light kicking load for 38

[wheels]

my dad took my mom out to shoot her carry pistol a light weight revolver, and it kicked like a mule he loaded  158 grains bullet   
and 3 grains of  bulls eye powder any idea of lighter loads

[FC]

The BVAC 158gr SWC loads are the softest I have shot in my j frame, PMC 125gr FMJ is by far the hardest recoiling, much harder than any +p I have shot through it!

[CP]

3 grains of bullseye won't break 800 fps with a 158g bullet.  I doubt if you are going to get much lower recoil than that load.

You might try a lighter bullet.

[Mongo Hunter]

Corbon DPX 110gr +P. they still kick but not bad. and will sure give you enough penetration to still be effective.

[wheels]

thanks for the info

[wheels]

is 3 grains the lowest you can go

[CP]

is 3 grains the lowest you can go

Yes.  See the Alliant site for load data.  Too low a load and the bullet may not leave the barrel. 

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/powderlist.aspx?page=/reloaders/powderlist.aspx&type=1&powderid=1&cartridge=26

[luteai]

2.8 bullseye under a 148grn wadcutter worked great for a 442 smith and my wife and sister, light gun mild recoil, never a problem.

[CP]

The real problem is not being addressed by low recoil handloads.  While you may come up with something that will work for practice, handloads should not be used for self defense.  Any good self defense ammo will have significantly higher recoil than 3 grains of bullseye.

It sounds like your mom needs a different carry gun, one with less recoil than a lightweight .38.  She might want to consider a .22LR or .22mag revolver.  Ruger offers both in the LCR and S&W offers those chambering as well. 

[Fl0und3rz]

The real problem is not being addressed by low recoil handloads.  While you may come up with something that will work for practice, handloads should not be used for self defense.  Any good self defense ammo will have significantly higher recoil than 3 grains of bullseye.

It sounds like your mom needs a different carry gun, one with less recoil than a lightweight .38.  She might want to consider a .22LR or .22mag revolver.  Ruger offers both in the LCR and S&W offers those chambering as well. 

Disagree on the reloads for SD, but you have a point on that lightweight revolver. 

Perhaps a SP101 or GP100, while heavier, would provide better options, both for practice and SD.  Even heavy 38/357 are pretty mild out of my 6" GP100.  SP101 would provide some measure of relief, but would still be somewhat CC worthy.