Posted on 12/6/2008, 2:00:47 PM by OKSooner
Quick question for handloaders:
I've got everything in place and ready to go to load up a couple of decent-sized batches of .38 and .357 loads.
The .38 loads are for practice use in a couple of airweight revolvers.
The .357s are for practice use in a couple of .357 revolvers, both with 3-inch barrels.
All of the above will be loaded with 158-grain cast bullets.
The one variable I haven't figured out is this:
WHICH POWDER IS BEST FOR USE IN SHORT-BARREL HANDGUNS?
Ping.
Accurate #5
HP-38 for my .38 spl target load. Topped with a 158 gr bullet
If the bullets are plain base(no gas check),use a quick burn powder like Bullseye or Unique.If you have gas checks on,then use something like Blue Dot in the .357 and stick with the fast powder for the .38.
I see a lot of people recommending Bullseye. You want a fast burning powder.
Bullseye
I second that. Hodgden makes the powder if he didn’t already know that.
Semiwadcutter for target shooting but a truncated bullet for speed events in IDPA.
I didn’t put this on the bang list. We’re getting too many Freepers with smartass answers.
I have a model 19 S&W with a 4” barrel that shot 18” groups at 100 yards but of course I forgot what powder I used. Try different powders and find out what you and the gun like. 3” barrel may not make a difference.
Oops...I added it...sorry
The wrong or heavy load in an airweight will wreck your wrist in no time flat - and you will feel it for **weeks**
That’s ok. I might have been rude to say that but lately some Freepers have been carrying their comments too far.
I like Bull’s Eye.
Also there is a surplus (pull down) military powder called NM-4 available that is quite inexpensive and duplicates Bull’s Eye performance.
For handguns I use either Unique or Bullseye.
I also stay within the limits of the latest Speer reloading manual.
A lot of guys like to load ‘hot’ rounds but if I want to shoot something with a kick I grab my Freedom Arms 454 Casull.
I’d have to agree with the Mime. I love to learn from the shooters here, and I don’t think your comment was rude at all.
A friend bought a load of military surplus powder that was “supposed to be like bullseye”. He loaded a thousand rounds of it at the suggested weight from the copied paper he was given.
The little Kahr .40 blew up on the first shot. I was standing to his right and part of the grips flew to the left.
Powder is the cheapest part of a cartridge. I don’t see any reason to cut corners on that.
Buyer beware.
I also don’t care for any powder where the level doesn’t come up to a point where a double charge is possible.
I talked to a guy who claimed he liked one powder because “ you need so little of it so it’s cheaper”. Penny wise and pound foolish.
Oops!
NM-4 appears to be no longer available.
Guess I bought it all!
LOL!
I agree. The .38 special is a good fit in and S&W Airlite, making the pistol highly useful and convenient; but I will NEVERRRRRR put .357s in it again. Talk about getting gun-shy!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.