txtaxman wrote:olafpfj, it would be interesting to know the reason you are "not really convinced it's all that great for 38."olafpfj wrote:I have a stock of Titegroup that I was given awhile ago but I'm not really convinced it's all that great for 38.
Any recommendations on something else and where I might even remotely be able to find it?
I'm thinking maybe Unique or Bullseye since I see those 2 powders come up a lot for 38.
I'm shooting plated 158gr RN and 158 XTP's from either a custom match python or a S&W 586. Both are chambered in 38 ONLY and NOT 357. I know they are normally 357 but these are not.
I also have some 158gr swaged wadcutters that I'm unsure what to do with but the 50 year reloads that I got with them shot fantastic.
Titegroup is a spherical powder which means powder measures will throw consistent charges. Hogdon's 2013 Annual Reloading Manual lists 38 Secial loading data for Titegroup using lead and jacketed bullets from 90 to 170 grains and 38 Special +P loads using lead and jacketed bullets from 110 to 170 grains.
I personally use Winchester 231 and WST in my .38 Special loads, but I would not hesitate to use Titegroup, especially if other powders were not available.
With respect to the 158gr swaged wadcutters, I suggest that you load them in light loads and shoot them just for fun. To add some background, I have been reloading and shooting 38 Specials since 1978.
Are you sure? I'm seeing 3.2 to 3.9 gr for the 38 spl, 158 gr;