Do y’all have a favorite load for 38special?

[PanhandleGlocker]

Mainly gonna speak about lighter recoiling loads on this thread…

I shot some factory ammo today in my 642 since I haven’t shot it in awhile. Everytime I shoot it I’m reminded about how much it hurts my hand. I planned on shooting 50 rounds but only shot 20. Some of you here that I have met know I have an injury in my right arm from 12 years ago that I am fully recovered from but unfortunately I am getting arthritis in my right hand at a pretty early age.

On my 642 I switched from the stock grips to a set of VZ’s and that actually helps some… But was wondering if y’all have a favorite recipe for a lighter recoiling 38special load.

Kinda defeats the purpose for all my factory ammo but maybe I’ll get a full size 357 revolver someday. Heavier guns in larger calibers seem to be fine. .45acp in a polymer gun isn’t very pleasant but it’s extremely pleasant in my full size Kimber. 38spl isn’t fun in a Airweight but it’s probably fine in a Combat magnum for me.

tl;dr: Anyone have any light recoiling recipes for 38 special?

 

[HiredHand]

148 gr wadcutter match loads are pretty pleasant to shoot, but pricey for factory ammunition. Hornady Critical Defense 110gr standard pressure is also easy on the hands. I’d look for loads that duplicate those two loadings.

 

[Shadowrider]

2.7 to 3.0 grains of WST behind a 147 WC. Bullseye works too.

I particularly like the Hornady but use coated double ended cast when I can’t find the Hornady. Makes shooting the Airweights fun.

 

[PanhandleGlocker]

I guess I should have mentioned I have a 500 piece box of X-treme Bullets 125 grain flat point wad cutter. These worth using for a light load or should I get something else?

 

[HiredHand]

I guess I should have mentioned I have a 500 piece box of X-treme Bullets 125 grain flat point wad cutter. These worth using for a light load or should I get something else?

Sure. Just find a powder that gives you a low enough velocity that you can work up. The Lyman Cast Bullet handbook is a good load reference. You’d have to adjust your powder weight a little for the plated projectiles.

 

[swampratt]

Bullseye or Red Dot powder works very well in reduced 38 loads.
https://www.okshooters.com/threads/mouse-fart-357-mag-pistol-loads.271056/
Not that you need to reduce them as far as I did in the above.
Use cast bullets of course.
Softer ones will work way better with a reduced load.

Those plated will work great if you have bullseye powder I would try that.

 

[okierider]

https://www.amazon.com/Hogue-60000-Frame-Rubber-Monogrip/dp/B000KOVCFI
Had a set of these on a 357 snubbie and it helped a lot. Also will second the Hornady critical defense rounds. That is what I load in my Model 36 for my wife. She was is recoil sensitive do to arthritis as well.
https://www.amazon.com/Caldwell-Ultimate-Shooting-Breatheable-Material/dp/B08FMDSTWNHave also thought about shooting gloves with padding.

 

[bigred1]

https://www.amazon.com/Hogue-60000-Frame-Rubber-Monogrip/dp/B000KOVCFI
Had a set of these on a 357 snubbie and it helped a lot. Also will second the Hornady critical defense rounds. That is what I load in my Model 36 for my wife. She was is recoil sensitive do to arthritis as well.
https://www.amazon.com/Caldwell-Ultimate-Shooting-Breatheable-Material/dp/B08FMDSTWNHave also thought about shooting gloves with padding.

Tell the truth.....are those padded gloves for your wife or for you?

 

[retrieverman]

I’ve loaded some 148 gr wadcutters with 2.3 grs of Clays, and it’s a really nice load for an airweight Smith.

 

[PanhandleGlocker]

I’ve loaded some 148 gr wadcutters with 2.3 grs of Clays, and it’s a really nice load for an airweight Smith.

I’ve always wanted to try clays.