Powder Recomendations for Crimped 38spl?

[Tudenom]

Hey guys.

I thought I should pick your brains a bit on what powders to choose for my 38 spl cowboy load. Most of the info I've found on the net either talks about revolver loads (no crimp req'd) or loads based off of lessons learned from wadcutter shooting so I'm at a bit of a loss.

I'm using a 130 gr fprn cast bullet from the bullet barn that feeds really well in my lever gun (my 158 gr fprn bullets still bind on occasion). I've been using bullseye with my 158's but I've been getting erratic patterning and I think it's a combination of inconsistent crimp pressure and lots of space left in the case. I'm guessing bullseye works better in wadcutter loads where the case volume is diminished.

Is there a powder you can recommend that either fills up the case a bunch and will go well with lighter bullets, or something that's less position sensitive? I have some trailboss on hand but I'm getting the impression that it's better suited to 45 colt loads or 38 spl with heavier bullets.

Thanks for the input.

 

[Spawn-Inc]

Trail boss is your new friend!

I load 10gr for a 440gr bullet in my 500 smith and wesson
Shoot like a dream, good for practice

 

[bradofcanada]

Titegroup is great for position sensitive

 

[brutus279]

I've got awesome results with TrailBoss under 125gr plated projectiles. Lot of people recommend TrailBoss for cowboy action shooting using hardcast. I've got pretty good results with Universal using 125gr TC plated projectiles.

 

[mmattockx]

Titegroup is great for position sensitive

+1. Titegroup or WW231 are the go to powders for light .38 loads. I use 231 with both wadcutters and 158gr RNFP and have never noticed erratic ignition regardless of shooting position.


Mark

 

[Tudenom]

Okydoke, thanks folks. I'll keep an eye out for some tightgroup / w213 at the gun show and give the trail boss a go and see what happens.

 

[wolf300H&H]

i use 4.2 gr of unique in my 6-shooter, like 600-650 fps i think with lead 158 RN.very accurate.

 

[handofzeus]

+1 for titegroup. I use 3.9 grns on cast lead and jacketed wadcutters. Only thing to look out for with titegroup is double-charging. It's a low-mass powder so don't get distracted!!

 

[mmattockx]

+1 for titegroup. I use 3.9 grns on cast lead and jacketed wadcutters. Only thing to look out for with titegroup is double-charging. It's a low-mass powder so don't get distracted!!

Same with the WW231. I think I could triple charge some of my loads and still not end up with a compressed charge. Always take care and stay awake when loading with these powders.


Mark

 

[Longwalker]

I use Red dot with success in my .38 carbine. But that's what I have on hand. If buying powder for that purpose only it would be trail boss. A traditional alternative is either Unique or Universal, which are both very good in most cast bullet loads.

 

[joe-nwt]

Don't overlook AA#2 if you find some.

 

[Kenner]

I use 3 grains of Bullseye. Very comfortable and cost effective. That means cheep!