Reloading 38 special. Need advice

[Tight Spin]

Does anyone use 2400 for loading 38 special. I only have CCI small magnum pistol primers so i see a load using 2400 with the magnum primer. I do have some Unique powder but no standard primers. What would be my best option using the components i have. I am using 158 gr Hornady XTP bullets. Thanks Larry

[Tight Spin]

Does anyone use 2400 for loading 38 special. I only have CCI small magnum pistol primers so i see a load using 2400 with the magnum primer. I do have some Unique powder but no standard primers. What would be my best option using the components i have. I am using 158 gr Hornady XTP bullets. Thanks Larry

[GWP]

My experience, Keeping in mind free advice is worth exactly what you pay for it and use at your own risk...

Having loaded a whole lot of 38 special and 357 magnum, from over maxed, to so low I had half a bullet hanging out of a 6" barrel, and testing exactly what you are talking about as far as hot primers vs regular, is, if you load to the middle or lower end of the published specs and substitute the hotter primer, it does not make enough difference to worry about. Back when I did all that I tried different powders, primers, ran them across the chronograph, checked cases and looked for high pressure signs. All good. Like I stated though, middle to low end of published loads.
Different story if you are pushing a load to the max. Then 'substituting' would be a problem.
As I said, my experience. Use at your own risk.

[jasnt]

Those 158’s shoot great in my 357.   I prefer the unique or herco myself

[huntingfool7]

38 Special +P maximum is only 18,500 psi.  Just because you don't see overpressure indicators on primers doesn't mean that you're not over max.

[GWP]

Soooo, you are saying if you go the middle to low end of published load data for a 38, but swap out a magnum primer for a standard one, you think it ‘could’ over pressure the round?

[huntingfool7]

Soooo, you are saying if you go the middle to low end of published load data for a 38, but swap out a magnum primer for a standard one, you think it ‘could’ over pressure the round?

Sooo I'm saying exactly what I said.  Nothing in my post was directed at you.  Nor was it argumentative regardless of how you choose to perceive it.  Fact is that at 18,000 psi there are no reliable indicators of an overpressure load.

[fly-by]

In this case I would place more emphasis on the powder than the primer. 2400 is slow and generally associated with magnum rounds.  A mid range load of the Unique you have should be fine with any primer. Magnums supposedly add 15-25 fps for most chamberings which equates to a couple tenths of a grain in this case.  Close to the margin of error in most powder throwers.

[GWP]

Soooo, you are saying if you go the middle to low end of published load data for a 38, but swap out a magnum primer for a standard one, you think it ‘could’ over pressure the round?

Sooo I'm saying exactly what I said.  Nothing in my post was directed at you.  Nor was it argumentative regardless of how you choose to perceive it.  Fact is that at 18,000 psi there are no reliable indicators of an overpressure load.

Oops. Didn’t think you were being argumentative, but did think you didn’t read all of my post and were commenting on it. Sorry about that. My bad

[wadu1]

I don't spend time wondering weather to use a standard or magnum primer when loading pistol ammo. The following is what I was taught years ago when loading pistol.
Reference The Firing Line
The only difference between a magnum primer and a standard primer is the priming compound. "... magnum primer does is make more gas. They merely burn a bit hotter for a bit longer. The magnum is a little hotter, but does not add any pressure to the load.

[Tight Spin]

Thanks guys for the inputs all very good info. I am going to use the Unique in the midrange load with the magnum primer. Thanks again Larry

[Tight Spin]

Well I loaded some 38 specials today. I used 4.7 grains of Unique with the magnum primer and a 140 gr Hornady. Did a test fire and the bullet didnt get out of the barrel. This is old herucles powder I recieved from my deceased hunting partner last year. The other thing is I only fired one shell and it didnt have a crimp because it looks like the brass was a little shorter. (new brass). I have been on the web trying to find out what the proper roll crimp is and how it effects pressure. I choose that shell because I felt it was a defect and didnt want it in with the rest. Can not having a crimp cause this problem or do you think this is bad powder. The powder was never opened. I had to cut the plastic top off the top. Should I go ahead and try one or the loads that shows a crimp, After this happened I looked at some factory ammo I have and its crimp is greater that what I have. What is a proper roll crimp. Thanks Larry

[GWP]

Crimp is pretty important depending on the powder. I would guess that was the issue in your case. How close to the end did it get? Did you get it out Ok?
I have some pretty old powders that I would still use without hesitation, but it DOES degrade over time, opened or not.
‘Most’ bullets have a cannelure (like knurling) in a ring around the bullet. Some cast and some ‘plated’ do not have one. The top of the case (particularly for a revolver) needs to be rolled into that pretty good. If there is not one you still roll the top in, just not as much. Have you checked the cylinder spacing on the revolver? Around .006” is ‘usually’ what you are looking for, and excessive is just a pressure waster.
I do some pretty low pressure 38 (680 fps) but it is always best to start pretty high and work down. Depends on the barrel length too. Obviously.

[Tight Spin]

Thanks GWP. I did get the bullet out ok. in was in about 2 inches. I was using Hornady JHP in 140 gr and they do have a cannelure. I am going crimp them a little more than I have right now and see what happens . The one that got stuck wasnt crimped. I dont think there is anything wrong with the pistol only because it shoots factory ammo fine. I could not really find any info on how much to crimp. Thanks for your response and I will let you know how it turns out. Thanks Larry

[GWP]

What barrel length are you shooting?
If you use a faster powder you 'may' be able to get away with no crimp or a lighter crimp. Pulling stuck bullets is no fun though!

[Tight Spin]

I hear ya on the stuck bullet deal. I am shooting a S&W with a 6 inch barrel . I recrimped one and it looks more like a factory crimp. I need to go try it

[Tight Spin]

Shot a couple rounds with a good crimp and everything seems pretty good. Thanks for the help

[GWP]

Excellent!