Reloading for S&W Mod 37

[pappyspal]

Need some load info for the Air Weight snubby. I have some 140gr HP's. Would you load them up in a 38sp for the air weight. I was thing about using the lowest charge weight, which would give me 800fps. Do you think the 140HP is to much lead for the snubby 38?

[DucatiRon]

Nope. I would personally load them to best accuracy not to lowest fps. More bad things can happen with 125's and lower. The shorter lighter bullets can have issues with flame cutting the top strap on some models and is not reccomended by some manufactures. I've loaded everything from 158 grain wadcutters to soft points to JHPs in my 38/357. Never an issue. Load by the book and you'll be ok.

[WVBob]

The flat out standard load for any .38 is a 158 gr. lead round nose. Any 140, 148, 150, 158 or 168 RN, WC, SWC will work fine. As said, follow the manual and find what shoots best.

[pappyspal]

OK Thanks for your input. The reason I want to use the 140 in my 38, is because I have some and the 158 for my 357.

[indiandave]

Depending on the brand of bullet they might not expand at a lower speed if it is jacketed. Speer makes a nice 158gr SWCHP that will expand at around 800fps. I load mine with AA#5 and it's pretty accurate.

[pappyspal]

Speer 140gr JHP

[pappyspal]

I guess I'll use Power Pistol cause I have a couple.

[cephas]

Tried power pistol in my Colt .38 special snub nose, and came to the conclusion it wasn't the best powder for the job. Erratic SD on the chrono and muzzle flash seemed to be what I remember. YMMV, but my main load is with 162 gr cast loaded with Unique at about 800 fps.