Going back to reloading .38 after 25 years off

[Weg]

So my daughter got a .38, and asked me to reload for her. I've got the dies and all, but the last time I loaded .38 I was using bullseye powder and cast bullets. What is the latest and greatest for easy metering light .38 loads, powder wise? Looking to load very light loads with 125 grain bullets. Have the bullets, just wondering on the powder.

[hovercat]

Nothing wrong with Bullseye, still. I just use a Lee dipper and 2.0 grains of Bullseye for my light target loads, this is 141 grain w/c on a single stage press. I had to press fit a bit of cardboard in the bottom of the dipper to get it light enough. I have even made my own dippers, my 38 S&W load of 1.8 Red Dot uses a .22 case with a bit of wire soldered on.

[Beiruty]

I am happy with Titegroup, it meters very well at 4.2 grs for 115gr 9mm load

[Weg]

Thanks for the input guys. Since posting this I found 1/2 pound of Bullseye left over from the 90's in my reloading supplies. It smelled and looked ok, so i'm going to load up some ammo with it. After that I may switch to Titegroup, suggested by Beiruty, I was reading some reviews on it and it appears it is less "dirty" than Bullseye. Thanks again.

[Archery1]

.38 light loads, IMHO, cannot beat Trail Boss. It was developed for the lead cast, low recoil, cowboy load folks.

[wiz1997]

I've been reloading 38 Special for my 82 year old Mom's Ruger LCR.

For her target practice rounds I load a light round of:

Win 231, 3.8 grains, 876 fps, 125 gr LRNFP (lead round nose flat point)

She broke her wrist a few years back so the 125 gr is easier on her.

She'll shoot through 50 rounds at the range with this load and not get too sore.

Once back at home she loads up 158 gr factory rounds.

[rotor]

I've been reloading 38 Special for my 82 year old Mom's Ruger LCR.

For her target practice rounds I load a light round of:

Win 231, 3.8 grains, 876 fps, 125 gr LRNFP (lead round nose flat point)

She broke her wrist a few years back so the 125 gr is easier on her.

She'll shoot through 50 rounds at the range with this load and not get too sore.

Once back at home she loads up 158 gr factory rounds.

Am going to try this too. What case length did you use? Bought some Oregon Trail and they say 1.450

[rotor]

Loaded up some Oregon Trail 125 gr LRNFP, 3.9 gr W231, COL 1.450, Win SPP and will try out in LCR next weekend. Will let you know how they feel. Hope I can hit a target.

[rotor]

648 FPS out of the 2" barrel and felt and shot pretty good. Not something I want to take to the target range but a very nice little gun. Ruger LCR 38 special. Fits nice in a DeSantis mini scabbard. Picture shows 158 gr hp in speed loader.