38 special ballistics data

[Whirl Wind Mac]

Howdy Pards,

Looking for some ballistics data on cowboy loads for 38/357. Does anyone have a chart they would share or any information where I can find one?

Whirl Wind

[Keystone]

Howdy,

Each powder manufacture has reloading data on their website. All you have to do is find the website for the maker of the powder you are using and then lookup the load data for your particular powder. Example: website is hodgdon.com, then make selections; Resources, Reloading Data Center, Pistol, 38 Special, 158gr, Hodgdon, Trail Boss & Get Data. the websites vary but are not very difficult to use.

[Hurricanecharly]

Silly  question  to many of you, but what is max and min velocity/ power factor for cowboy shooting?
What is the formula?

[Critr]

Power factor must be high enough to make the target "clang", and light enough that you can hang onto the gun when it fires.

[Keystone]

Howdy,

Data for SASS/CAS ammunition is listed on pages #24 & #25 of the Shooter's Handbook.

Minimum Power Factor = 60 & Minimun Velocity = 400fps.
Maximum Velocity: Revolver = 1000fps & Rifle 1400fps

Power Factor Calculation: Bullet weight x Velocity
                                                   1000
Example: 125gr x 480fps = 60,000/1000 = 60 power factor

Example of some mighty wimpy loads that still meet & exceed Power Factor with minimum velocity of 400fps.
200gr x 400fps = 80 PF
158gr x 400fps = 63.2 PF
*Not sure I would want to be in a gunfight with these loads.

[Hurricanecharly]

Thanks Keystone!
Thanks Criter , I like you're explication!😁

[Whirl Wind Mac]

Thanks Criter, Keystone and Hurricaine, for the information. I appreciate it.

[kid ziggy]

Only place I had to pass a chrono for a match is a national wild bunch & a state level IDPA match.   

We're y'all still wanting to borrow a chrono for TMM?

[Hurricanecharly]

Yes , please!
Like Slim said it's not mandatory, but I for 1 would like to know what my loads are doing.
Maybe  I can save some more powder!