This whole thread has got me to thinking a lot about WHY I use the powders I do, and perhaps branch out into other powders for general-purpose loads rather than just experimenting with powdes on "the ragged edge" of velocities. Bullseye, Unique & 231. jimb16. Winchester Super Target.
I shoot a lot of cast bullets and it is great with those as well as jacketed slugs. 38 Specials were worked out long ago. For all the compasses in all the world, there is but one direction and time is its only measure. I've been able to use this load to help some novice shooters get over flinching and really enjoy shooting. 5 grains over 158 lswc. Best powder for 38 special p. 2gr unique is my go to load. Red Dot with the 148WC. Same load either case with the same bullet. Live like you will never die, love like you've never been hurt, dance. I have tried some of the slower powders, but was never impressed at all. I bought a goodly amount (and a bunch of other stuff I didn't need) from a good friend who had Alzheimer's, not knowing what I'd do with it. There really is no one good powder that I know of that will get you really good results with both.
I'm a fan of Unique for 38SPL and 357MAG. The Red dot to BE range are plenty fast and have lots of 38 load data and lots of feedback from satisfied customers. EDIT: In case anyone is wondering WTF I would use it for; the answer is 50 and 100 yards. Again, no one believed me. If anyone would like to refute anything here have at it.
WW231 158gr LSWC 38 Spl (or if I can find it, Bullseye). I'm surprised I hadn't saw HS-6 up there already. The other Alliant powder similar to Unique is Power Pistol. 160 COL. Light recoil, mild report, and accurate. I use 231 for 38 and 110 for 357 (like many others above). In fact, I can't recall using anything else for over 40 years in that caliber! Best powder for 38 special report. It was ok. Also a little dirty. Join Date: December 10, 2014. Location: Sweet Home Alabama. Honestly, this is what reloading is all about. I use Solo 1000 with wad cutters and Universal Clays for everything else.
During the Obama "powder/primer shortage years" I was able to get HP-38 & used it for. Use Unique if you want. I really like Bullseye, I prefer fast powders with revolvers. I went back to order a bunch more and it was gone (company went out of business). When it is all shot up, I jump in the car and race home because my wife and kids are waiting for me to take them out shopping (good times... Powder recommendation for mild 38 spcl - 9mm/38 Caliber. ). The difference between 38 Special and 357 Magnum is the peak pressure limit and the case length -- neither of which directly affect recoil. Picked up my old copy of Handloader No.
I think wurbles data and results are very impressive but I wouldn't shoot much of it because light bullet flame thrower loads cause premature forcing cone wear and flame cutting. 8/BE was not so holy with cast solid WC's like H&G #50 and Lyman 358495. Makes perfectly simple and perfectly good sense.... Best powder for 38 special reviews. kmag. Last edited by Western_Juniper; 09/22/20. Everyone asked what kind of load was he using & he replied "5. I may add Blue Dot or AA #7 as a third. 2 grs with my 158 rn running right at 900 fps.