38 spl. FBI load

[capstan]

If I am loading Bullseye powder and CCI 500 primers, Anyone know what grains of Bullseye would be a close equivalent to the FBI load? Using 158 grain lead semi wadcutter hollow points? On another recent thread someone mentioned the equivalent with Unique powder. I typically use Bullseye for my 38 loading. I also use red dot for my 148 grain hollow base wadcutters.

[WIL TERRY]

The number 14 SPEER Loading Manual has an entire section on 38SPL+P loads with both lead and jacketed bullets. If I counted right there were 13 propellents listed with the 158GRSWCHP bullet as being perfectly capable of achieving what you are asking for.
By the way, unless you have chronographed several factory loaded 38SPL "FBI" loads in your pistol and KNOW for a fact what they are doing, you might not be all that impressed with those loads.
In my testing velocity and pressure testing, along with over a dozen 38SPL revolvers, the pick of the litter propellent was AA5 hands down nuttin really breathing it's dust, it had it ALL.

[smkummer]

If you shop around, they should be available for $50 to $75 bucks these days and its money well spent. Depending on what barrel length gun you are shooting, certain powders and recommended loads will give different results with different barrel lengths. One powder is not the best for all guns and barrel lengths. Also it appears that lead bullets will give higher velocities and lower pressures with a given powder charge compaired to jacketed bullets. Again, a chronograph helps you develope the load you are attempting to obtain with much more certainty. good luck and be safe

[capstan]

Thanks guys. I haven't bought a crono yet but I'm getting close to doing so. It would be interestingto see just what velocities I am getting with certain loads.

[capstan]

The number 14 SPEER Loading Manual has an entire section on 38SPL+P loads with both lead and jacketed bullets. If I counted right there were 13 propellents listed with the 158GRSWCHP bullet as being perfectly capable of achieving what you are asking for.
By the way, unless you have chronographed several factory loaded 38SPL "FBI" loads in your pistol and KNOW for a fact what they are doing, you might not be all that impressed with those loads.
In my testing velocity and pressure testing, along with over a dozen 38SPL revolvers, the pick of the litter propellent was AA5 hands down nuttin really breathing it's dust, it had it ALL.

Can you actually get an idea of pressure (psi) from crono velocity through some calcualtion? I figured about all I could do would be get some velocity readings If I could actually calculate or at least approximately extrapolate what the pressure might be, then I'd have a better guess as to whether loads were actually +P or not (17000 psi vs 20000psi) or whatever the listed pressures are.

[WIL TERRY]

Can you actually get an idea of pressure (psi) from crono velocity through some calcualtion? I figured about all I could do would be get some velocity readings If I could actually calculate or at least approximately extrapolate what the pressure might be, then I'd have a better guess as to whether loads were actually +P or not (17000 psi vs 20000psi) or whatever the listed pressures are.

You can "get an idea" but it is nothing more than an edjucated guess. The real difference between the standard SAAMI 38SPL pressures and the SAAMI 38SPL+P hardly matters most of the time. In a series of pressure testings with the same load the spread can quite often cover the difference. IF you use the tested data in a newer loading manual like the one I mentioned you will be okay, especailly if you use a good chronograph to track the velocies in a series of loads with the same propellent. IF you suddenly find velocites much higher than you ever thought you can bet the ranch the pressures are there too; THERE ARE NO FREE LUNCHES !!!

[Frank V]

Wil Terry is correct about the no free lunches. I'd use a good manual & stay within it. Pressures can spike considerably with just a half a grain once you are near the top.