Q on OAL same cartridge and bullet but different powders
- Thread starter Alchemist
- Start date
- Location
- Western Manitoba
I do not think the Lee organization actually does any load development or pressure testing - I think all their published material is previous published stuff of someone else's work. Would make sense that different powders were tested by different original companies - none of the pressure testing actually done by Lee organization.
Lee’s data is taken from other sources. They have permission to use that data from the company’s that produced it. So the data for a 308 ,150 gr bullet. Could possibly come from half a dozen sources. So not surprising that they list different cartridge lengths.
So a follow up question...which OAL should I use? This is for 38spl by the way and I’m using a .357 Blackhawk. How do I determine which one would be best to use considering the .38 in a revolver is still a ways from the barrel compared to .357?
I guess I’ll probably meet the same issue when loading .357 too?
I guess I’ll probably meet the same issue when loading .357 too?
Likely the variation in published load is as stated above from different sources, also some revolvers over the years had different lengths of cylinders and longer rounds will not let the cylinder rotate. An example is the 170gr Keith swc in some .38 it has to be seated short and crimped on the driving band.
With a black hawk you will not have a length issue. But keep in mind the shorter the OAL with a given power charge the higher the pressure, the blackhawk is a very strong handgun and there are published loads in some manuals for blackhawks ONLY very stout loads.
With a black hawk you will not have a length issue. But keep in mind the shorter the OAL with a given power charge the higher the pressure, the blackhawk is a very strong handgun and there are published loads in some manuals for blackhawks ONLY very stout loads.
Last edited:
I load for about 40 different 38s and 357's. If a bullet has a cannelure, I lightly crimp there. BUT, some revolvers have relatively short cylinders, and a bullet might stick out the front, binding the cylinder from revolving. Seat deep enough that the bullet does not touch the throat of the chamber of YOUR gun.
I have never looked at the "book" OAL listed for a load. I am not loading for their gun.
On recoil, the bullet wants to pull out a bit with each shot, which can bind up the gun - so crimp each round. Stout loads and/or heavy bullets need a firm crimp.
