I know it’s not CZ related reloading, but could use some help/advice with a starting load to build a ladder. I’ve found plenty of load data for lead but nothing for plated.
Maybe not CZ, but surely Dan Wesson related !
Welcome.
Would like to use these in my K frame S&W 357 revolver with 3 inch barrel, shooting at paper targets indoor range.
Berry’s 148 gr plated HB Wadcutters
HP38 and ASP are the powders I have available.
38 special brass.
Here's a download of assorted must-know info...
• A six inch barrel would be a better target gun. (Greater sight radius and all.) Just pointing that bit of worthless info out.
• I shoot these all the time. Berry makes 2 types the
Double Ended and
Hollow Base. Not much difference in the loads, but if money is being wagered you want the Hollow Base... which are harder to find.
• With either bullet you'll want these set dead flush, which requires seating about 0.006 to 0.008"
below flush and then ever-so-lightly wrapping the end of the case over the meplat. Now here's where it gets interesting... not every reloading die can do that. It requires the seating anvil to enter the case mouth, and some of the anvils are simply too large. Dillon dies come to mind. I
highly suggest you pull your Seating Die apart and see if the anvil will enter the 38 Spcl case mouth.
Dillon seating anvil machined to enter case mouth.If you don't do this, then the anvil will buckle the cartridge case walls when the anvil contacts the case mouth. That's how much pressure a reloading press exerts. Drop me a PM if this is the situation.
• You only need the slightest of roll crimps, since these aren't power house loads. Bullets are only traveling in the neighborhood of 750 fps. Light crimps will save your brass from being over-worked and prevent early death due to case mouth splitting.
• Set your belling to minimum. Berry bullets slide right in with their radiused base.
• Loads will be between 3.0 and 3.3gr of Win 231 (aka
HP-38). Use standard Small Pistol Primers.
Typical 10yd targets (supported).• Lastly, not all 38 Spcl brass will accept DEWC bullets, some are meant for RN.
There's no way to tell externally; no marking or other such. So if you get some brass that buckles just below the bullet, simply unload that cartridge and know that piece of brass cannot be used. These are easy to spot since they won't chamber more than half way.
• HP-38 is one of the better powders for this job. Also AA
No2, Alliant
Sport Pistol, Alliant
Bullseye, and others in that 'burn rate' speed range. They all seem to be magic in that ~3.0 to 3.3 range. Actually, HP-38 got it's name from performing so well in 38's. And since consistency in powder measurement is key to excellent accuracy, you'll be VERY happy with this powder since it meters very, very consistently.
Hope this helps.
