38 Special 158gn SWC OAL

Saami says 1.275 inches to 1.55 which does not seem very helpful. 

I loaded some to the top of the driving band which seems to be a little longer than a zero factory bullet I was using. 

I did not use the reloads for the long line but they shot well, it was windy (30mph) and its only my 2nd match with a 38spl but all the bullets hit the target. 

So how short do you load then most seem to only leave about a Dime's worth of the shoulder sticking out of the case.

Factory vs reloaded...

Been reloading for awhile now.
I reload my own with no reguard to SAMMI or what ever lawyer else there is.

You know to be consistent and safe by now IF you have been reloading as long as you say you have.

I seat and crimp and powder drop what I see will make the best component for my pistol.

Don't care what spec is cause we know better.

It's called rolling your own.

I understand being safe by written rules but...

Clarence

I never loaded 38 Special SWC before , always HBWC. I know my bullets are safe , I was meticulous (because making a mistake with HBWC can be bad) just a couple of guys said my bullets looked a little long.  

I was not really into DR and when I did shoot a NMC I used factory loads. I ran out of WC's so I figured I load swc's because its something new. 

They do not seem to be leading or tumbling , nor showing pressure signs . 3.3 Bullseye seemed to be comfortable load to shoot for the short line, not like 2.7 under a HBWC but nice. 

I measured a couple, 1.46 is the length of my first batch. The guy was saying 1.44 so I do not know if I am really that far off?

Rich, I don't use SWC's but, I load LRN in .38 special. Loading 1.490 OAL with the Magtech 158 gr LRN bullet.

Generally, with SWC, there is a crimp groove somewhere above the top grease groove....

james r chapman wrote:Rich, I don't use SWC's but, I load LRN in .38 special. Loading 1.490 OAL with the Magtech 158 gr LRN bullet.

Generally, with SWC, there is a crimp groove somewhere above the top grease groove....

So in my mind the saami stuff is a guide line to start from, but the final number would be determined by the bullet you have in your hand.
Too many variables to say THIS IS IT.

exactly.

although, I most often just mimic the length of a factory round. in this case, the Magtech 158 gr factory load.

STEVE SAMELAK wrote:

james r chapman wrote:Rich, I don't use SWC's but, I load LRN in .38 special. Loading 1.490 OAL with the Magtech 158 gr LRN bullet.

Generally, with SWC, there is a crimp groove somewhere above the top grease groove....

So in my mind the saami stuff is a guide line to start from, but the final number would be determined by the bullet you have in your hand.
Too many variables to say THIS IS IT.

Agreed, Yeah that is what I did I loaded it to the groove. I figure the crimp grove was there by design. 

I will try loading some on the shoulder with 3.0 bullseye and see if I get any better results and work from there.

For SWC I use a heavy roll crimp in the cannelure. And just Like James I mimic the factory for my RN bullets.

Mine as I shot them looked exactly like your pick. Thanks Old Master!