38 special RMR bullet reloading data

[defilade]

Does anyone here have any experience with the RMR smiley face bullet? I tried loading some up and used titegroup and Winchester 231 and even with the max load I’m only getting just at 700FPS out of a 4” barrel.

I am using the loading data out of the hodgdon manual for 140 grain bullets. I don’t know what’s going on and why it’s so slow. The published info shows I should be getting around 900FPS at those charge weights.

At first I thought maybe the powder had gone weak, but I doubt that would happen to two separate type of powder. All my reloading stuff is kept inside my house so it’s all climate controlled.

I am using GINEX primers but I doubt that would make a difference, because it hasn’t affected anything else.

[SecondsCount]

The case capacity, chamber dimensions, primer choice, and barrel are all variables that may not provide the same results as the published load data. You may also have powder that has absorbed some moisture, making it weigh more but have less energy.

It all comes down to less pressure. I would cautiously increase the powder charge a couple tenths at a time to see if you can get the results you are looking for.

[defilade]

The case capacity, chamber dimensions, primer choice, and barrel are all variables that may not provide the same results as the published load data. You may also have powder that has absorbed some moisture, making it weigh more but have less energy.

It all comes down to less pressure. I would cautiously increase the powder charge a couple tenths at a time to see if you can get the results you are looking for.

I get the variables. I have checked the load in different revolvers and have gotten the same results. At first I thought it was my chronograph, but I confirmed it with some factory loads with know velocities.

I have been reloading since the mid 90’s but have never had anything like this occur.

I have never used their bullets before and just didn’t know if anyone else had tried them and if they had issues.

Thank you for your response.

Wade

[mmc45414]

Sure does seem odd...
03RN seems to maybe have some experience with these bullets (and a lot of 38/357 recent loading experience), but this could be my feeble memory.
They do make the same bullet in .355 (and add the Smiley Face to differentiate them) but if they goofed and made some undersize maybe measure them? This is low probability, but just making a wild guess.

ETA: Or double check your scale?

[358156hp]

How are you crimping them?

[03RN]

Sure does seem odd...
03RN seems to maybe have some experience with these bullets (and a lot of 38/357 recent loading experience), but this could be my feeble memory.
They do make the same bullet in .355 (and add the Smiley Face to differentiate them) but if they goofed and made some undersize maybe measure them? This is low probability, but just making a wild guess.

ETA: Or double check your scale?

No, I've been on the fence with those bullets.

What's the load you're using?

[BN]

I used to fight trying to make power factor with 38 Special when I was shooting it in IDPA SSR.

I sorted my brass by manufacturer because some were thicker and had less volume. Military brass like WCC were best. I found that I could get a higher and more consistent velocity reading if I elevated the muzzle before each shot to settle the powder near the primer. IDPA was using this technique at chrono for a while.

I ended up using a powder charge that I won't post on the internet, that I got from a really old reloading manual. Current listings didn't quite make it.

What is the purpose to choose that particular bullet?

[defilade]

How are you crimping them?

I have been using a Lee carbide factory crimp die on them. I don’t think it’s overly aggressive, but it crimps them enough where they drop in the cylinder nicely.

[defilade]

No, I've been on the fence with those bullets.

What's the load you're using?



I used 4.6grs of Winchester 231 which should be 861fps and 4.2grs of titegroup which should be 919fps according to their data.

With 231 I got 726fps out of my S&W 19 with a 4” barrel. When I did 4.3grs I got 622fps the book showed 809fps
Titegroup gave me 740fps with the same gun

I think I did try some without any crimp other than what you get with the seating die and it didn’t change anything.

[358156hp]

I used 4.6grs of Winchester 231 which should be 861fps and 4.2grs of titegroup which should be 919fps according to their data.

With 231 I got 726fps out of my S&W 19 with a 4” barrel. When I did 4.3grs I got 622fps the book showed 809fps
Titegroup gave me 740fps with the same gun

I think I did try some without any crimp other than what you get with the seating die and it didn’t change anything.

Hodgdons pressure barrel is 7.7 inches and is not identified as being vented. So their barrel is almost twice as long as yours and doesn't have a barrel/cylinder gap.

[03RN]

I used 4.6grs of Winchester 231 which should be 861fps and 4.2grs of titegroup which should be 919fps according to their data.

With 231 I got 726fps out of my S&W 19 with a 4” barrel. When I did 4.3grs I got 622fps the book showed 809fps
Titegroup gave me 740fps with the same gun

I think I did try some without any crimp other than what you get with the seating die and it didn’t change anything.

My 147 gr data
147gr G2 or hst over 5.3gr win231
910fps
270ft lbs

[defilade]

My 147 gr data
147gr G2 or hst over 5.3gr win231
910fps
270ft lbs

I will try that and see what I get. Thanks man!

[defilade]

Hodgdons pressure barrel is 7.7 inches and is not identified as being vented. So their barrel is almost twice as long as yours and doesn't have a barrel/cylinder gap.

Well that makes more sense. I never did see what the barrel length was. Thank you sir.

I glad I asked. I was just worried that I was doing something off, I have never gotten anywhere close to the “max” charge before on a handgun.

[jtcarm]

What barrel length are you shooting from?

Hodgdon data is developed from a 7.7” barrel, which I’d bet is not vented.

[defilade]

What barrel length are you shooting from?

Hodgdon data is developed from a 7.7” barrel, which I’d bet is not vented.


It’s a Smith and Wesson model 19-9 with a 4 1/4” barrel. I also tried the load in my old 586 no dash with a 4” barrel. I’m sure it’s because of their test barrel length. I’m going to try and bump up my charge weight and see what I can get.

[dogcaller]

My 147 gr data
147gr G2 or hst over 5.3gr win231
910fps
270ft lbs

What is your OAL? I just purchased 4k RDS of 147. 2k plated and 2k polymer coated (Blue Bullets). I haven’t loaded .38 in a long time but getting back into it and will be shooting an ICORE state match this summer—so I’ll need to be sure to make PF. THX