Bullet weight for 38's

[Kevin]

Usually I just load 158 grain bullets in my 38's. Mostly because I have them on hand for when I load 357. But I'm beginning to wonder if they are the most accurate or not. For 357, the 158 grain semi wadcutter bullet has been the most accurate, for me anyway.

Anyway, what bullet weight are some of you using for the best accuracy in 38 special?

 

[DeletedMember275]

Either 158 SWCs just because, or else 148 HBWCs. Typically I just use the 158 SWCs.

 

[DGW1949]

A 158 soft cast LSWC lubed with Alox works for me.

DGW

 

[NikA]

I think most SWCs will be as accurate as I can be. I use 158s because I have them but I've loaded 140s as well for lighter loads for newer/less recoil tolerant shooters. I recently purchased a Lyman WC mold just because it was cheap. I would guess a part of the answer would depend on the distance you are shooting: the whole purpose of SWC bullets is to be aerodynamically stable at greater distances than WCs.

 

[Cholo]

A 150 gr. +/- wad cutter is all I use in my .38 Specials.

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

Most fixed sighted .38's are regulated to shoot 158 gr. Bullets. They have been the standard since day one.

 

[Kevin]

Well okay then, I guess I was on the right track. I should try some wad cutters the next time I order bullets. I mostly shoot paper targets, and from what I've read , wad cutters are better on paper, yes?

 

[Kevin]

Chuck, thanks, I didn't know that about fix sighted 38's. The only dedicated 38 I have is an SP101, so that works for me.

 

[NikA]

Wadcutters are specifically better for scoring in the Bullseye game. They are not necessarily more accurate, just better for scoring purposes.

Why are they better? They make a clean full bore hole, and the game is scored such the highest score that is cut is counted. The game is played at shorter distances where aerodynamic stability is less of a concern.

 

[IRuger]

I have slowly drifted to 147 gr and 158 grain. Like them more each time out.

 

[Clovishound]

I've not had good luck with the lighter bullets in .38. I stick with 158 grain.

LSWCs are great if you don't have any leading issues to overcome with your revolver.

 

[pruger45]

Elmer's bullet works great for me in 38 spl!

 

[m657]

I was using a special conical 128 gr cast lead for an 8 shot revolver in ICORE. It was accurate enough and way easier to load the 8 round moon clip rapidly.

A few years ago I was very surprised to learn how accurate and pleasant the 147 DEWC were in one of my 38s.

The old SWC 158 really is hard to beat, and the local casters all have a version that works well for me.

I use cast lead about 95% of my revolver range time.

 

[gramps]

I've not had good luck with the lighter bullets in .38. I stick with 158 grain.

LSWCs are great if you don't have any leading issues to overcome with your revolver.

Properly sized to the cylinder, cast bullets will not lead.
gramps

 

[leemar28]

Properly sized for the Cylinder, and bore, properly lubed, and cast from proper alloy, fired at the proper velocity, then they wont lead..........

 

[Clovishound]

I've not had good luck with the lighter bullets in .38. I stick with 158 grain.

LSWCs are great if you don't have any leading issues to overcome with your revolver.

Properly sized to the cylinder, cast bullets will not lead.
gramps

Tell that to my model 10.

I get lead deposition on the frame. Think I have an issue with a rough forcing cone.

 

[mikld]

I've not had good luck with the lighter bullets in .38. I stick with 158 grain.

LSWCs are great if you don't have any leading issues to overcome with your revolver.

Properly sized to the cylinder, cast bullets will not lead.
gramps

Tell that to my model 10.

I get lead deposition on the frame. Think I have an issue with a rough forcing cone.

When shooting bullets that are larger than the cylinder throat, some lead gets sprayed on the top strap, face of the cylinder and rear of the barrel. At least in my experience with 7 revolvers...

 

[Mus408]

Just started reloading the .38 Special last summer and tried some Xtreme plated 125 gr. bullets loaded with Unique.
They do well for what I do.
https://youtu.be/axK1UbyzDbg

 

[Rick Courtright]

Hi,

I've loaded a couple of 125s (cast and plated), the ubiquitous 148 WC (cast), a 150 SWC (cast with an out of production Lee mold) and 158 SWCs in cast, plated and jacketed forms. They've all worked ok for me, though I've probably loaded more of the 150s than the rest. Only reason I don't use my own cast 158s is right now I only have a gas check mold, which I use for .357 Mags, but it doesn't work so well without the g/c, and a g/c bullet in .38 Spl just seems like overkill, especially these days when the gas check itself costs almost as much as the lead in the bullet. I miss the days of penny a piece gas checks and free lead wheelweights!

Rick C