hi all, loading 38spl for the first time, using 158gr x metal coated projectiles & hp38 powder, now research says to use “standard cast lead data” but going by hogdon info min is 3.1 & max 3.7, data info from Lee is min 3.7 & max 4.3, lil too much of a swing for my liking so i was hoping someone with experience would chime in or some opinions on which you would go with TIA
conflicting load data which would you go with?
- Thread starter boombag13
- Start date
I'll second that.
Seems fairly easy. If you're not sure go with the lower one.
Start low, test 10 of each in 0.3 increments up to the MAX in the book. Their Max might be too hot for your gun, so be prepared to come home with some hot ammo to pull.
I usually find a medium load shoots best, but I test the full range for each gun.
I usually find a medium load shoots best, but I test the full range for each gun.
The reason the reloading data varies is because there are so many variations in firearms and reloading components.
On top of this some data uses a universal receiver with a pressure test barrel and the chamber and bore are at SAAMI minimum dimensions. And if a specific type firearm is listed a strain gauge is glued to the barrel to measure chamber pressure. Normally when using a strain gauge, ammunition of a known pressure is used to calibrate the equipment. And the universal receiver and test barrel use a direct pressure reading gauge and is the most accurate.
In the Speer #14 reloading manual there is a chapter "Why Ballisticians Get Gray" and it lists 26 .357 magnum revolvers with the same load. And the velocity using the same powder charge and same 158 grain bullets varied from 989 fps to 1365 fps.
I have Quickload and to get accurate data you need a chronograph and adjust the burn rate in Quickload until it matches the chronograph velocity. And again this is because of the variations in firearms and reloading components.
Bottom line, I average the start load from three manuals and then make a work up load. And there is nothing wrong with using the lowest start load you find. And by visually inspecting each fired case and primer you will learn a great deal about "YOUR" firearm.
On top of this some data uses a universal receiver with a pressure test barrel and the chamber and bore are at SAAMI minimum dimensions. And if a specific type firearm is listed a strain gauge is glued to the barrel to measure chamber pressure. Normally when using a strain gauge, ammunition of a known pressure is used to calibrate the equipment. And the universal receiver and test barrel use a direct pressure reading gauge and is the most accurate.
In the Speer #14 reloading manual there is a chapter "Why Ballisticians Get Gray" and it lists 26 .357 magnum revolvers with the same load. And the velocity using the same powder charge and same 158 grain bullets varied from 989 fps to 1365 fps.
I have Quickload and to get accurate data you need a chronograph and adjust the burn rate in Quickload until it matches the chronograph velocity. And again this is because of the variations in firearms and reloading components.
Bottom line, I average the start load from three manuals and then make a work up load. And there is nothing wrong with using the lowest start load you find. And by visually inspecting each fired case and primer you will learn a great deal about "YOUR" firearm.
hometownhero
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Toon Town, Sk
The loads he listed .3 is almost half way between min and max. For my pistol rounds I go in .1gr increments. Some load data there is less then half a grain between min and max
