Powder for a Ported 38 spcl.

[SpottHogg]

Im curious what powders you fellow ported barrel 38spcl shooters are using? I have been using WW231 loads at the needed 120 power factor and it is accurate but the muzzle flip is still more than expected. With the porting to efficiently do its job it requires a good amount of gas being fed to it. Slower powders create more gas and Im thinking of trying HS6 to accomplish this. Im just not sure if HS6 will increase the felt recoil enough that the comfort is no better even if the porting is more efficient at keeping the muzzle down. I also dont know if HS6 yields any degree of accuracy in the 38. There are a few powders close to HS6 burn rate and would like to hear your experiences with them to help me choose which one to try. Id like to figure it out based on trial and error, as I usually do but can afford it right now. Thanks Guys!

[alfsauve]

HS6 is little smokier than I'd like.  Can't help you with a ported gun, but I've used it in a .40S&W.  It worked well, but I'm on the quest for something better.      I thought HS6 was in moderately fast burn rate along with Unique, WSF and Power Pistol.

I've never loaded .38spl except the 148gr target load.   For .357max and mag, I've used 2400 and H110, but I don't think those would work as well in a shorter case and with shorter (<6")  barrels.

They  use to make HS7, which I thought was about perfect for 9, 40 and 45 and would probably have worked well in .38spl, BUT they discontinued it.    Relatively low smoke.  Good range between min and max.  Not overly sensitive to case size.  Metered well.  [LONG SIGH]

[m25operator]

Spott, I am a long time revolver shooter, a few tips, at a 120 power factor, your not going to get much, go up not down, what I shoot in ICore are .38 short colt, and 9mm velocity and pressure, this will help and you will get more benefit from the comp, In .38 special I shoot 9mm bullets, preferably sized .3565" less pressure, more velocity and great accuracy, beware of smoke though with lead bullets, you can buy Nosler 115 .38 super bullets in this size, and get good accuracy, high pressure to get the comp going, this works great for plates. I do shoot all these loads in a .357 mag revolver, I would not use them in a model 10 38 spl.

[SpottHogg]

I am currently using coated lead cast bullets and sizing them down to reduce pressures are not an option due to the gas cutting that will result. I use cast bullets to try to cut costs so I am able to shoot more. My revolver, a Custom 686plus with shillen 5.5" barrel just seems to need a stout charge to get to 120 PF. Thats why I get muzzle flip, it's no magnum but Im in the lower +P range. Im going to try some jacketed bullets to see how it feels. I just haven't been able to get to the range because I recently had back surgery.