Introduction:
Reloading your own .38 Special ammunition offers several advantages: cost savings, the ability to tailor loads to your specific firearm, and the satisfaction of crafting your own cartridges. However, safe and effective reloading requires precision and a thorough understanding of reloading data. This guide provides comprehensive information on .38 Special reloading, focusing on safety, accuracy, and achieving optimal performance. We'll cover everything from choosing components to understanding the nuances of different powder types and bullet weights. This guide is intended for experienced reloaders; beginners should consult experienced reloaders or certified reloading instructors before attempting to reload ammunition.
Understanding .38 Special Cartridge Components
Before diving into reloading data, let's review the components of a .38 Special cartridge:
- Case: The brass casing holds all other components together. Proper case preparation, including cleaning, resizing, and priming, is crucial for consistent results.
- Primer: Initiates the combustion of the powder. Small rifle primers are commonly used in .38 Special.
- Gunpowder: The propellant that pushes the bullet down the barrel. Choosing the right powder is critical for safe and accurate performance. Different powders burn at different rates, affecting pressure and velocity.
- Bullet: The projectile launched from the firearm. Bullet weight, type (lead, jacketed, etc.), and design significantly impact accuracy and performance. .38 Special bullets range from 125 grains to 158 grains.
Choosing the Right Reloading Components for 38 Special
Selecting high-quality components is paramount for safe and accurate reloading.
Cases: Use new or once-fired cases from reputable manufacturers. Inspect for damage before use.
Primers: Small rifle primers are standard for .38 Special. Ensure primers are correctly seated to prevent misfires or squib loads.
Powder: Many powders are suitable for .38 Special. Popular choices include:
- Hodgdon Unique: A versatile powder known for its accuracy and moderate pressure.
- Alliant Power Pistol: Another popular choice offering good accuracy and clean burning.
- IMR4227: Suitable for heavier bullet weights.
Bullets: Bullet selection depends on your intended use.
- Lead bullets: Cost-effective, but require proper lubrication to prevent leading in the barrel.
- Jacketed bullets: More expensive, but offer better accuracy and cleaner burning.
38 Special Reloading Data Charts: Safety First!
Disclaimer: The following data is for informational purposes only. Always consult the reloading manual from the powder manufacturer before reloading any ammunition. This data should not be considered a substitute for the manufacturer's load data. Failure to follow proper reloading procedures can result in serious injury or death.
(Example Data Table – Replace with actual data from powder manufacturer's manual)
| Powder | Bullet Weight (gr) | Powder Charge (gr) | Primer | COL (in) | Velocity (fps) | Pressure (PSI) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon Unique | 158 | 4.0 | Small Rifle | 1.560 | 850 | 14,000 | Start Low. Work Up Slowly |
| Alliant Power Pistol | 125 | 3.5 | Small Rifle | 1.550 | 900 | 15,000 | Start Low. Work Up Slowly |
| IMR4227 | 158 | 4.5 | Small Rifle | 1.570 | 800 | 13,500 | Start Low. Work Up Slowly |
Understanding the Table:
- Powder: Specifies the type of gunpowder.
- Bullet Weight: Weight of the bullet in grains.
- Powder Charge: The amount of powder in grains. This is critical and must be precisely measured.
- Primer: Type of primer to use.
- COL (Cartridge Overall Length): The total length of the loaded cartridge.
- Velocity: Approximate muzzle velocity in feet per second.
- Pressure: Approximate chamber pressure in PSI. Exceeding maximum pressure limits is dangerous.
- Notes: Important warnings and recommendations.
Reloading Equipment and Procedures
- Press: A reloading press is essential for safely and efficiently resizing cases, seating primers, and seating bullets.
- Dies: Dies are used to resize, deprime, and seat primers. You'll need appropriate dies for .38 Special.
- Scale: An accurate powder scale is absolutely critical for measuring powder charges. Even small variations can affect pressure and accuracy.
- Case trimmer: Trimming cases to the correct length ensures consistent cartridge overall length.
- Bullet seater: Used to accurately seat bullets to the correct depth.
- Safety glasses and hearing protection: Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection when reloading.
Step-by-Step Reloading Process (General Outline – Consult Manufacturer's Instructions)
- Case Preparation: Clean, inspect, and resize cases.
- Priming: Seat primers in the resized cases.
- Powder Charging: Carefully measure and dispense the correct amount of powder into each case.
- Bullet Seating: Seat bullets to the correct depth using a bullet seater.
- Crimping: Crimp the case mouth to secure the bullet.
- Inspection: Inspect each loaded round for any abnormalities before loading into your firearm.
Troubleshooting Common Reloading Problems
- Squib Loads: A squib load occurs when insufficient powder is used, resulting in a weak charge. This can cause damage to your firearm. Inspect each cartridge carefully.
- High Pressure Signs: Excessive pressure can lead to bulging cases, excessive recoil, and damage to your firearm. Follow manufacturer's load data precisely and use a pressure gauge if available.
- Accuracy Issues: Inconsistent accuracy may be due to inconsistent powder charges, improper bullet seating, or problems with your firearm.
Conclusion
Reloading .38 Special ammunition can be a rewarding experience, but it's crucial to prioritize safety. Always adhere strictly to the reloading data provided by the powder manufacturer, start low and work up slowly, and thoroughly inspect each cartridge before loading it into your firearm. Accurate reloading data is essential for safe and enjoyable shooting. Remember, proper training and understanding of the process are non-negotiable for safe reloading practices.