DR Load with Accurate No. 5

Ok, trying to plan for the season under the assumption I can only use the components I have on hand... Does anyone have a DR Load for Brazos 158 SWC using Accurate No. 5? Western lists a start load for a 158 SWC as 5.3 grains at 827 fps, which seems fast.

Thanks!

Dave

Way too fast in my opinion but.. it depends on what your gun likes. I would start low and slow. My DR load averages 600 FPS. Some other loads that people use are running around 720-750 FPS. Some as much as 800 FPS if it’s factory Ammo. Don’t assume it has to go a certain speed. Start in the basement and work your way up. I have some Accurate number 5 but I’ve never used it in anything before.

Well, the No 5 load for 38 DEWC in Accurate Powder Guide indicates the starting load for THAT bullet is 3.6 grains.  This indicated that charges lower than the 5.3 Gr “Start” load listed for 158 Gr Lead bullets may be ballistically stable.  Many of these guides find the maximum charge then drop it 10% and that’s the starting charge.  What you want for velocity is lower...

So, I’d approach it by loading 10 rounds each at 4.8, 5.0, and 5.2 grains and shoot for velocity.  The published data in the guide indicates that you get about 20 fps per 0.1 grains.  So if you are looking for 780 fps you’ll likely find it somewhere around 5 grains.  If you have a 357 Magnum revolver, I’d fire these in that just to be sure that there’s no untoward pressure excursions for the first session.

Thanks for the replies. Further research seems to suggest that Accurate No. 5 gets dirty and doesn't burn completely below 5.2 or so in a 38 cartridge, so I think I'll cross that powder off the list!

Dave

I shoot with some PPC shooters who really like Accurate #2 for their 38 loads. If you happen to have that ..??

I wish. Sounds like that's a good powder. At this point, I'm down to WST, BE-86, IMR Target, and Accurate No. 5. Trying to save WST for my 45 loads (it's what I primarily load), but I'll probably just start using the IMR target for 45 now, and save the WST for 38 stuff.

3.3 +/- WST should work well with that 158 gr bullet.

If you have BE-86 that will download very well with minimal issue.  The Alliant data lists 4.6 Gr giving 980 weigh a 158 cast.  I’d try it at 3.8 tom4.0 and see.

I had some decent groups but nothing spectacular with 2.7/2.8 grains of WST and my 158 grain LRN I cast. Very comfortable to shoot. Very usable to leg out with.