Bullets & Brass

Smith & Wesson J-Frame 38 Special

Q: I have been reading Handloader for several years now and learn something from each issue. I have a couple of questions regarding handloads for my Smith & Wesson Model 638-3 chambered in 38 Special +P. I have been using the Buffalo Bore 150-grain Hard Cast standard pressure load listed at 850 feet per second (fps). I would like to more or less duplicate that load, but have been unable to locate that same bullet. I purchased some Speer 148-grain, wadcutter hollowbase bullets, but they are leading my barrel rather badly and my loads are much lighter than the Buffalo Bore loads. If you can suggest a bullet supplier and data to duplicate the above factory loads, it will be greatly appreciated.

My last question; is it possible to use this Smith & Wesson Model 638-3 with loads that will push the above bullet to 1,100 or 1,200 fps? I realize that this would be a +P+ load, but Smith & Wesson offers the J-Frame chambered in 357 Magnum. So I’m thinking that I should be able to load this gun to similar pressures as the 357 Magnum. What are your thoughts?

J.B., via Facebook

A: Let me address your last question first. No. The J-Frame Smith &Wesson’s are strong little guns due to the five-shot cylinder that places the locking bolt notches between chambers rather than on the outside of the chamber walls. By using proper cylinder steel, and a longer cylinder, and different frame materials, including steel and scandium alloy, Smith & Wesson can chamber these guns in 357 Magnum. However, your gun features an alloy frame and should not be subjected to the same pressure level as the 357 Magnum that operates at 35,000 psi.

As to the wadcutter bullet that you are looking for, Rim Rock Bullets offers a 148-grain DEWC in its Standard Hard Cast product line that is cast with a BHN of around 15. As indicated, it features dual-end crimp grooves. To duplicate Buffalo Bore’s factory load, use 4.7 grains of Alliant Power Pistol powder that will give around 810 to 820 fps from the 1.865-inch barrel of your Model 638-3. However, for readers who are using revolvers with 6-inch barrels, the velocity will be around 950 fps. This load was assembled in Starline cases, capped with a CCI No. 500 Standard Small Pistol primer with an overall length of 1.250 inches.

Mauser 98 in 8mm

Q: I have a Mauser Model 98 chambered in 8mm with manufacture dates during World War I. Externally, it shows comparatively little wear for having been a military gun. The bore is bright and shiny and it shoots good, at least considering that I am only using only the military issued iron sights. I am something of a vintage military small arms accumulator, but am a shooter and hunter too. I would like to hunt hogs here in south Texas, along with whitetail deer and maybe nilgai. The brush and vegetation generally result in shots being within 100 yards, so this old 8mm Mauser with irons should work fine.

I would like to use the Nosler 200-grain Partition bullet, as nilgai and hogs are known to be tough and I want respectable penetration, but I’m having a hard time finding load data with the powders that I have on hand. I’m not opposed to buying additional powders, but the powders listed in the Nosler Reloading Guide are not readily available at my local dealers. I have on hand IMR-4320, VV-N150 and Accurate A-4350 powders. Can you offer data for any of these powders with the Nosler 200-grain bullet? Also, I’m not looking for hot loads, rather this is an old rifle and I don’t want to stress the action with high-pressure loads.

S.T., Alice, Texas

A: Of the three powders you list, Accurate A-4350 will probably give the best overall performance. It will also provide the highest velocities while staying within pressure guidelines. In other words, the below loads are not what you refer to as being “hot” rather they are within SAAMI pressure limits. I would suggest starting with 45 grains for about 2,275 fps and work up to a maximum charge weight of 49 grains for 2,450 fps.

45-75 W.C.F. in a Cimarron Model 1876

Q: Back in the day when I shot cowboy action competition, I obtained a Cimarron/Uberti Model 1876 chambered in 45-75 Winchester to be used in the long-range side matches. But I never ended up using it for that purpose. I am now retired and want to develop loads for it to hunt deer. I have loaded some ammunition containing the Lyman 330-grain hollowpoint bullet from mould No. 457122 and with Hodgdon Trail Boss powder. But that load is only giving around 1,100 to 1,150 fps. My question is; do you have data that will let me push that 330-grain bullet to around 1,500 or 1,600 fps? Thanks in advance. I sure do enjoy your magazine.

S.S., Reading, PA

A: I don’t know what powders you have available, but in my initial load development for the 45-75 W.C.F., Hodgdon H-4895 and Varget powders gave respectable velocities. Using H-4895, start with 40 grains for around 1,370 fps, while 44 grains will reach just over 1,500 fps. Switching to Varget, begin with 42 grains and work up to 46 grains for around 1,460 fps. Naturally, you will want to use a Standard Large Rifle primer with the CCI BR-2 being used to develop the above loads.