Lead/plated/FMJ, same weight, significant charge difference?

[Ark]

Been shooting cast lead 158g SWCs out of my .38 revolver, but I recently ordered some 158g round nose plated bullets. Currently using 4g of HP38 with good results. Is there any need to change the charge weight and burn a bunch of ammo reworking a load when the bullet weight isn't changing?

 

[Cameramonkey]

I dont think so. The only difference I know is that you can push a FMJ harder (than lead or plated) without damaging the bullet or leading the barrel.

Pretty sure plated will fly at roughly the same speed using the same powder & charge if you already have a good cast load worked up.

But I'd chrono a few just in case.

 

[Ark]

Don't have access to a chrono, but subjectively they feel at or slightly weaker than factory 158g target ammo. Hard to imagine a huge difference, but I wanted to get some input just so I don't do anything dumb out of ignorance.

 

[AngryRooster]

General rule of thumb is to use cast lead data for plated if something else isn't specified. That doesn't apply to jacketed though.

 

[chezuki]

While HP-38 is a bit more forgiving than something like titegroup, it’s still a good idea to work up a new load. Different bullet profiles seated to the same OAL can have dramatically differing case pressures.

 

[Crandall Crank]

Angry Rooster nailed it, but ALWAYS refer to a reloading manual. There is a difference between cast and fmj load data, but the amount of difference is different for each caliber and
powder. Granted, sometimes the amount of difference is very small.

 

[senork]

You might try going to hodgdonreloading.com, looks like Hornady xtp was tested they show 3.8-4.3 grains of HP 38. Hope this helps you.

 

[harleymac1]

Hate to hijack but I have been out of the reloading game for quite some time. I can not remember the last time I reloaded but I am just getting back into shooting and reloading. The last powder and primers I bought locally was from the old Profire in Avon. So, my question is this. Where is the go to spot locally for powder, primers, etc?

 

[Cameramonkey]

Hate to hijack but I have been out of the reloading game for quite some time. I can not remember the last time I reloaded but I am just getting back into shooting and reloading. The last powder and primers I bought locally was from the old Profire in Avon. So, my question is this. Where is the go to spot locally for powder, primers, etc?

Its a little bit of a haul, but Bobcat Armament out of Shelbyville. He's also an INGO advertiser. Its only 15-20 minutes down I74 from 465.

And the best part? If he's shooting FNS at MCF&G and you are too, you can place an order and he will bring it with him. THAT is service.

 

[harleymac1]

Its a little bit of a haul, but Bobcat Armament out of Shelbyville. He's also an INGO advertiser. Its only 15-20 minutes down I74 from 465.

And the best part? If he's shooting FNS at MCF&G and you are too, you can place an order and he will bring it with him. THAT is service.

Cameramonkey, thanks for that. Shelbyville is not a bad haul for me as I work in Franklin so that is great. I had no idea he even sold reloading items.