.38 special and RS12

[Danny Treacy]

Hi all,

Has anyone had good results with the above combination.

I’m looking to download it for gallery rifle shooting in a revolver.

158gr TC bullets, .358 diameter.

I can get this powder but am struggling with other popular powders, so if anyone has some tried and tested reloading data for this please.

Thanks.

 

[Smellydog]

Have you visited their webb site?
You may have to go for a middle ground charge and test it.

Just don't double dose!

 

[Danny Treacy]

Have you visited their webb site?
You may have to go for a middle ground charge and test it.

Just don't double dose!

I have but I wanted to get some data from those who use it in revolvers here, so with a 12” barrel as opposed to 6”/4”.

 

[Smellydog]

I have but I wanted to get some data from those who use it in revolvers here, so with a 12” barrel as opposed to 6”/4”.

Ok, sorry .
Just go for it.

 

[25 Sharps]

I have but I wanted to get some data from those who use it in revolvers here, so with a 12” barrel as opposed to 6”/4”.

Why do you think a 12” barrel will make a difference to the data?

I use normal 6/4” data for my 12” .357 and it works just fine.

Only worry I can think you may have is range velocity limits, if that’s the case load nearer the minimum as Smelly dog suggests.

 

[Danny Treacy]

Why do you think a 12” barrel will make a difference to the data?

I use normal 6/4” data for my 12” .357 and it works just fine.

Only worry I can think you may have is range velocity limits, if that’s the case load nearer the minimum as Smelly dog suggests.

Because the powder would burn more completely in a longer barrel so the results would be different, as this video shows:

So I’m looking for real world results from anyone who has real experience of using the above powder in.38 special.

Anyone?

 

[Smellydog]

Because the powder would burn more completely in a longer barrel so the results would be different, as this video shows:

So I’m looking for real world results from anyone who has real experience of using the above powder in.38 special.

Anyone?

Yes but not by much and you've still got to get on with it

 

[25 Sharps]

Because the powder would burn more completely in a longer barrel so the results would be different, as this video shows:

So I’m looking for real world results from anyone who has real experience of using the above powder in.38 special.

Anyone?

You are massively over thinking it!

The data will be the same, you will get a more complete burn but be completely safe. Clearly it’s not something a lot of people have used in .38 sp or you’d have had more responses by now.

Load some up, get out and shoot.

 

[Danny Treacy]

You are massively over thinking it!

The data will be the same, you will get a more complete burn but be completely safe. Clearly it’s not something a lot of people have used in .38 sp or you’d have had more responses by now.

Load some up, get out and shoot.

you’re probably right, I’m. Re to reloading so trying to do things properly/safely.

 

[Smellydog]

you’re probably right, I’m. Re to reloading so trying to do things properly/safely.

Your biggest risk with such small charges of the fastest powders is accidentally double dosing a case.
Either keep a regimen of keeping the cases upside down in the loading tray so that any upright case is hence charged or mark a pencil so you can check.

 

[25 Sharps]

you’re probably right, I’m. Re to reloading so trying to do things properly/safely.

We’ve all been there, don’t stress it. Just follow pistol data (some sources give pistol and rifle data for the same cartridge) and you’ll be fine.

As mentioned above double charging a case is your biggest risk, if single loading pistol rounds then I would seat the bullet as soon as you’ve charged each case rather than charging all the cases then seating bullets.

 

[Danny Treacy]

We’ve all been there, don’t stress it. Just follow pistol data (some sources give pistol and rifle data for the same cartridge) and you’ll be fine.

As mentioned above double charging a case is your biggest risk, if single loading pistol rounds then I would seat the bullet as soon as you’ve charged each case rather than charging all the cases then seating bullets.

Thanks for the advice.

I’ve added a picture from the Reloader Swiss site.

It shows a suggested starting Load of 4gr.

As I’ll be downloading it, should I start at 3gr or so and build the load up in .2gr increments, to find what’s most accurate?

Thanks

 

[8x57]

Thanks for the advice.

I’ve added a picture from the Reloader Swiss site.

It shows a suggested starting Load of 4gr.

As I’ll be downloading it, should I start at 3gr or so and build the load up in .2gr increments, to find what’s most accurate?

Thanks

No.
If that is a recognised source of information and it says starting load then treat it as just that and don't go below it.
You say that you are a newcomer to reloading, I just wonder if you have come across the often mentioned rare phenomenon of detonation due to very reduced loads when reading your reloading manuals. Some doubt that it is actually possible but just to be on the safe side and to avoid problems such as bullets lodged in the barrel due to insufficient charges just stick to starting loads and work up from there.

 

[Lever357]

Can you not get hold of Viht N320?? 3.5grains in my carbine is good at 25 yards

 

[Danny Treacy]

Can you not get hold of Viht N320?? 3.5grains in my carbine is good at 25 yards

I was recommended to try this, and N310, but none in stock near me.

 

[Danny Treacy]

No.
If that is a recognised source of information and it says starting load then treat it as just that and don't go below it.
You say that you are a newcomer to reloading, I just wonder if you have come across the often mentioned rare phenomenon of detonation due to very reduced loads when reading your reloading manuals. Some doubt that it is actually possible but just to be on the safe side and to avoid problems such as bullets lodged in the barrel due to insufficient charges just stick to starting loads and work up from there.

I have heard of this, but I thought it was when extreme reduced loads were being used?

 

[Smellydog]

Actually the detonation theory with fast powders in large cases, relatively, is put down to an accidental double dose.

 

[25 Sharps]

Thanks for the advice.

I’ve added a picture from the Reloader Swiss site.

It shows a suggested starting Load of 4gr.

As I’ll be downloading it, should I start at 3gr or so and build the load up in .2gr increments, to find what’s most accurate?

Thanks

Why do you want to down load a soft load?

720 fps is going to be very soft shooting. Until you have done a lot more reloading, for all calibres start at the minimum and work up to the maximum. Not going above or below.

If you want to load up in increment then yes .2 would work.

 

[Danny Treacy]

Why do you want to down load a soft load?

720 fps is going to be very soft shooting. Until you have done a lot more reloading, for all calibres start at the minimum and work up to the maximum. Not going above or below.

If you want to load up in increment then yes .2 would work.

Thanks for the advice, I’ll do that.

The reason why I thought it was a good idea to download slightly from this is because I was informed that as I would be using a longer barrel, than the one used in the published data, then I would require slightly less powder to reach the same velocity as published, due to the powder having more effect in my longer barrel, resulting in a higher velocity.

But if all of this is negligible anyway in terms of speed then I’ll just start with 4.0gr as stated.

 

[Smellydog]

Ignore the local range self appointed expert.

It's like asking how long is a piece of string.
Some powders will add a significant gain with added barrel length and some hardly....
Got to find out for yourself buddy. You'll be ok.