Cast vs FMJ load data

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kayt00
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Cast vs FMJ load data

#1

Post by kayt00 »

Can the load data for cast lead be safely used for an FMJ round of the same weight and bullet shape? What i curently have is 130 grain FMJ and was planning on using tite group for some 38 special loads. But the load data that i found only shows for 130 grain cast.
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flechero
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Re: Cast vs FMJ load data

#2

Post by flechero »

I googled it for a few minutes just to see... man, 130gr fmj is an odd duck in 38 spl rounds!

Generally, the charge weight for a lead projectile is less than it's FMJ counterpart so it's safe in the sense it won't blow you up. But some lead data is way low for fmj. I'd cross reference with 125gr fmj load data, just to see if you can find a consistent vein to begin. I believe 125gr data might be more common and offer you better options/info to consider.

do you have a chrono? That would make the chase much easier.

Good luck!
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Beiruty
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Re: Cast vs FMJ load data

#3

Post by Beiruty »

You can use mid point of Min and Max, or if you want start at the lowest load. Then,load 10rd, if all shoot and cycle well in your pistol you are good. If not, up by 0.1gr and load 10 more. Once the pistol cycle well and 0.1gr and you are done.
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kayt00
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Re: Cast vs FMJ load data

#4

Post by kayt00 »

Yeah it sort of is. I got a little ahead of myself and just bought random components in preperation for receiving my dad's reloading gear. As far as the bullet goes I saw .357 thousanths ans made a decision without referencing any data. Lesson one learned.

These will be launched out of my 686 so don't think i need to worry about any cycling issues. :lol::
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kayt00
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Re: Cast vs FMJ load data

#5

Post by kayt00 »

Beiruty wrote: Sat Jan 19, 2019 1:52 am You can use mid point of Min and Max, or if you want start at the lowest load. Then,load 10rd, if all shoot and cycle well in your pistol you are good. If not, up by 0.1gr and load 10 more. Once the pistol cycle well and 0.1gr and you are done.
Since im shooting these through a revolver I went ahead and loaded 50 at the minimum charge. So what I've got is:
38 Special
3.6 grains of Hodgdon Titegroup
Winchester 130 grain FMJ (purchased at GunMaster Plano)
COAL 1.460"

As soon as I can get to the range Ill give em a whirl...very carefully.
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kayt00
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Re: Cast vs FMJ load data

#6

Post by kayt00 »

Beiruty wrote: Sat Jan 19, 2019 1:52 am You can use mid point of Min and Max, or if you want start at the lowest load. Then,load 10rd, if all shoot and cycle well in your pistol you are good. If not, up by 0.1gr and load 10 more. Once the pistol cycle well and 0.1gr and you are done.
Since im shooting these through a revolver I went ahead and loaded 50 at the minimum charge. So what I've got is:
38 Special
3.6 grains of Hodgdon Titegroup
Winchester 130 grain FMJ (purchased at GunMaster Plano)
COAL 1.460"

As soon as I can get to the range Ill give em a whirl...very carefully.
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DocV
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Re: Cast vs FMJ load data

#7

Post by DocV »

Do the bullets have a cannelure?

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kayt00
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Re: Cast vs FMJ load data

#8

Post by kayt00 »

DocV wrote: Sun Jan 20, 2019 9:30 am Do the bullets have a cannelure?
Negative

But I do have a box of 130 grain FMJ Win White Box, I pulled the bullet from one of those factory loads and it doesnt have a cannelure either.
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DocV
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Re: Cast vs FMJ load data

#9

Post by DocV »

I think your guess for a starting load is ok. You are under wwpowder's suggested start of 3.9 for a 140 grain xtp and also under wwpowder's suggested start of 4.3 for a 125 grain xtp. wwpowder's suggested tops for 38 special +P for 140 XTP are 4.6 and 5.0 for a 125 grain xtp.

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kayt00
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Re: Cast vs FMJ load data

#10

Post by kayt00 »

Thanks for the help to everyone that replied, I'm a lot less nervous about sending em down the pipe now.
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