.38 Special handloads ?

rastus · 08-21-2007, 06:23 AM

Hello,

I've been give a couple of hundred once fired .38 special cases. Could anyone give me some pointers as to a target load for IPSC and a hunting/general purpose load with a factory projectile. I'll be using them in a ruger stainless security six and a marlin 1895.

Any information would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

jerry · 08-21-2007, 06:46 AM

Here is a general guide line for MINOR loads for the .38 special. A few use it for practice for the .357 major loads. See about where you want to be and duplicate with a good reloading manual.

Power Factors For Common Loads
Firearm Barrel Caliber Bullet Velocity Factor Open
S&W 442 2" .38 Special 110 gr. 823 fps 91 minor
S&W 442 2" .38 Special 125 gr. 885 fps 111 minor
S&W 442 2" .38 Special 158 gr. 788 fps 125 minor
S&W 686 4" .38 Special 110 gr. 926 fps 102 minor
S&W 686 4" .38 Special 125 gr. 944 fps 118 minor
S&W 686 4" .38 Special 158 gr. 862 fps 136 minor

* Open Class requires a factor of 160 for major, 125 for minor.
* Standard Class requires a factor of 170 for major, 125 for minor.
* Production Class requires a factor of 125 for major. There is no
minor scoring.

If you hunting small game. the .38 spec is decent. Large game it gets a bit tricky. Also check regs. We can hunt deer with pistol but one of the requirements is 500 Foot pounds at the muzzle. I can make this with my .357 with the 170 grain Speer Gold Dot as well as a few others. Even with the .357, I consider it a "bow range" weapon. Shot placement is critical as well.

Good Luck

rastus · 08-23-2007, 06:56 PM

Jerry,

Thanks for the information. Would you have any loads for the .38 special(that you could share) that would match up with these power factors or the 170 grn speer projectile?

I'd appreciate it !!

Cheers

jerry · 08-23-2007, 10:23 PM

Sure, if I get off the road, I can dig up my Speer manual and see what she has.

rastus · 08-24-2007, 05:35 PM

Cheers Jerry. You say your on the road? Travelling or working?

Thanks again for the information

jerry · 08-24-2007, 09:25 PM

Working. Just got home today. Fur, Fin & Fowl festivle tomorrow. Squirrell hunt Sunday. In the morning I'll look up data.
Best,
Jerry

08-21-2007, 06:23 AM	#1
rastus Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 40	.38 Special handloads ? Hello, I've been give a couple of hundred once fired .38 special cases. Could anyone give me some pointers as to a target load for IPSC and a hunting/general purpose load with a factory projectile. I'll be using them in a ruger stainless security six and a marlin 1895. Any information would be greatly appreciated Thanks

08-21-2007, 06:46 AM	#2
jerry Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 10,870 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 1	Here is a general guide line for MINOR loads for the .38 special. A few use it for practice for the .357 major loads. See about where you want to be and duplicate with a good reloading manual. Power Factors For Common Loads Firearm Barrel Caliber Bullet Velocity Factor Open S&W 442 2" .38 Special 110 gr. 823 fps 91 minor S&W 442 2" .38 Special 125 gr. 885 fps 111 minor S&W 442 2" .38 Special 158 gr. 788 fps 125 minor S&W 686 4" .38 Special 110 gr. 926 fps 102 minor S&W 686 4" .38 Special 125 gr. 944 fps 118 minor S&W 686 4" .38 Special 158 gr. 862 fps 136 minor * Open Class requires a factor of 160 for major, 125 for minor. * Standard Class requires a factor of 170 for major, 125 for minor. * Production Class requires a factor of 125 for major. There is no minor scoring. If you hunting small game. the .38 spec is decent. Large game it gets a bit tricky. Also check regs. We can hunt deer with pistol but one of the requirements is 500 Foot pounds at the muzzle. I can make this with my .357 with the 170 grain Speer Gold Dot as well as a few others. Even with the .357, I consider it a "bow range" weapon. Shot placement is critical as well. Good Luck __________________ I'm a down home back woods redneck

08-23-2007, 10:23 PM	#4
jerry Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 10,870 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 1	Sure, if I get off the road, I can dig up my Speer manual and see what she has. __________________ I'm a down home back woods redneck

08-24-2007, 09:25 PM	#6
jerry Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 10,870 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 1	Working. Just got home today. Fur, Fin & Fowl festivle tomorrow. Squirrell hunt Sunday. In the morning I'll look up data. Best, Jerry __________________ I'm a down home back woods redneck

08-23-2007, 06:56 PM	#3
rastus Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 40	Jerry, Thanks for the information. Would you have any loads for the .38 special(that you could share) that would match up with these power factors or the 170 grn speer projectile? I'd appreciate it !! Cheers

08-24-2007, 05:35 PM	#5
rastus Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 40	Cheers Jerry. You say your on the road? Travelling or working? Thanks again for the information