Getting ready for a production run of .38 special and I have a decent amount of Titegroup available. Load data from Hodgdon shows 3.2gr - 3.8gr with a COL of 1.475. This is with LWSC 158gr bullets. These bullets (Falcon brand) have a ridge which is similar to a cannelure but stops the bullet from seating any deeper than the thick ridge that goes around the circumference of the upper bullet.
I loaded up 25x rounds with 3.6gr and seated them to the ridge mark (1.425 so it is close enough). I did have some shaving occurring so I had to increase the case flare. I also increased the crimp a touch to get a good seal.
My issue is when I went to the range to test them I noticed unburnt powder, a good size flame flash, blackish clouds of smoke from the barrel and extreme grime on the cylinder and barrel.
To me these are indications that the charge is under weight but I am just under max load for that formula. the rounds did hit paper just fine and had good grouping.
Gun was a S&W 686 with a 5" barrel.
Anyone have issues like this with Titegroup and lead semi wad cutters?
I loaded up 25x rounds with 3.6gr and seated them to the ridge mark (1.425 so it is close enough). I did have some shaving occurring so I had to increase the case flare. I also increased the crimp a touch to get a good seal.
My issue is when I went to the range to test them I noticed unburnt powder, a good size flame flash, blackish clouds of smoke from the barrel and extreme grime on the cylinder and barrel.
To me these are indications that the charge is under weight but I am just under max load for that formula. the rounds did hit paper just fine and had good grouping.
Gun was a S&W 686 with a 5" barrel.
Anyone have issues like this with Titegroup and lead semi wad cutters?