reloading SJHP for .38 spl or .38 spl +P

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guyster

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Hi reloaders,

I'm fairly new at reloading and seek your advice on Semi-Jacketed Hollow Point reloading tips. I'm having trouble locating 148gr HBWC, so I had to settle for bulk Remington 158gr SJHP which is plenty available locally. My revolver is a six-inch 686.

I looked for loading data in my Hornady, Sierra, Speer and Lyman reloading books with no luck. Same for Remington web site. The Speer manual even seem to discourage loading heavy 158 gr bullets in .38 spl.

After reflecting on all this, perhaps this bullet is meant for .357 Mag rather than .38 spl or +P. What do you guys think? If it is safe to load for .38 spl or +P, do you have recommendation for loading data?

Regards,
Guy -
 
Use data for some other jacketed 158 grain bullet and carefully work your way up. While these bullets are likely designed for typical .357 Magnum velocites, there is no reason you can't safely use them in either standard or +p .38 Special loads.
 
I settled on 4.7gr of Unique based on these .38 spl +P figures:

1) Sierra 5th edition: max is 6.1gr@ 900 ft/sec for 158gr JHC/JSP
2) Hornady 7th edition: max is 5.1gr@800ft/sec for 158gr HP-XTP
3) Lyman 3rd edition revolver handbook: max is 5.2@761ft/sec for 158gr JHP(18200 c.u.p.)

taking 10% off of 5.2gr, I get ~4.7gr.

Thanks guys for your comments.
 
My Pal Rick

My pal Rick at RandRbullets@gmail.com has plenty of 38spl wadd cutter cast lead bullets that will satisfy your entire craving. You might have to meet him in the middle/half way for delivery, but he can cast what you want. Tell him the Hatman sent you. Rick is in Brockville, entirely too far away from me by the way!
In my opinion you are pretty much wasting a very nice JHP in 38 special unless it is a minimum of +P. .357 mag would be even better. Bide your time and obtain some cast bullets. My pal Rick cast in lots of 500/1000 at a fair price. He has too many mould to choose from.
BTW he has an absolutely dynamite 155grain 40S&W hard cast bullet that is superb for target. They are the best 40S&W bullet I have ever shot....
 
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