hollombj

Hey folks! I am getting back into reloadind on a small scale after 30 some years. For now I will only be loading 38 spcl. with a Lee Handloading kit.The chart that comes with the kit only gives me 3 powder selections for 148 gr. WC and 158 SWC target loads (both all lead bullets).Was wondering if any one could suggest some other brands/numbers I can use with the Lee .5 dipper.I will be loading for an LCR snub. The options I have from Lee are:

IMR800X, SR4756, and Herc 2400. Is this now Hodgen 2400?

I am just looking for more brand options as powder selection around here can be slim. Thanks for your input.

Mr Sasquatch

Go to Hogddon's website here

Cartridge Loads - Hodgdon Reloading Data Center - data.hodgdon.com

and enter you bullet weight. For example, you'll get load recipies for 13 different powders for 148 LHBWC.

I personally use Winchester 231 with Berry's plated 149 HBWC for my plinking 38spl loads.

I do not know what you can do with just one dipper. You may have to get a scale to know how much powder you really are putting in the cartridge if you decide to use some other powers.

Bobshouse

Be alot cheaper for you to buy some other dippers instead of buying different powders to fit your one dipper.

I load .380, .38, .357, .45, 16g and 12g using Hodgdon Clays. Course, again, I have more than one dipper....just mentioning it to show how many calibers/gauges you can load with one powder...

http://leeprecision.com/xcart/Powder-Measure-Kit.html

Cowboy T

Agreed. That dipper kit can be had for $10 at a decent sized gun show. Get the best powder for the job, then worry about the dippers.

That load data that's included with Lee's kit only lists a few powders. You do have a reloading manual, right? If not, pick one up. Lyman's 49th is a good one, as is Lee's "Modern Reloading".

Bullseye is an excellent powder--and my favorite--for .38 Spl (I do a *lot* of this cartridge). The 0.3cc dipper will consistently drop 4.5gr of it, and with a 100gr to 125gr bullet, that's perfect.

Three other excellent powders for this round are Titegroup, Clays, and W231.

Personally, I wouldn't use 2400 in .38 Special. There's not enough pressure to get that slower burning powder to ignite fully. However, I can think of no better powder for, say, .357 Magnum! It also does very well in .44 Magnum.

weldernewt53

You can purchase a Lee Dipper kit directly from Lee Factory sales at leeprecisionsales.com. for around $10 and shipping . They are great to deal with and fast shipping. They have a new factory direct sales shop next to the factory here in Wi. I also just stated reloading and have used Oregon Laser cast 158 gr rnfp. with 3.2 grains Titegroup. Works well in my Blackhawk and Vaquero. Very accurate and fairly clean with no leading. Good luck

scooter.maclusky

Bullseye, Unique, Titegroup, 231, Hodgden Universal, HS6, AA #2

Mr Sasquatch

I used to load 38spl with TiteGroup and 700-X, in addition to W231. All good powders for my intended purpose, but since I'm trying to limit the number of diffferent powders I keep, I settled for W231.

dachshund

I don't know what powder load you get with that dipper, but 2.7 grs of Alliant Bullseye is a very good target load with the 148 gr W.C. bullet. I use 3.0 grs of Bullseye with the 158 gr SWC. If you want something a little peppier for a defense load you might go up to 3.5 grs of Bullseye with the same bullet. I save the 2400 for heavy loads in the .357.

bobkk

Best thing is to buy a set of scales. That way you will be sure what the dippers hold. Scales are cheap insurance. I use a Hornady pistol measure with bushings. Even different lots of the same powder will be off a few tenths of a grain.

scooter.maclusky

Get a modern reloading book also.

429421Cowboy

2400 is now an Alliant product.