In the past I had tried a few experiments with this revolver and low doses of smokeless powder, it ended in stretch marks.

Since then I have had it tested at a local gunsmith which turned out fine. Today I ran a couple of dozen 158 grn rounds through on my test bed with black powder before taking it into the garden and doing some plinking with my home cast, soft lead 110 grn SWC bullets.

Firstly, what a mess! Every shot is a symphony of smoke, soot and smell!
Secondly, I am getting around 500 fps from a .38 s&w. Is that normal? Would moving up to 140 or 158 grn effect the fps much? I know I could try it myself, but I’m not much into needless housework

TIA