Your Favourite 38 S&W Loads

[Andy]

I just bought an Enfield No2 Mk1. I plan to shoot 127gr, 148gr and 195gr cast bullets in it. Only the 127gr fits the bore (it slugs 0.361"), but I'm casting from pure lead and hoping that a fast powder like Bullseye or Trail Boss will bump the bullets up.

 

[Tex Critter]

I'm casting the Lee 158gr Tumble Lube (.358) for my H&R Defender .38S&W. Good accuracy but I can't remember the load I'm using. (In between Ott and Kgtn) I'll check next wknd.

 

[dinsdale]

Look in to "Beagling"

http://ktsammo.250x.com/castboolits/cst3.html

 

[Al-Sway]

I use some of the 130 grain RFN bullets that are popular for Cowboy Action. Most of them come at least .358, if not larger. I use Bullseye and have a nice load.

 

[Dantforth]

I am between Ottawa and Kingston also. I am also going to reload for my 38 S&W. Someone must make bullets of the proper diameter or at least someone should have a proper mould. I am in worse shape than most as I don't have a set of dies either. Dave

 

[j-man]

Just found my recipe:

Wolf Bullets 158gr SWC
2.0 gr Bullseye
Winchester small pp
Winchester brass

I shoot these out of a Canadian-issue 1942 S&W M&P and up until recently a 1943 Enfield No2MkI**, so the loads are purposely light. The last thing I want to do is use hot loads and potentially damage 60+ year old guns (particularly the S&W which I consider to be a historical piece).

 

[(((Echo)))]

-160 gr SWC bullets (Unknown source. Bought a bucket of them at a show. Mic out at 0.361")
-2.0 gr W231
-CCI small primer
-Dominion brass for now, Starline waiting in the wings.

(E)

 

[Andy]

You'll need a cast bullet that fits your bore - likely 0.361" or larger. I got lucky and the my Lee 90574 which weighs about 127gr drops at 0.361". It's worth a try to see if the one you buy drops big as well, or you could always "Beagle" it (described above).

I have a bunch of Dominion brass that Higginsons still sells. I'd buy Starline which is excellent, but I hardly ever shoot the gun and the pressures are so low, the brass will last a very long time.

A couple of tips:

- if you use Lee dies, use the 9mm Makarov dies. The Lee 38 S&W dies are set up for 0.358" bullets and will overwork the brass. This might be the same situation with other brands.

- Bullseye if an excellent powder for the 38 S&W. About 2.0 grs will do anything you need with bullets up to 158gr. Safe in a breaktop action as well.

 

[Andy]

Just got the latest issue of "Handloader" (No 261) and there's an article on loading the 38 S&W for the Enfield No2! Their Bullseye load is exactly what I loaded up for the Lyman 358430 - 1.8 grs.