Finally got my press re-mounted and I'm about ready to do some loading. I was working on getting set up for .38/.357 when Michael hit. I have .38spl brass, powder and dies - just need bullets. Have any bullet recommendations. Loading for 6" Ruger Blackhawk and S&W 642. Guess some .357mag suggestions wouldn't hurt either.

Thanks in advance.

Rick

I used to load a lot of lead bullets, but some time back, I switched over to loading plated bullets for both 38 Spec. and 357Mag. I purchase the 158gr plated Xtreme bullets with a cannalure. I don't load at the top end, and they do fine for me......and they are "clean" to load and shoot.

You do not say how you want to use them. Self defense, plinking, target, hunting or? Maybe try a box of 100 each in 125 gn jhp and 158 gn jhp or whatever you can find right now to get you started.

Used to be a good shop in downtown P.C. maybe called C & C, they did carry reloading supplies.

Good point..practice rounds. If I find a good load for the snubby - then maybe self defense as well.

C&G Sporting goods. Last time I was there they still carried reloading supplies. Haven't been there since the storm though.


Rick

125gr. RNFP - 130gr. FP from Kings Shooters Supply, SNS casting or Missouri Bullets. Coated or conventional lube. American Select or Unique powder.

Lots of good choices, I’d look to a medium to faster powder. That could be Unique on the medium end to Titegroup, Bullseye on the fast end.

Win-231 as others are popular.

I’m also of the mindset that range or plinking loads can be used for defense if called for.

Just reloaded 250+ rounds of .38Spl yesterday. used with Bulleye powder and 125 gr HSM hollow points. This load works well in my snubbie, GP100, and Security Six!

I shoot hand cast 158 rnfp for all my 38 and 357...I also load 148 wad cutters for the 38.

I now powder coat them, so I don’t have to lube and they don’t leave leading.....

Use unique in both rounds, cause that’s what I have. But may have to figure out an AA#7 loading as I’m down to my last half pound of Unique and no one has any powders....

You might try "Blue Bullets" poly coated cast bullets for target practice. I use them in both .38 special, +P, +P+ and .357. They are good and inexpensive.

I recently loaded some Speer 158 gr.JHP's in both cals from MIDWAYUSA. They turned out to be very accurate in my S&W 27-2 and outrageously accurate in my Henry BIG BOY.

I like H110 in .357 and Titegroup for .38.
I back-off from max loads to save wear and tear on my guns.

For .38 Special I have used 3.5 grains of Bullseye with a 158 grain "lead" bullet. According to an old Lyman manual I have it is listed as a "factory duplication load", about 826 f.p.s.

Over the past few years I have been using poly coated "Bad Man Bullets" or coated "Gallant" brand bullets. With both of these cleaning the bore & chambers is no where near what it was with plain lead bullets.

HTH.

Double post

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Stroonz,

please ignore

I used to buy plated bullets for reloading; now I only use coated bullets. They are just as clean to handle, just as accurate and they leave no lead behind. Also, they are cheaper to buy than plated bullets. Cleaning your gun afterwards is a breeze.

In 38 it’s hard to beat coated 148gr double end wadcutters under a charge of Bullseye or TiteGroup powder.

Double post sorry

.38 spl is a slow, low-power cartrdige, which cries out for a cast bullet; I use coated bullets, these days mostly Blue Bullets. Bayou bullets are good, too. I've shot thousands before cleaning, and had no barrel deposits.

You also have the option of oversize bullets so that you can slug your barrel, determine what it needs, and order accordingly. You can also order in packs of 250 in different styles so you can get a variety of weights and bullets, and work up a load.

I’ve been using these in various weights/bullet profile in several calibers...Donny Summers has a good product, price and shipping ...his regular cast bullets are great as well...I still cast and powdercoat/Hi-Tek my own but as good as his bullets are...I’ve just been buying from him when I need bullets for Cowboy Action

https://summersenterprisesllc....45gr-358-500-ct-box/

For plated bullets I’ve been won over to these guys...especially in .300 BO...if in stock their pistol bullets Are GTG (pleased with 9MM offerings).

https://accuraoutdoors.com/

quote:

Originally posted by Bisleyblackhawk:
https://summersenterprisesllc....45gr-358-500-ct-box/

Thanks for that one. Just placed my first order from him- ordered some 357 and 9mm. Hopefully not TOO swamped right now. It was a good $40 cheaper than the same from SNS which I almost ordered from since they are shipping pretty quickly right now. (Another good resource I didn't know about before this thread! so thanks to divil on that one too.)

ETA: SHIPPED 7/2!!!!! CRAZY when the places I usually order from are 4+ weeks

This message has been edited. Last edited by: BigNC,

Does no one shoot 130 GN.
FMJ anymore? That's all my wheel guns see.

quote:

Originally posted by Stroonz:

In 38 it’s hard to beat coated 148gr double end wadcutters under a charge of Bullseye or TiteGroup powder.

They’ll work even better if you load them OVER the charge.