38 special, 158gr lead with tite-group??

[Clayt]

Anyone have a favorite 38 special load using 158gr cast and tite-group??

[versifier]

I usually use UNQ in .38spec cases as I have quite a bit of it. A medium charge rings the 100yd 24" gong no problem once the elevation is figured out, even with the 2" snubby. If I need lighter or WC loads I use BEYE, anything hotter goes in a .357mag case with BDOT or 2400 for the Contender or longer barreled revolvers. Never loaded any for leverguns. I have never tried tite-group, no opinion on it, though I wouldn't hesitate to try some out if I happened upon a can of it.

[Mike in tx]

Versifier I will bring my 357 carbine this summer

[Clayt]

Tried 3.5 gr of Tite-group, more recoil than expected.
Manual says 3.2 is the minimum.

I was hoping for a low recoil load.

[noylj]

Always start with the lowest start load you can find.
TiteGroup burns HOT and doesn't always play nice with lead or coated bullets.
For low recoil loads, Bullseye, Red Dot, Solo 1000, and even 231/HP38 would be better choices.
2.9-3.3gn is the range for TiteGroup in my Lyman manual. Those are very small charges in such a long case and the range, while the start load is about an 11% drop from max load, is still pretty small.

[BBerguson]

Hey girly man, shoot a 22 Rimfire if you can't handle the recoil of a 38 special!

BB

[versifier]

For teaching, I have always found the lightest loads are best: BEYE. It is not easy to master shooting a revolver double action, to keep the sights properly aligned during the long trigger pull. The fewer distractions (recoil, democrats, blackflies) the easier it is to concentrate on the mechanics. Once that has been mastered, then it's time to change powders and up the charges to longer range, self defense, and hunting levels.

[versifier]

The grips on any handgun can make all the difference between comfortable shooting and pain. I found years ago with a S&W m19 that while I preferred the feel of Pachmeyer Grippers on it as a carry gun, with heavier recoiling loads they hurt. That meant the follow-up shot came after a longer interval while I reestablished control, and so I was much better off with the Presentation. Same thing with my Contender, no matter which barrel is on it. The Gripper is fine with .22lr, .25-20, and the lighter .30carb & .38spec loads, but with hotter loads the Presentation is much more pleasant to shoot. I wouldn't even think about shooting full power 180gr .357mag hunting loads with the Gripper on it. Sometimes factory grips are fine, sometimes they leave a lot to be desired, even when they appear to be a good fit to the hand. One does not always have the option of simply changing the grips with some makes and models, but when possible it should be considered. Some handguns just plain hurt to shoot, and they require a much more experienced shooter to keep them under control. When an instructor keeps this in mind it is a much better experience for students.

[Clayt]

Hey BB,

1. What he said!

2. 22 rim fire just falls through the cylinders of a 38 special, duh!

3. There's no 22s to be found, due to PA hoarders

4. I'm trying to teach someone how to effectively shoot a snubbie DA

5. Only a girly man would shoot right handed with their left eye.