.38 spec light target loads

DaveT · 09-01-2009, 08:36 PM

My wife needs some really light loads for target practicing in her SP101. .38 special, probably with round nose or SWC cast bullets. Any suggestions for loads? I have access to all the reloading equipment (My father in law) but want some idea of a safe load. I've read online that 2.5gr to 3.0gr of Bullseye with a 148gr Hollow base wadcutter is a good load. Anyone try it?

Thanks
Dave T.

Booga · 09-02-2009, 12:48 AM

Wow, that sounds like a really light load. Don't go too light or you'll wind up with squib shots blocking the barrel. I hope someone with experience loading that type of cartridge is here to respond.

Don't wind up like my friend:
http://www.damppaw.com/images/38squib.jpg

Snake · 04-10-2011, 06:31 AM

If you want a reliable load for practice, here is what I use for Cowboy Action shooting.

Bullet: 125 gr truncated (available from Lasercast and other Mfr's) lead bullet
Powder: 700-X 3.1 grains.

This will give you velocities in the 800 f/sec range and is low recoil.

These can be loaded into either 38 Spl or 357 Mag cases with good results. I've shot several thousand rounds of this load.

09-01-2009, 08:36 PM	#1
DaveT Gunslinger Joined: Aug 2009 From: Spokane, WA Posts: 11	.38 spec light target loads My wife needs some really light loads for target practicing in her SP101. .38 special, probably with round nose or SWC cast bullets. Any suggestions for loads? I have access to all the reloading equipment (My father in law) but want some idea of a safe load. I've read online that 2.5gr to 3.0gr of Bullseye with a 148gr Hollow base wadcutter is a good load. Anyone try it? Thanks Dave T.

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09-02-2009, 12:48 AM	#2
Booga Rifleman Joined: Aug 2009 From: WA Posts: 120	Wow, that sounds like a really light load. Don't go too light or you'll wind up with squib shots blocking the barrel. I hope someone with experience loading that type of cartridge is here to respond. Don't wind up like my friend: http://www.damppaw.com/images/38squib.jpg

04-10-2011, 06:31 AM	#3
Snake Peashooter Joined: Apr 2011 From: Sisters, OR Posts: 5	If you want a reliable load for practice, here is what I use for Cowboy Action shooting. Bullet: 125 gr truncated (available from Lasercast and other Mfr's) lead bullet Powder: 700-X 3.1 grains. This will give you velocities in the 800 f/sec range and is low recoil. These can be loaded into either 38 Spl or 357 Mag cases with good results. I've shot several thousand rounds of this load.