I'm loading some 38 Spl target rounds for a friend, using the Hornady 148 gr hollow-base wad cutter. As I have no experience with this caliber, I'd like some advice as to how deep the bullet should be seated and the degree of crimp.

Bud W

If you are useing a true wad cutter, the FLAT or slightly domed nosed type, not a SWC with a cone shaped nose, the bullet should be seated flush with the case mouth and lightly roll crimped over the edge of the bullet. The truncate nosed SWC are crimped in the top crimp grove if offered. Unless a semi auto pistol is being used to shoot them, all 38 spcl ammo takes a roll crip.

Thanks Joe... that's exactly what I wanted to know. It is a true wad cutter, not SWC, and for use in a revolver.

Bud W

quote:

Originally posted by Bud W:
I'm loading some 38 Spl target rounds for a friend, using the Hornady 148 gr hollow-base wad cutter. As I have no experience with this caliber, I'd like some advice as to how deep the bullet should be seated and the degree of crimp.

Bud W

The bullet can be seated flush with the case mouth. There is no crimping grove on the Hornady, so just take the bell out of the case for a revolver, and for an auto pistol a litte roll crimp to help feeding is good. Be careful to only use loading data for this bullet. The bullet is seated so deep, pressure can get very high, fast.