Does anybody have load data for .38 special using 125 gr. cast bullets and Unique or WSL powder? Or can you steer me in the right direction. I am looking for sedate loads to use for indoor shooting. I have tried 5grs. Unique with a jacketed bullet and am wondering if I can reduce the powder charge even more. 5 grs. was listed as a starting load in the data I looked at for a jacketed bullet.

The following is for a 121 gr. cast bullet (Lyman #356242). The loading is from an older Lyman manual.

4.0 gr. Unique, 725 fps, 9,000 psi MIN
5.7 gr. Unique, 1012 fps, 16,200 psi MAX

I am showing data similar to Win 69 in my old Lyman #44 edition from 1967:
121 gr cast (Lyman #356242)

Starting Load = 3.5 gr. Unique, 643fps
Maximum Load = 6.9 gr. Unique, 1132 fps

It looks like this "max" load may be too hot.

Lyman #49 edition from 2008:
120 gr cast (Lyman 356242 (Linotype)

It gives the same data as provided by Win 69

Barstooler

I know this isn't what you asked, but as I used to shoot the .38 Special quite a lot, in the field, as a duty weapon, plinking, and at target matches, thought I might as well chuck these thoughts in.

You are probably old enough to remember, but if you aren't, there once was a time when the standard powder for target shooters handloading the .38 special was pretty much Hercules (now Alliant) Bullseye. With bullets up to 158 grains weight, most folks loaded about 3 grains of it or a tad less. A few used 3.1 grains with good results too.

For bullets as light as 120 grains, I'd think about 2.7 grains Bullseye would be ideal. If you don't spill any, that'll yield 2,592 rounds per pound.
Pretty darned cheap shooting, and very accurate out to 25 or even 50 yards. I've even killed blacktailed deer with it....

If a guy is really interested in inexpensive shooting, and if he knows some old-time shotshell reloaders (1960s-'70s), he MAY be able to find a pound or two of Alcan's "Nike" powder. With it, a load no hotter than about 2.3 or at most 2.4 grains should work okay behind no heavier than 120 grain bullets. That should give right at 2,900 to 3,000 rounds per pound!

The really nice thing about both Bullseye and Nike is that the gun almost never gets very dirty from shooting those tiny bits of powder. Recoil is also very light because there is almost no propellant ejecta.

As some guns will take somewhat heavier loads, and one doesn't want a load so light that a bullet might get stuck in the bore, with both Bullseye and Nike he should check very carefully at first to make sure his loads are working okay. If one hears ANY unusual report upon firing, he should open the action, empty the cylinder, and check the bore to make sure it is clear.

Best wishes and have fun....

AC

NRA Life since '61
DCRA Life since '78

Thank you Gentlemen, that is exactly what I was looking for! Happy Holidays to you all!

375er____Jon

Lyman #49 has a lot of lead bullet data. I believe WSL has been discontinued, but maybe someone w/ a #47 or #48 will show data in it.

Neither the 47th nor the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook has anything using WSL.