25 yd Target with S&W 38 special 2" snubby

6.5s4ever · #1 01-10-2006, 01:23 PM

Hi Everybody! I have been trying to load some 38 specials for Self Defense that were shootable and shot fairly accurate. Here is a picture of my latest attempt with the reload being 7.3 grs of Blue Dot using a Remington 125 gr Gold Saber HP. Dont know what the muzzle velocity is, book said 1035 fps but the load seems mild and very comfortable to shoot. As far as accuracy goes I dont think its too bad out of a 2 inch barreled S&W model 10 Snub Nose Revolver. I am still learning to shoot this and have a lot to learn!

Adam Helmer · #2 01-10-2006, 03:18 PM

6.5,

Not a bad target for a 2-inch offhand. I suggest you fire from a bench to determine how your loads group and where your sights are "looking." With fixed sights, you pretty much have to find a load that "shoots to the sights" unless you want to file the front sight or whack the muzzle on a block of lead to correct windage.

Keep us informed.

Adam

TreeDoc · #3 01-10-2006, 05:23 PM

Use a sand bag to cradle the trigger gaurd and as much of the barrel as you can. Setting the butt of the gun on the bench to steady it will give you a weird bounce and you will have a hard time maintaining any consistant point of impact. I learned that when shooting ICORE competition, especially at the prone position 50 yard target.

Better yet, just send that whole collection of crappy wheelguns to me and I'll see if they can really shoot!

6.5s4ever · #4 01-10-2006, 05:55 PM

Hi Tree Doc!, I have just experienced exactly what you said about the weird bounce in bench shooting it. I couldnt believe I was shooting better groups offhand than from the bench. This short barreled gun is giving me an education in reloading and adapting to where it shoots. I dont want to take a file to my newly aquired Smiths front sight so I will have to keep trying some different handloads and figure out this benchrest technique ! Any advice or suggestions is appreciated!

Adam Helmer · #5 01-11-2006, 07:57 AM

6.5,

TreeDoc gave you good advice. I like my M10 2-inch and carried it several years on duty. Heavier bullets like the cast 158 SWC and 168 SWC will shoot higher than say the 110 JHP at 25 yards due to the difference in barrel time.

At the bench, I have a sandbag atop my rifle rest. I use a two hand hold with my weak hand resting on the sandbag and holding the grip and my strong hand. A handgun will bounce away from a hard surface like a bench, so use the two hand hold and a sandbag.

I have several fixed sighted guns and handload a load that shoots to the sights. Good shooting.

Adam

RUMLUVER · #6 01-23-2006, 05:26 PM

6.5,

I tried Unique in my .45ACP after shooting bullseye for awile and found that the Unique was shooting better. I would try using it in your .38SPC my dad gave me the tip on the Unique and said he loads it in all his pistols with good results. Hope that helps

6.5s4ever · #7 01-24-2006, 08:40 PM

Thanks for the tip RUM, I have some Unique I give it a try! Thanks Again! Roy

BILLY D. · #8 01-26-2006, 05:43 AM

6.5

i don't know if you are aware or not but there are two different golden sabers, one for 38sp and the other for 357mag.

i loaded mine with 5.1grs of universal clays, very accurate and burned exceptionaly clean.

just a reminder.

8X56MS · #9 04-11-2006, 03:25 PM

6.5, I think shooting snubbies well is as much an art as a science. In my humble opinion, there is zero use in firing snubs from the bench. If you can shoot yours that well while standing on your hind legs, then let it go at that. Revolvers are not bench rest weapons.

PJgunner · #10 04-13-2006, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 8X56MS
6.5, I think shooting snubbies well is as much an art as a science. In my humble opinion, there is zero use in firing snubs from the bench. If you can shoot yours that well while standing on your hind legs, then let it go at that. Revolvers are not bench rest weapons.

I will agree with you, but only up to a point. Shooting that snubby from the bench is most likely the best way to find his best load. Once that is done, then I will agree that shooting both one and two handed while standing, sitting and any other position you might end up in during a gunfight should be the way to practice.

If you like a challenge, set up a man silhouette target up at one hundred yards and see just what you can do. I'll give you a hint. Aim for the head and drop then into the torso. With a little practice, you'll find it is pretty easy to do. On a shot like that, it is OK to rest against a pole of other object to help steady your aim. You'd be quite surprised at just how accurate a snubbie can be.
Paul B.