Posted on 12/06/2008 6:00:47 AM PST 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!
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