AA #5 in 38 special

JonB

Halcyon member
A friend of mine recently called and asked about 38 spl loads. He has loaded for many years, but just wanted my input on AA5, as he had some on the shelf and had never used it for anything. He plans to load 125gr cast SWC. He found some data. I told him AA5 was a poor choice for 38 spl in general and especially with a light bullet.

After our conversation, I did a search myself and found a 13 yr old thread at the other forum about AA5 in 38 special, and Charles Graff mentioned he used it with 150-160gr and was happy with it. So I guess I am wrong? I've only used AA5 strictly for heavy bullets in 40S&W, due to the limited case capacity and the powder's dense nature and like it for that.

I post this because of my own curiosity about AA5.
So the question is, does AA5 do OK with the large case capacity of the 38spl?
 

RicinYakima

High Steppes of Eastern Washington
While I have used it for 158, 173 and 200 grain bullets in the 38 special, it is not ideal for lighter weights as it leave lots of sticky black fouling. IMHO
 
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Brad

Benevolent Overlord and site owner
Staff member
Would you use Unique for that weight bullet? If not then AA5 is not a good choice either.

I would go towards AA2 and leave the AA5 for heavier bullets in 38 Special or use it in 9mm where it really shines.
 

RicinYakima

High Steppes of Eastern Washington
5 likes to be pushed.
Yes, like all "ball" powders that rely on coating and deterrents to control burn rate. It is an excellent powder for 30 Mauser and other high pressure loads from the old days. Just not a 125 grains 38 Special plinking powder.
 

Matt

Active Member
I’ve found that AA#5 is a useable powder for all non magnum handgun cartridges including .38 Special.

From the context of the question it sounds like this reloader is in the same shape most of us are; trying to find a use for something they have on hand because there is nothing on the shelves or when it is the asking price is obscene.

Ideally the best powder for a lot of non magnum handgun loads at standard pressures is Bullseye, 231,HP 38, or AA#2 etc The Accurate arms and follow on companies show useable data for #5. As Mr Harder points out powders have a best pressure range, AA#5 is probably no different, but I haven’t paid attention.

I’m still suprised how much 231, Red Dot, Bullseye, Green Dot etc I’ve shot in .30/06 and .308 in the last 10 years. I’d have never considered using pistol primers in any rifle case but I’ve fired thousands recently in cast bullet loads because it’s what I have. They work fine but I still don’t like it.

Bullseye or something like it would be a better powder for the application described, but #5 is not out of bounds.
 

Ben

Moderator
Staff member
I’d have never considered using pistol primers in any rifle case but I’ve fired thousands recently in cast bullet loads because it’s what I have.
Be careful that you don't " deep seat " the pistol primers in your rifle cases.
A certain candidate for a mis-fire.

Ben
 

Matt

Active Member
I agree, my Sako .308 doesn’t like them in my current batch of Remington cases. Never an issue with my Winchester cases. In my ‘03s, Krag, Enfield, or M98 types they always go bang. Must be something to that heavy long traveling slow striker. I suspect rifle primers produce better accuracy generally but as my health and shooting skills decline I’m not sure I could prove it.
 

burbank.jung

Active Member
Here is what 6.8gr AA5 behind a 38-135 Speer GD into 3 jugs of water does. I recently purchased MP 38-125 HP molds and plan to find the right alloy with AA5 to replicate what's on the right.
 

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Michael

Active Member. Uh/What
I have never had any issues seating pistol primers, (large pistol) until they bottom out, thess have been fired in 1885 and 1874 replicas using black powder and have never had a misfire. If seating them too deep is a concern, use an OPW (over primer wad, it's a BPCR thing). Cut some strips about 2" long out of brown grocery bags narrow enough to fit into the shell holder yet wider than the primer. Place the strip over the hole in shell holder followed by sliding the case into the shell holder with paper strip between the case hase and shell holder, then seat he primer. Pull the primed cased out, the paper strip will have nice clean round hole in it. Feel the primer to make sure is not high, if it is it won't be by much, slip the case back in the shell holder and nudge the primer with a tad more pressure, or select a bit thinner paper. This method works best on a bench mounted priming units and some press mounted units unless you have 3 hands. There is no concern about the OPW reducing the force of a primer to cause ignition problems.
 
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Charles Graff

Moderator Emeritus
AA5 was designed by the Israelis for use in the 9mm Luger round. It is a good powder for use in any applications where Unique would do well, and that includes the 38 Special. It will not produce a clean burn at pressures less that full standard pressures. It is not for reduced loads, even slightly reduced. Get the pressure up and it will work fine with the lighter bullet 38 Special loads. If a person wants to drop the pressure/velocity of 38 Special loads, then use Bullseye or a power with a similar burning rate.
 

burbank.jung

Active Member
I think AA5 was designed for the .45acp and AA7 designed for the 9mm from what I remember reading on their labels decades ago.