Light Load For SP101

[sjs]

I have two 2.25" SP's and I have favorite loads for both using my favorite powders of Bullseye and HP38. However, with powder and other components hard to get these days I would like to make some use of two powders I have a lot of. They are 2400 and Zip.

I have lots of data for those for velocities over 1,000 fps but I want to see if I can use them for some mild loads of about 700 to 900 fps for use in my .357. I have both 38SP cases and 357 cases. I have Missouri Bullet Company coated bullets in 140gr and 125gr, the latter being their cowboy load bullets.

I always stay within the book guidelines but the data I see for 38 or 357 loads for both 2400 and Zip do not have low velocity loads. I am not experienced in reducing loads below listed data. Does someone have a load for either of these two powders that would be light for either of these two calibers?

This is for plinking and I do not need great accuracy, nor do I mind if the loads are dirty, just as long as they are safe.

 

[Kevin]

I was out this past weekend with my SP101. I had some loads with HP38 which were really, really accurate. This was for the 327 Federal Magnum, so I'm sorry I don't have any loads for 38/357.

But I can tell you I also like lite loads, however, I found the best accuracy when I was right at the published data for 100 grain using HP38. Do you have the Hornaday book? I like it the best, but I also go to Hodgdon Reloading data center http://hodgdonreloading.com/ They have really good information there as well.

 

[TX Nimrod]

2400 is not an appropriate powder for reduced loads, it will have inconsistent ignition and plenty of ash left in the barrel and cylinder. I don’t have experience with Zip, it is far faster than 2400 and might be able to be reduced below book levels. But for the OP’s use fast powders like Bullseye, AA2 and HP-38 are more appropriate.


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[NikA]

Lee load manual has loads in the mid 900s for 140gr lead (starting load 4.1gr, 945fps) and mid 800s for 148gr lead WC (starting load 3.2gr, 835fps) with Zip powder. Seems like the sort of powder that can probably be safely downloaded.

If I were in your situation, I'd first look at seating bullets deeper if I couldn't find wadcutters, and using wadcutter load data. Do you have a chronograph available? I doubt you'll run into pressure issues with any load end .38 load in a .357.

 

[Biggfoot44]

The real answer is you need a fast(er) powder . Small primers are currently unobtanium , but I've still been finding shotgun/ pistol powders comparitively regularly .

Short of that, starting load of Zip .

 

[sjs]

Thanks guys.

 

[Snake45]

2400 is not an appropriate powder for reduced loads,


.

Absolutely correct. If you have "too much" 2400, maybe you can find someone who will trade you some Bullseye or 231 or HP38 for it.

 

[dixie884]

You could try 10gr of 2400 in .38spl cases with a 150 to 170gr bullet for use in your .357. This is over present book levels for .38spl but probably wouldn't blow up a .38spl in good condition. Times of scarcity make for ingenuity. 2400 can be loaded down a little more than some folks believe.

 

[The Preacher]

Agree with Dixie. I've used 10.5 gr. of A-2400 with a Speer 158 gr. Speer LSWC Hpt in 38 Special cases for decades. An excellent 38 Special +P load for 357 Mag. revolvers and I've used them in stout 38 Specials as well. Same bullet with 13.5 grs. in 357 Magnum cases is my basic 357 load. Both are very accurate! A-2400 is my go to powder for both cartridges.

The Preacher

 

[TX Nimrod]

I’m glad you are happy with your 2400 loads, but the OP wants velocities between 700 and 900 fps. 2400 is not a very good choice for him, although it will go bang.



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[The Preacher]

I believe with the 38 Special load I gave he'll get close to the upper levels of the velocities he's looking for with his 2.25" bbls. and the 140gr. bullets he has. He has A-2400 powder and 10 grs. of 2400 and a 158 gr. speer LSWC bullet chronographed at 775 fps. out of my S&W model 10 with a 2"bbl. 10.5 grs. will likely not break 900 fps. Both loads shot great. Just wanted to pass on my experience with 2400.

The Preacher

 

[sjs]

Thank you very much Preacher and Dixie. I'm going to load some up tonight or tomorrow. My snubby is a .357 so I can load both .38 SP and .357 cases. I very much appreciate your help.

 

[The Preacher]

Let us know how it works out!

The Preacher

 

[sjs]

Good results. I did state a desired velocity range but actually I wasn't looking for performance or efficiency, just a safe plinking round and downloading slow magnum powders can be risky. Armed with the info from you guys I loaded up:

140gr. MBCTCFP coated bullets in both calibers.
357Mag with AOL 1.588
10.0gr 2400
10.2gr 2400
10.4gr 2400
38SP with AOL 1.442
10.0gr 2400
10.2gr 2400
I have no chronograph and I only fired at 5, 7 and 10 yards using my SP101 2.25" .357Mag revolver, both single action and double action.
No squibs, no kabooms and all were mild to mild/moderate. The 10.4gr 2400 load in .357 was even accurate. Of course, I do not know if they had enough oomph to exit a long barreled handgun but they were fine in my snubby.

I can now use my +4lbs of 2400 and not lose sleep over my dwindling supply of Bullseye and HP38.

I also tried 4.2gr of Zip in the .357 and 4.0gr of Zip in 38sp cases and they were fine as well.

Thank you very much for the help guys.