38 Special with Zip or Accurate #5

[jmgdfther]

Does anyone have 1st hand knowledge of loading 38 special with either Zip or Accurate #5? I have no H110 which is what I would prefer for this, but have both Zip and Accurate #5. The newest version of the Western reloaders manual (Edition 8.0) has both listed for 38. I use Zip for all my auto loaders from .380 to .45Acp but this is my first loading for a revolver. Is one better to use than the other or should I just keep looking for H110?

 

[clay_fv]

I didn't know anyone would use H110 for 38. Certainly 357 hot loads. HP38, autocomp, and cfe pistol are all powders I've used very successfully in 38sp. There should be several acceptable powders though.

 

[Oneofsix]

Unique is my go-to for 38 loads. H110 for 357

 

[Jabroni]

Aa5 user here. I'd have to look at my load data since its been a while since I've loaded any 38spl (wifes guns and she doesnt shoot a lot). I was also using it in 9mm before switching to Power Pistol. Still got 1lb of it tho.

 

[Toprudder]

AA#5 is a good powder for 38spl. I have not used Zip in 38spl, so can't comment there, but it would be worth a try. I had good luck with it in 45acp.

I don't remember seeing load data for H110 in 38spl, but even if it did exist, I would not use it. It is a magnum level powder. H110 is known to be a bit finicky for ignition, with warnings to only use magnum primers, never download more than 3% from max charges, and use firm crimps.

 

[NCWalrus]

I don’t have direct experience with those powders in 38spl but my powder puff loads with clays work well

 

[Combat Diver]

Been a long time since I used AA#5 but it is in the AA manual for .38 SPL.



CD

 

[catpop]

Sorry I also haven’t used zip or AA5 in 38 spc.
I have used AA5 in 357. Good powder.
I missed what projectile you will be using?
My most reloaded 38 spc load is 2.7 BE under a flush seated 148 wadcutter boolit.
Great target load, easy shooting and highly accurate.
Unique is my go to powder for almost all my pistol shooting, but somehow I got started on BE with 38 spc and never saw the need to change.
I reserve all my H110 for my M1 Carbine.
Good luck!

 

[Toprudder]

Sorry I also haven’t used zip or AA5 in 38 spc.
I have used AA5 in 357. Good powder.
I missed what projectile you will be using?
My most reloaded 38 spc load is 2.3 BE under a flush seated 148 wadcutter boolit.
Great target load, easy shooting and highly accurate.
Unique is my go to powder for almost all my pistol shooting, but somehow I got started on BE with 38 spc and never saw the need to change.
I reserve all my H110 for my M1 Carbine.
Good luck!

BE86 is my preferred powder in several calibers.

 

[georgel]

I'm snother one that thinks H110 is not appropriate for .38 Spl. for a multiude of reasons. I suspect you're getting a lot of flash and muzzle blast. I haven't looked up the burn rate for the other powders..


ETA - It looks like Zip is a little faster than Unique and Accurate #5 is a little slower. Both should work fine, but I'd lean toward Zip in a .38 for regular loads. The Lee manual has loads for both. Sorry, no personal experience with either.