This load, taken from the Speer Reloading Manual Number 13, uses Speer cases and CCI 500 primers. Back when I used W231, I would combine it with a 230 grain plated bullet (Rainier, Berrys, West Coast / Accura / X-Treme) for a very accurate load: 230 grain plated RN bullet 5.2 grains W231 Winchester large pistol primer COAL 1.260' This, to me, felt the most like standard factory loads. 38 Special +P revolvers uses the 140 grain Speer bullet in front of 7.0 grains of HS6 powder for a MV of 960 fps from a 6" revolver barrel. At 25 yards this handload has about the same point of impact as the Winchester/USA "White Box" or UMC factory loads I also use for practice ammunition.Ī good full power load for. This bullet is very accurate in my Colts. For target shooting, it is hard to beat a 148 grain wadcutter propelled by a light charge of Bullseye or W231 powder.įor general field use I handload the 140 grain Speer JHP bullet in front of 4.8 grains of W231 powder for a muzzle velocity of approximately 870 fps using CCI 500 primers. The 140 grain Speer JHP bullet has generally provided better accuracy than the lighter bullets in my revolvers, and is my choice for all-around use. Powder Burning Rate Chart The powders below are listed in the order of their approximate burning rate, from the quickest powder to the slowest. Medium pressure reloads using 125 grain bullets are a reasonable choice for plinking and small game hunting. It shows a comparison between Winchester, Hodgdon, IMR, Accurate, Alliant, VihtaVuori, Ramshot, and Norma powders. 110 and 125 grain JHP bullets as factory loaded are the usual choice for personal defense. is another of those cartridges with which I have had a lot of experience. +P loads can give the 158 grain lead bullet about 1000 fps. will drive a 158 grain lead bullet at a velocity of about 900 fps. The current SAAMI mean maximum pressure limit for the standard. Like almost all pistol cartridges called ".38" the. Ammunition is available everywhere handguns are legal. It was introduced in 1902 by Smith & Wesson, and has since become a worldwide cartridge. 38 Special is the most popular of all centerfire revolver cartridges. For good deals on 38 special ammo check outīy Chuck Hawks Illustration courtesy of Hornady Mfg.