I've had dies for .38/.357 for years and have never prepped a single piece of brass. I figure it's time to change that.

I figure I'd like to start with some wadcutter loads for my 627.

Do you have tips for loading wadcutters? Never loaded anything stubbier than a LSWC, so the profile is new to me. Will I get better mileage with 231 or Universal? I usually use WSP for primers. Still a good option?

If they are the same on both ends, I loaded them flush with the case mouth. I prefer 231.

I have loaded many a thousand for both .38 and .357 cases. Also the .32 S&W Long for my Benelli. Ive cast some but prefer the Hornady and Speer hollow base. These are swaged soft lead bullets so dont go for high end velocity. I've always loaded them flush to the case mouth. The Hornadys have a nice silvery graphite like lube on them which is pleasent to work with. Had a huge supply of factory Remington hollow base once which I swear they were lubed with coal. Very black and nasty. Zero used to make quality wad cutters at a good price. Two best and easiest to acquire are Hornady and Speer. Light roll or taper crimp for revolvers and taper crimp if you are feeding a auto like 52 Masters. 231 Is a good powder and smokes a little. The charges are very light. Maybe 2.5 grains up to 4+ with some powders. You'll need to shoot a few different charge weights to see what makes the best accuracy. These are very mild loads which you will enjoy shooting. On a sunny day you can see them going down range. Yes your WSPs are fine as you dont need magnum primers. Full length size and enjoy how soft the brass is. These bullets can be loaded to extreme accuracy tailored to you gun.

Carbide die set is best. I always roll out maybe 20 on a lube pad, some use spray lubes today, size 1 lubed and 5 or 10 dry, then another lubed case.

tumble clean your brass and load them normally,small straight wall does not need lube unless its a 45/70 length.
loaded them as well as 357 and 44 mag for decades with no lube.

quote:

size 1 lubed and 5 or 10 dry, then another lubed case

I do this also!!

I’m loading some I cast myself and don’t set the bullet flush with the case mouth , but one ring down...Lee tumble 148 wadcutter mold....

I only have Unique, but in my Thread many folks said to try 231 powder

I have been shooting .38 wadcutter in ISSF competition for over 40 yrs.
A standard target load is 148g HBWC or 148g cast WC (soft 2%tin/lead) loaded with 2.8g Bullseye.
I seat with 0.005-0.008" lead out of the case and use a med crimp into the lead.
If casting, size the projectiles to 0.001- 0.002" over slugged barrel size.
2.8g Bullseye gives about 750-780 fps (depending on the gun), good for both 25 and 50m target work.