Favorite Loads... 38 special, 38 Super

Howdy gang... I’ve read through the sticky’s etc but wanted to quick jump in as my attention span is really low. I’m going to start loading both 38 special for my 52-2 and 38 super/super comp for my 1911.

I’ve never loaded 38 super before but am very excited to start! Does anyone have both an accuracy round they have worked up for a 5” coned Kart barrel and a traditional bulk round for everyday range shooting? I have a bunch of VV powders as well as Ubique, TG, and some other floating around.

Secondly for the 38wc rounds. In the past ive always used win231 on the round. I think I was using 2.7gr (could have been 3.2gn) of powder and a traditional lead wc. It’s been years since I’ve loaded and have lost my load data so those may be incorrect. I’ve believe I read someone had an amazing Win Super Target load developed? I have a bunch of both those powders... so it would be nice to load some up! Looking for full data including crimp, OAL, etc...

Thanks in advance for sharing!!

BC

2.8 gr WST, 148 HBWC, seated flush, roll crimp to eliminate flare.

Wobbley wrote:2.8 gr WST, 148 HBWC, seated flush, roll crimp to eliminate flare.

-.1 WST and you have my best.
3.1 HP38(ww231)
2.5-2.7 B.E

For the .38 Special, 148 grain HBWC, 2.7 grains of Bullseye, taper crimp, bullet seated with a hairline of brass showing on the inside edge.  This works in my Clark Heavy Slide.  For a friend's Model 52, I have to put a very slight roll crimp so they feed consistently.

You can find many accurate 38 Super loads at this link:

https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/super-accurate-38-super-loads/326242

Hello cundiff5535,

The previously stated .38 Special wadcutter loads are pretty classic.  You typically can't be beat 2.7 grains of Bullseye or 2.8 grains of WST, both with a rolled crimped.

My go to load for .38 Super:

   4.0 grains Bullseye
   125 grains Hornady XTP or HAP (0.356")

Good luck.

Jim

Thanks for your replies here so far!! Much appreciated:)

I have been meaning to get back to you on 38 Super loads and keep getting sidetracked. My favorite load for the Super is the 125gr Zero .356 JHP. COL 1.275 using 4.6gr BE and WSP primers. I use the 38 Super Comp brass. That is also my training load and my short line load. There are a couple of lead loads that work "pretty" good for the short line but the Zero bullets only cost about .02 more a round so I use them a lot. Alternate loads are the 147 gr LFP (Magnus)with 4.6 BE and COL same as the Zero 1.275 and the 130gr LSWC from Magnus with 4.2 gr of BE and a COL of 1.147. I asked Magnus to size some of these at .357 and some at .356. I switch from a 6" Storm Lake barrel to a 5" Sig barrel and I plan on doing a lot of testing when the sun comes out to see what groups better. I already know the bullet goes all over the place with 3.8gr loads with both bullets.

Len

I made it to the range today and got sunburned. I also had a great day testing different 38 Super loads. So I could get 9 targets at a time on the frame I used 50yd rifle targets. I do this (the targets) because I am old, fat and lazy. I already knew the 3.8 gr loads were going to go all over the place but threw them in the mix also. Targets 7 & 8 were 2 loads I have been using with the 6" barrel. These targets were shot with my Kimber GMII and a Sig $50.00 drop in 5" barrel. All targets were shot using Bullseye powder and WSP primers. I shot this from a bench one handed with my wrist sitting on a sand bag. This simulates real shooting conditions and knocks 45 years of my age.  #3 shows real potential.