38 Special load help.....

[opos]

Well, I've looked high and low for a load data file for a 130 grain FMJ bullet using HP 38...I find lots for 125 and 140 fmj and a few for 130 cast but nothing for a 130 fmj and HP38....Tried Hogdens, Lyman book, "one caliber/one gun" load data and the internet. Anyone got the information? I suppose I could use the 140 grain and assume it will be a little light and start from the higher loads but I'm leery of trial and error while I'm still fairly new at handgun loading...I shoot a GP 100 in top shape...thanks

 

[Jimbo357mag]

You can use either the 125gr or the 140gr jacketed data as is. I speak from experience loading 38 special and 38+P in a GP-100.

The 125gr-140gr bullets look good with 4.6 - 4.9gr of HP-38.

The 125gr-140gr bullets for 38+P Looks good with 4.9 - 5.3gr of HP-38.

Anything in that range would be fine in any 38 special revolver of modern design.

My recommendation would be 4.5gr for a 38 special load and 5.0gr for a 38+P load.

For comparison a 357mag charge would be 7 - 8gr of HP-38 aprox. so you are barely going to exercise you GP-100. I would suggest if you are going to be shooting both 38's and 357's that you shoot the 357's first so the crud ring in the chambers doesn't interfere with chambering the other rounds and clean thoroughly with a brass bore brush with lots of solvent after shooting 38's.

...Jimbo

 

[Jimbo357mag]

BTW, you are obligated to post some pictures when you get somewhat proficient making ammo.

...Jimbo

 

[opos]

Many thanks for the information...I'd gotten some other input that shows loads just a bit lower than those but well within the range...I'm going to start with around 4.3-4.5 grains and make sure my seating depths , etc are on target and then load several lots of 12 rounds each in very slowly increasing loads...I know about pressure signs (I loaded rifle ammo for years..many years ago) and I now shoot both 38 and 357 in the GP and am well aware of the situation of shooting 38's and the clean up needed...I do appreciate your help and pictures will be posted when I get it all together..
Opos