Sympathetic .38 S&W loading data needed

[tinbum]

I need to load some rounds for a 1933/34 Wobbly mk3 pocket with nitro proof marks. I usually cast 158grn for my .38spl and .357 mag, but also have a mould for SWC 105grn. I have a range of vectan powders, but Ba9 would be my preference and according to the charts is the equivalent of Alliant Unique.

I am reading all sorts on t’interwebs, some suggesting the lighter bullet needs more powder? Can anyone confirm or explain this please? The data and books I have have very little on this cal, and nothing with my powders.

Low bullet weights and powder loads are suggested for top break revolvers, is this mainly for the American stuff that was cheap at the time?

Unlike my last obsolete revolver, this is not a cheap gun that I don’t care about. This one I want to get right!

[aris]

Found this - but only for 110gn

http://armasyrecarga.com/pdf-armacorta/38S_W.pdf

[tinbum]

Found this - but only for 110gn

http://armasyrecarga.com/pdf-armacorta/38S_W.pdf

That is brilliant, thankyou! It backs up what i’ve found that a heavier bullet needs less powder. What’s that about then?
Until now I’ve just followed recipes until I get the best result, this calibre is forcing me to think about they whys and hows

[aris]

That is brilliant, thankyou! It backs up what i’ve found that a heavier bullet needs less powder. What’s that about then?
Until now I’ve just followed recipes until I get the best result, this calibre is forcing me to think about they whys and hows

All down to pressures. Google your question and you will find more informed answers.

You are treading dangerous waters experimenting. Having too large a load can be catastrophic, but so can having too little a load.

[tinbum]

All down to pressures. Google your question and you will find more informed answers.

You are treading dangerous waters experimenting. Having too large a load can be catastrophic, but so can having too little a load.

Which is why I ask the questions, I also single load and use a remote test rig. I have gone down past unburmt powder to squib rounds, and up to bulged amorces. I am currently looking for a sensible starting load in what is still a 90 year old top break revolver

[aris]

Which is why I ask the questions, I also single load and use a remote test rig. I have gone down past unburmt powder to squib rounds, and up to bulged amorces. I am currently looking for a sensible starting load in what is still a 90 year old top break revolver

Squib loads are one thing - often no powder and just the primer. Low loads can sometimes (it is rare because many unknown factors need to align) can cause a catastrophic explosion. Google "secondary explosion effect" SEE.

[aris]

There is software to help you go off piste - but you are very much on your own. Quickload is a popular one (costs money) another is Gordon's Reloading Tool GRT which is free, but no longer under development as the author died.

[tinbum]

Squib loads are one thing - often no powder and just the primer. Low loads can sometimes (it is rare because many unknown factors need to align) can cause a catastrophic explosion. Google "secondary explosion effect" SEE.

So the minimum load is the one to start with? I am on various mercan sites, and they are of the opinion the Webley is as tough as old boots. I just wanted clarification from someone who can spell "colour" and not sleep with their sister

[JB101]

Some good info here

https://castboolits.gunloads.com/sho...bley-amp-Scott

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.ph...38-s-w.815816/

https://www.forgottenweapons.com/38-sw-the-other-38/

https://www.ar15.com/forums/armory/3...ng_/42-458631/

https://www.handloadermagazine.com/the-38-caliber

[tinbum]

More great reading, thanks.

This morning I have cast and lubed 100 105grn swc, and the postie should be here with the gun this afternoon. I will be trying the loads first in my 2.5" .357 mag over the chrono, then if they are within spec they will go through the wobbly.

[loiner1965]

More great reading, thanks.

This morning I have cast and lubed 100 105grn swc, and the postie should be here with the gun this afternoon. I will be trying the loads first in my 2.5" .357 mag over the chrono, then if they are within spec they will go through the wobbly.

keep us up to date

[tinbum]

keep us up to date

158grn soft lead over 2grn Ba9 = 250-350 fps
158grn soft lead over 2.5grn Ba9 = 520-550 fps

105grn soft lead over 3.5grn Ba9 = 450-550 fps
105grn soft lead over 3.75grn Ba9 = 580-620 fps
105grn soft lead over 4grn Ba9 = 780-840 fps

If you can check the pressure of thatI would appreciate it. The 2.5grn seems about right with heavies, but is the 4grn with the lighter bullet too much? The gun is nitro proofed, but it is a top break. To be fair, it still felt quite mild in the Taurus, which is usually a vicious little bastard with whatever I feed it

[loiner1965]

what barrel length ?

[tinbum]

what barrel length ?

These are with 2.5" but the webley has 3"

[tinbum]

Postman’s been!

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