortunately there are zero receipes using 3N38 powder listed. You might scan the VihtaVuori website for reloading data.
.38special shines with fast buring powders & 3N38 isn't even close. While you might experiment with it & 9mm, you might have better success with a faster burning powder.

Save the 3N38 for larger powder thirsty calibers, or just sell it.....IMHO...
 
Looks like Vihtavuori recommends 8.8 to 11.1gr under a 158 gr XTP.Top velocity 1493fps.

I don’t think a Campro is gonna fair well at those speeds.

Either way looks like I should start at 9grs and go to 11gr.
 
148gr semi wad and full wadcutter load- 2.7grs Bullseye (standard PPC load)

158gr xtp - 10.0grs Bluedot

get the powder, components and load what has been used and accurate for over 30/35 yrs of competition, target, hunting etc.......
 
9.3 Hunter said:
148gr semi wad and full wadcutter load- 2.7grs Bullseye (standard PPC load)

158gr xtp - 10.0grs Bluedot

get the powder, components and load what has been used and accurate for over 30/35 yrs of competition, target, hunting etc.......
Click to expand...

You ever just experiment and have fun?

Yes I have Bluedot and 3n37 but that’s irrelevant.
 
coleman1495 said:
Looks like Vihtavuori recommends 8.8 to 11.1gr under a 158 gr XTP.Top velocity 1493fps.

I don’t think a Campro is gonna fair well at those speeds.

Either way looks like I should start at 9grs and go to 11gr.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't rule it out without trying for two reasons:

1. The Vihtavuori data was created with a 7" test barrel, so actual velocities from a revolver would likely be lower. See Ganderite's post above, for example.
2. According to Campro, their bullets can be loaded the same as jacketed bullets.
 
Tested it out today. Ganderite was correct. 10.9gr 3n38 was the hottest and also the most consistent.Yielded low 1200’s out of a 6” 686.

Campro bullets seemed fine. I am going to try slightly more powder next time. Will have to do some accuracy testing next.
 
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