Powder for 38's

Jim S

Jim S

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Airdrie, Alberta
So I made up a batch of 38's using 6.3 grains of HS6 under a 158 grain plated bullet.
Using my GP100, i can get 12 or 18 shots off before the cylinder ceases to turn. There is a large amount of unburnt powder in my hands when i dump the spent cartridges. My question is, does mean that all the Powder didn't burn effectively . I need to make 800 FPS so that I can attain 125,000 Power Factor for IDPA.

I also bought a pound of Tite Group and a pound of Unique to try.

Any suggestions on to what's the best powder to make Power Factor in a 4.2 inch .38, would be greatly appreciated.
 
Powder

I also am using a GP100 357 6in barrel but shooting 38 spec. I like the titegroup for shooting. With 38 brass it does allow for more powder to blow out the sides but I shoot over 100 rounds myself and then let my son shoot at the club and we have never had the cylinder stop turning. Could be a good cleaning needed on the spindle of the cylinder if it was missed the last cleaning you had done. Otherwise maybe try using 357 brass but with your 38 load. Reason being is the brass is just a bit longer and pushes more of the powder down the bore as opposed to allowing venting on the edges of the cylinder.

Good luck
 
oddsbad said:
I also am using a GP100 357 6in barrel but shooting 38 spec. I like the titegroup for shooting. With 38 brass it does allow for more powder to blow out the sides but I shoot over 100 rounds myself and then let my son shoot at the club and we have never had the cylinder stop turning. Could be a good cleaning needed on the spindle of the cylinder if it was missed the last cleaning you had done. Otherwise maybe try using 357 brass but with your 38 load. Reason being is the brass is just a bit longer and pushes more of the powder down the bore as opposed to allowing venting on the edges of the cylinder.

Good luck
Click to expand...

Thanks. I have shot over 1000 of wolf's .38s, no issues, as soon as I use my loads with the HS6, it gums up. I will load some 357.s with the HS6 and the tite group and give it a try.
Thanks
 
If you are getting that much unburnt powder it says your powder is too slow, bad or you are using too much..

Power pistol, titegroup and 231 are faster powders.. I've used 231 but I'm not trying to break the sound barrier.. It can dirty if you use too much..
 
bear.23 said:
If you are getting that much unburnt powder it says your powder is too slow, bad or you are using too much..

Power pistol, titegroup and 231 are faster powders.. I've used 231 but I'm not trying to break the sound barrier.. It can dirty if you use too much..
Click to expand...

Thanks Bear
 
I use WSF for my 38 specials 158gr, 9mm 125/130gr, 40s&w 180gr, & 45ACP 200gr - all at 5.1 grains. All with good results, this is a moderate load with room to grow - but should be easy to attain power factor. Advantage is one pistol powder, one charge setting, several calibers, no screw-ups.
my 2 cents :)
 
i use around 3.8 - 4.2 of power pistol behind a 158 lswc and can make PF in my 6" smith. i like power pistol as it is accurate and burns clean. Also try universal (clays) for clean burn. 231 will aslo work but is dirtier but very linear and forgiving.
 
Ganderite said:
Try a half grain more and see if that solves. Powder needs pressure to burn properly.

titegroup is cleaner.
Click to expand...

This is probably the case.
My 9mm was shooting like a blackpowder cannon until I upped the charge by a grain. Now it is reliable, snappy and most of all clean.
 
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