Trying to load .38 S&W...

Ritchie

Ritchie

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I've cast some LEE TL358-158-2R 158gr Tumble Lube Round nose for my .38 webley.

I can't find anywhere that has the OAL for this bullet. Any of you guys load this slug in the .38 S&W? The powder loads are kinda light and there seems an awful lot of room in the case.
 
Ritchie said:
I've cast some LEE TL358-158-2R 158gr Tumble Lube Round nose for my .38 webley.

I can't find anywhere that has the OAL for this bullet. Any of you guys load this slug in the .38 S&W? The powder loads are kinda light and there seems an awful lot of room in the case.
Click to expand...
The Webley and some other revolvers aren't strong, so never exceed published loading data. The loading manual should also state overall length, but perhaps not with the bullet you are using. Just be sure to not exceed the length of the cylinder and apply a good roll crimp. Don't try to make a magnum out of it.
OPC X6
 
I pulled the bullet out of a .38 S&W round I had and there was not a lot of powder. I pick more crap out of my nose daily than was in that casing...
 
:D ollie - reloading rule #1 - Never pick your nose while reloading.

I am told you can use 9MM dies for sizing the .38S&W. Going to give it a try next time I reload for my gun as my sizing die is scratching my cases. If you load boolits to OAL of the cylinder you should be OK. Just check to ensure they camber OK. As posted earlier guns won't take much pounding so stick to manual recommendations and you should be alright.

Take Care
 
I've loaded some with 2.2 gr of HP38 and an OAL of 1.120 which is the minimum OAL in the LEE manual. They are .005 longer than the Remington factory.

Saying that, the remington factory loads I've measured vary between 1.165 to 1.202. they are a mess.

I think I'll just nearly fill the case with BP and jam the bullet down on it. :)
 
I charge a $150 Paramedic standby fee, and $50 video camera setup charge.

What time do you want to meet to try this?

--PM
 
Years ago I loaded .38 S&W with 9mm dies. It can be done. But the 9mm is a tapered case, and uses a smaller diameter bullet than the S&W. Better results with correct dies. While the Enfield and Webley revolvers aren't intended for hot loading, think about the numerous old top break nickle plates in .38 S&W.
 
PrairieMedic said:
I charge a $150 Paramedic standby fee, and $50 video camera setup charge.

What time do you want to meet to try this?

--PM
Click to expand...

Heh, I hope you're referring to the BP comment and not the 2.2 gr, as the latter is a proper load. :)

I do have a full set of .38 S&W dies.
 
I am wondering about bullet selection for 38 S&W it seems that they should use .361 diameter bullets but all of the lee molds seem to use a size of .358
 
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