I shot some 38spcl loaded with 8.7 grs. 2400 powder and federal 200M primers.
There was a little un-burnt powder.
I have not shot 2400 in the 38 before and does this seem normal?

The 38 spcl is much too low a pressure cartridge to use 2400 in IMHO.
2400 burns dirty to begin with and low pressures just add to it. I`d switch to a faster powder such as Unique or Herco as the slowest.

Thanks joe. I loaded some to try. If you used a hevier crimp do you think it would burn most of the powder?
Dave

A heavy crimp will help the 2400 to burn cleaner, the heavier the better. 2400 is one of my favorite powders but does its best work at higher pressures and with a heavy crimp for cleaner ignition. The unburnt powder is unsightly but won't impede accuracy at all.
Regards, Joe

i had powder remnants with loading lowish pressure 7,62x25 .. in a 20" barrel .. big crimp and all .. next set goes a bit higher

What weight bullet were you using, what barrel length and which 38 revolver?

That is a fairly light load even with a 158 cast or jacketed bullet.

2400 works best with loads near its upper range.

I've shot thousands of rounds of 158 gr RNL over heavy charges of 2400 in my IPSC matches. Managed to win three national revolver USPSA titles shooting them in a 5" comped L-frame.

Some unburned powder will be found but not an unworkable amount.

Greg

BTW The NEW 2400 is faster than the OLD stuff from 10 years ago. I had to back down about a grain with it when I switched to a new 8 pounder.

thanks for the info.
The bullet is a 158gr jhp speer bullet.
4" model 10 smith and a model 66 smith both are k frame.
i think max for the 38spcl is around 9 grs?
dave

Alliant list 9 gr of 2400 with a 147 gr SWC. Lead seems to allow a bit hotter loading. I don't have Lyman in front of me or I would look it over for you. I've been shooting 9 grains in my 586 for a long time. (sometimes more but the 9 works well.)

Greg

I load 2400 as .38+p loads for use in my Ruger .357 mag.

10gr (old) 2400 and a 158gr lead semi-wad cutter. Shoots great with no issues.

2400 is a magnum powder. Hodgdon HS6 or Win. 231 are good choices for 38 Spl, with a heavy bullet and a longer barrel. 115 grainers in a snubby ain't gonna work. I don't like Bullseye or any of the "Dot" powders, Unique. They're too hot and fussy for loads. Weight variations in the throw on these powders can be significant.