Low Tech reloading , 38 Special

[Ben]

My 14 yr. old grandson Trevor, is learning to reload 38 Spec.
His current system is " Low Tech ", but is dependable and safe.
Certainly not a " high end " Dillion system.
I've racked my brain for a reliable, safe way for him to dispense powder.
This is what I've come up with for now.
I had an old Pacific powder measure with a fixed brass rotor that throws exactly 3.0 grs. of Bullseye. One of the things that appealed to me is he cannot get it out of adjustment , it won't throw more or less than 3.0 grs. of Bullseye. That charge of Bullseye isn't ideal and perfect for all 38 Spec. loads, but you can use it for a very wide variety of bullet weights in the 38 Special.
He is currently shooting 3.0 of Bullseye with a 148 gr. W/C in 38 Spec. wadcutter brass.

https://rumble.com/v3fomo6-september-7-2023.html

 

[Petrol & Powder]

The 38 Special is a cartridge that I have a phenomenal affinity for, and I suspect I am not alone. In addition to being an iconic American cartridge, it is also incredibly useful.

The 38 Special can be a target cartridge. It can be a hunting cartridge. It can be a self-defense cartridge. It is inherently accurate, it can be loaded mild to wild and it may be a near universal handgun cartridge.

As a basis for reloading, it is very forgiving. However, it will also reward the reloader for attention to detail. It is a cartridge that is extremely well suited for casting and reloading. If not pushed too hard, the casings will last through many reloading cycles. The cartridge can be useful while conserving powder or the case volume can be exploited if desired.

The 38 Special does a lot of things well.

I cannot think of a better foundation for Trevor’s handgun cartridge reloading career

 

[Ben]

Well spoken !!!!

Ben

 

[Outpost75]

As a young lad I learned to load .38 Specials for Mom's S&W Victory revolver, using a Lyman tong tool. A .22 LR case with wire handle soldered to it makes an expedient dip measure to throw 2.7-2.8 grains of Bullseye, which is perfect for loading a 148-grain cutter. For heavier charges we used a cut down .32 ACP case to about 0.4" as verified by scale and loading manual to measure a full charge load.

 

[Jeff H]

Slowing down is soothing. I derive great pleasure from this mode of reloading. It may be slow, but it just extends the enjoyment and I appreciate each round more and am therefore more careful with how I expend it and on what. There's a lot of entertainment in going backwards and seeing just how well you can do with how few handloading do-dads on the bench or how little variety is in the component cabinet.

Makes components last longer too.

 

[Rick H]

I learned to reload with a scoop and Whack-a Mole Lee Loader. Yes it was slow, but I learned the basics, saved a lot of money (or at least could shoot a lot more for the same money). I still don't use a progressive press and load slow. I enjoy the process.

 

[jonjon]

I started with loading .38 spec semi wad cutters . Easy to learn on ideal for beginners.

 

[cohiba2]

Nice looking reloads. Be careful tho using a 14 year, is against child labor laws; Even if U pay him in PB and Jelly sandwiches. Hopefully he keeps the interest, but soon he may discover girls and loose interest. Enjoy that bonding time , it is PRICELESS.