Low Node Testing with Wheel guns!

fiver

fiver

Well-Known Member
some guns just don't like them all that slow.
I shoot 6grs. of bulls-eye [and a couple of unique loads] with magnum primers using the 148gr wadcutter [358091] up to some higher speeds.
it doesn't seem to mind, and the recoil is still negligible.
 
JWFilips

JWFilips

Well-Known Member
fiver said:
some guns just don't like them all that slow.
I shoot 6grs. of bulls-eye [and a couple of unique loads] with magnum primers using the 148gr wadcutter [358091] up to some higher speeds.
it doesn't seem to mind, and the recoil is still negligible.
Click to expand...

Yeah! I think that is what I'm finding out!
My Loads I made back 8 years or so ago are pretty zippy but they are pretty darn accurate!
None of the light loads I have been working on are even close to that accuracy
 
CZ93X62

CZ93X62

Official forum enigma
I have pondered this question in some depth. Generally, low-node accuracy is easier to get in smaller-capacity cases in a given caliber. I have shot some amazing groups in 38 S&W with #359477 sized to fit (my revolvers are like Duesenbergs dimensionally, no two are alike). Velocity is 700-725 FPS with 3.0 grains of Unique or 3.3 grains of Herco. In the 38/200, I use those same powder weights, and get 650-675 FPS and stellar accuracy in the S&W M&P and decent/not great accuracy from the Webley-Enfield. My best guess is that load density plays a role here, but that isn't a hard & fast rule. LOTS of both hollow-based and conventional wadcutters have been driven into tight clusters downrange using very small charge weights--2.7 grains of Bullseye, or 3.0 grains of WW-231/HP-38. Maybe the flush-seated wadcutter bullets make the loading density more ideal, more like those 38 S&W loads that jackrabbits hate so deeply.
 
Hawk

Hawk

Well-Known Member
I loaded 3.0 grains of Green Dot under the 35891 bullet in.38 Special cases with great success.
Lube was LBT Blue.
 
Mitty38

Mitty38

Well-Known Member
JWFilips said:
Yeah! I think that is what I'm finding out!
My Loads I made back 8 years or so ago are pretty zippy but they are pretty darn accurate!
None of the light loads I have been working on are even close to that accuracy
Click to expand...
One of my most accurate 25-75 yard pistol loads is a 125 grain round nose, with alox, loaded in a 38 special brass, Magnum primer, crimped hard , charged at a 38 spcl plus p charge with Universal. Shot in a .357 with a 6 inch barrel. I discovered it purely on a whim, by chance.....
 
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Hawk

Hawk

Well-Known Member
JW,
Bought this one at a gun show in the 80s.
It's a 148 grain, bevel based wad cutter.
I thought it was 35891, but looks like 358 91.
There's no "0" before the 91.
Maybe I don't know how to read the No.
20201108_135345.jpg

20201108_135402.jpg
 
RicinYakima

RicinYakima

High Steppes of Eastern Washington
Lyman did not go to the six digit number system until they bought the company back again in the 1970's. First three digits were the as cast size or recommended size to size, but it varies over the years. Then the cherry number as in 3118 became 311008, 35891 became 358091. etc.
 
JWFilips

JWFilips

Well-Known Member
Hawk,
I have the same problem with the old vs the new numbering system also1
Photo tells me what I need Thanks
 
JWFilips

JWFilips

Well-Known Member
Hawk,
I shot the load you described above today....well sort of: I used 3.0 gr American Select which is pretty much equivalent per load.
One of the best light loads I shot so far in my S&W 19!
 
Hawk

Hawk

Well-Known Member
Glad it worked for you.
It's a nice, mild plinker load that I used to introduce my daughter and wife to shooting.
Very accurate in my model 66 and various snub nose .38 Spls.
 
T

telebasher

Member
John G said:
I just worked up some 44 SPL loads with more along the idea of the cowboy loads. Just something easy handling for the light weight Charter Arms Bulldog. Both my BIL and my wife have Bulldogs. Went with a Lee 205 grain that I had Eric do his HP magic too, then powder coated. Used a light load of Unique 5.5 or 6 grains, but some unburied powder and (old Unique) cases all sooted up. Ended up at 7.5 grains, good load, but still a little hotter then I wanted.
So I'm looking for a different powder, hoping for some suggestions here. I have red dot, green dot, 231, bullseye, besides Unique.
Second I have a 153 grain wadcutter by NOE I'm going to try, haven't even broken it in yet, so it's time to get that mold out after sitting in the drawer.
Click to expand...
Try some HS-6 , use Hodgdons site to get load data .
 
M

Mowgli Terry

Active Member
I have had really good results from the 358477 cast from range scrap using 4gr. of 231. Runs great in several of the Smith & Wesson revolvers in recent outings. 38 Special cases and CCI primers were used. Expediency and the primer famine had me using magnum primers. This is cured as of yesterday afternoon. I have been using this load our informal matches very successfully.
 
JWFilips

JWFilips

Well-Known Member
I believe I have come to the conclusion...While it is very easy finding accurate "Low node" ( mostly sub sonic) loads for Rifles....
it is not as easy for Pistols; especially revolvers. From my testing the "best accuracy" seems to be at or near the speed of sound!
Where as; I have shot Rifle bullets "very accurately" between 600 and 975 FPS
While I'm sure Sight Radius plays a big role in this ...revolvers seem to be at there most accuracy at 1000 fps & +
 
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