Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
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  1. #1
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    Default .38 Special 158g FMJ Loads

    Does anyone have any starting load suggestions with HP-38 for .38 Special 158g FMJ Roundnose bullets? I can’t find any information either in manuals or reloading websites. Looking to load them for competition.

    Thanks!
    Philippians 4:13

  2. #2
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    Default Re: .38 Special 158g FMJ Loads

    Quote Originally Posted by magnumpa View Post
    Does anyone have any starting load suggestions with HP-38 for .38 Special 158g FMJ Roundnose bullets? I can*t find any information either in manuals or reloading websites. Looking to load them for competition.

    Thanks!
    Hodgdon's website says 3.8-4.3 grains for jacketed HP, I can't imagine fmj would be any different.

  3. #3
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    Default Re: .38 Special 158g FMJ Loads

    Ask the mods to kick this up to the reloading section.
    May get more responses.
    I started reloading in the dark ages and as Raxar implies most of the load data at that time would just say jacketed bullet. So we'd start low and work up.
    Know some loading today like very specific data.You could contact the bullet manufacturer. They're usually very helpful.
    Are these true FMJ's or plated? May, or may not, make a difference.
    It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: .38 Special 158g FMJ Loads

    I load at 3.9 decent accuracy, but I don't load heavy

  5. #5
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    Default Re: .38 Special 158g FMJ Loads

    Quote Originally Posted by cephas View Post
    Ask the mods to kick this up to the reloading section.
    May get more responses.
    I started reloading in the dark ages and as Raxar implies most of the load data at that time would just say jacketed bullet. So we'd start low and work up.
    Know some loading today like very specific data.You could contact the bullet manufacturer. They're usually very helpful.
    Are these true FMJ's or plated? May, or may not, make a difference.
    I’m glad you asked. They’re actually plated: “Berry's Superior Plated Bullets Plated Round Nose.” Does this make a big difference?
    Philippians 4:13

  6. #6
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    Default Re: .38 Special 158g FMJ Loads

    I load better bullets powder coated so You can kinda ignore what I stated

  7. #7
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    Default Re: .38 Special 158g FMJ Loads

    Quote Originally Posted by magnumpa View Post
    I*m glad you asked. They*re actually plated: *Berry's Superior Plated Bullets Plated Round Nose.* Does this make a big difference?
    Plated bullets can not be pushed to the same velocities as jacketed but in a .38 this is not an issue. The original loading for a .38 was with a round nose lead bullet so just use that data. Different bullets have different ogive shapes and the max OAL can vary so always check that the cartridges just drops into in your cylinder.

    For most competitions you only want a slower target load so find the most accurate load for your pistol. Low pressure loads can be dirty from poor ignition so you also want to make sure its a clean load with no unburnt powder.

  8. #8
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    Default Re: .38 Special 158g FMJ Loads

    Quote Originally Posted by Delkal View Post
    Plated bullets can not be pushed to the same velocities as jacketed but in a .38 this is not an issue. The original loading for a .38 was with a round nose lead bullet so just use that data. Different bullets have different ogive shapes and the max OAL can vary so always check that the cartridges just drops into in your cylinder.

    For most competitions you only want a slower target load so find the most accurate load for your pistol. Low pressure loads can be dirty from poor ignition so you also want to make sure its a clean load with no unburnt powder.
    Thank you! This was very helpful.
    Philippians 4:13

  9. #9
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    Default Re: .38 Special 158g FMJ Loads

    I stuck to lead bullet loadings for plated bullets, per everything I read online. The Lyman manual has the most info on lead bullet loadings from what I recall.
    In America arms are free merchandise such that anyone who has the capital may make their houses into armories and their gardens into parks of artillery. - Ira Allen, 1796

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