9mm/38spl load data

[Gunnyart]

So I've got a bunch of 115 plated round nose 9mm bullets I'm wanting to load for a 38 spl.

I'm planning to load them light for plinking and run the through a Uberti Scout SAA.

Trail Boss, Bullseye, Unique, W231 all seem like good options

As this is obviously not standard anything I'm having issuse coming up with good data.

Any suggestions?

[Gunnyart]

Anyone?

[Brazos Hunter]

Unique should have some good load data. Several years ago I loaded some wad-cutters with it and as I recall there was data in my old Hornady manual. Will check when I'm off and let you know.


Michael

[Brazos Hunter]

A quick look online at some cowboy loads looks like 4gr of Unique will get you around 700fps

[Gunnyart]

A quick look online at some cowboy loads looks like 4gr of Unique will get you around 700fps

Thanks

[Texas Grown]

A quick look online at some cowboy loads looks like 4gr of Unique will get you around 700fps

Think that's almost what I used to use. 4.5grs Unique and a lubed 158 semi-wadcutter. Standard small pistol primers.

Edit: Just looked at my old 3rd Edition Hornady book. Shows 125gr and starting load of 5.2gr Unique. Max at 6gr.

110gr projectile with starting load of 5.6gr Unique. And 7gr max.

[Gunnyart]

These are plated as opposed to jacketed and 115 grain. Seems not very comparable.

[cajuntec]

I shoot plated in 9mm, .40 and .38 Special. I'm not trying to be rude, but I have to ask...

Why? As cheap as plated bullets are, why would you use bullets designed for a 9mm in a .38 special?

HSM 125's are $62 per 500 and Berrys 125's are $88 per 1000 at Midway.

All load directions for every plated bullet I've used recommended using "published load data for lead/cast bullets or low to mid-range FMJ data, as long as it is the same weight bullet." (Quote from Berry's site). The problem is... most published data doesn't list a 115 for a .38 Special. I usually see it jump from 110 to 125.

If I remember in the morning, I'll check my load book to see if I have anything listed.

All the best,
Glenn

[Gunnyart]

"I'm not trying to be rude, but I have to ask...Why?"

I should have mentioned I happen to have a bunch of them laying around. ...and.. why not?

[joel45acp]

I use 2.7gr of Bullseye with a cast 158gr swc from an Lyman mould sized at 0.358.

[cajuntec]

"I'm not trying to be rude, but I have to ask...Why?"

I should have mentioned I happen to have a bunch of them laying around. ...and.. why not?

I checked all my manuals and printed sheets this morning. Nobody lists 115 data for .38 Special.

Personally, I'd recommend selling them and buying the correct projectiles.

If you are really determined to use them, I'd recommend using the 125 data, between low and mid range on the chart, and ensure you don't exceed the max velocity from the manufacturer. Berrys is 1250 fps for standard plate, 1500 for thick ; Xtreme is 1200 for standard, 1500 for heavy; HSM is 1250. So it looks like many recommend not exceeding about 1200 - 1250 fps for standard plated bullets.

All the best,
Glenn

[Coyote EMT]

As far as plinking goes why not use what you have. Just because there isn't a "normal" load in that grain doesn't mean it is wrong...... that is what reloading is all about. But I would definitely load a few and check brass and gun for any pressure or leading. I know plated bullets shouldn't lead but I have seen it when pushing things to the max. I am finding a few online doing the same. I would search the powder you have available and give it a shot.

[Gunnyart]

As far as plinking goes why not use what you have. Just because there isn't a "normal" load in that grain doesn't mean it is wrong...... that is what reloading is all about. But I would definitely load a few and check brass and gun for any pressure or leading. I know plated bullets shouldn't lead but I have seen it when pushing things to the max. I am finding a few online doing the same. I would search the powder you have available and give it a shot.

My thought exactly.

I want to run them slow so pressure and leading should be a non issue.