I am using Hodgdon's Universal for .38 Special loads, but the powder is not completely burning. It leaves behind a yellowish residue that often looks like the shape of the powder with just a different color. I read that Universal likes higher pressure, so I loaded it to the maximum (4.7 gr. with a 125 gr. LRNFP), but I still have the same problem. I sometimes have to push the cartridges in the cylinder because the residue doesn't let them fall in all the way. I'm considering going to another powder, but I thought I would ask for some feedback first. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

actualy that is a starting load. ??
my load data suggest 5.2grs as a max load.
Are you crimping?

I am roll crimping. The reloading data I have is from Hodgdon's website. According to them, 5.2 is a max load for an XTP (jacketed). I'm shooting a lead bullet.

my mistake.

No problem, hv. I think I'll save the universal for 9mm and go to something else for .38.

quote:

Originally posted by 17chuckster:
No problem, hv. I think I'll save the universal for 9mm and go to something else for .38.

That something else should be one of the fast burning powders such as Bullseye or W231 or another at the top of the burn rate chart.

Thanks Dave. I was thinking along the same lines.