Safety First: The Cardinal Rule of Reloading
Reloading ammunition involves inherent risks. Incorrect practices can lead to serious injury or damage to firearms. Therefore, safety must always be the top priority. This guide provides helpful information, but it does not replace the need for thorough research and diligent adherence to established safety protocols.
Essential equipment is a must-have for safe and effective reloading. You’ll need a robust reloading press to seat bullets and resize brass, plus the correct .38 Special dies to fit your press. Accurate measurement is vital, so invest in a reliable scale, either digital or balance beam, to measure powder charges precisely. A powder dispenser streamlines the process, though it’s not mandatory, and a quality set of calipers is critical for precisely measuring cartridge overall length (COAL). You’ll also need a tool for priming, either a press-mounted or handheld option. Finally, of course, you need .38 Special brass, primers, powder, and Berrys 158 grain bullets.
Protective gear is non-negotiable. Always wear safety glasses to shield your eyes from potential debris. Hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, is essential to prevent hearing damage. Gloves are recommended to protect your hands, particularly when handling primers and powder.
The backbone of any reloading endeavor is a reputable reloading manual. These manuals, published by manufacturers like Hodgdon, Speer, Hornady, and others, offer crucial load data, safety warnings, and detailed instructions. Never deviate from the data published in your chosen reloading manual. Consult multiple manuals if possible to cross-reference information.
Specific safety guidelines should always be followed diligently. *Always start with the minimum powder charge* listed in your chosen reloading manual. *Never* exceed the maximum charge. Thoroughly inspect your brass casings for any signs of damage, such as cracks or bulges, before reloading. Accurately calibrate your scale to ensure precise powder measurements. Reload in a well-ventilated area to minimize exposure to powder residue. Understand the signs of overpressure, such as flattened primers, bulged cases, or difficult extraction. Stay focused and avoid distractions while reloading.
Understanding Berrys 158 Grain Bullets
Berrys 158 grain bullets are a popular choice for .38 Special reloading, prized for their balance of weight, accuracy, and availability. Berrys offers a variety of bullet types, but their plated bullets are frequently used for target shooting and general practice. These bullets feature a lead core encased in a copper plating.
The 158-grain weight is a classic choice for the .38 Special, offering a good balance of recoil, trajectory, and energy transfer. This bullet weight is well-suited for a range of uses, from target practice to self-defense, depending on the load.
Plated bullets like those from Berrys have specific handling requirements. While they can often handle moderate velocities, they are *not* designed for the extreme velocities achievable with some jacketed or solid bullets. Exceeding the recommended velocity for plated bullets can lead to barrel damage or bullet failure. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for maximum velocities.
Selecting the Right Powder for Reloading
Choosing the correct powder is paramount to safe and successful reloading. Powder selection profoundly impacts bullet velocity, recoil, and overall performance. Different powders burn at different rates, producing varying pressures and velocities. The ideal powder for a particular load depends on several factors.
When choosing a powder, consider the intended use of your ammunition. Target shooting requires a different approach than self-defense. Also consider the desired velocity. Faster powders generally burn more quickly and produce higher pressures, while slower powders burn over a longer period. Availability is also a factor, as the supply of reloading components can fluctuate.
Several powders work well for the Berrys 158 grain bullet in .38 Special. Here are some options:
Titegroup
A fast-burning powder known for its cleanliness and accuracy. It’s a good choice for target loads.
HP-38 / W231
Another popular choice for .38 Special, offering good performance across a wide range of loads.
Unique
A versatile powder that has been a mainstay in the reloading world for many years. It offers good performance and is economical.
Bullseye
A fast-burning powder that can deliver excellent accuracy but may have a steeper learning curve regarding load development.
Power Pistol
Known for its potential to generate higher velocities compared to other powders, making it a viable option for self-defense loads.
*Always* consult your reloading manual for the correct powder type and load data for your chosen bullet and primer. Use the information found within a reputable source to prevent catastrophic failure.
Berrys 158 Grain .38 Special Load Data
The following load data is provided for informational purposes only. **Always consult a reputable reloading manual before loading any ammunition.** Start with the minimum load and carefully work your way up. Carefully observe for signs of excessive pressure.
Always understand the signs of pressure when working up a load. Flat primers, bulged cases, and difficult extraction are indicators of excessive pressure. If you experience any of these signs, stop and re-evaluate your load.
Here is example load data (Remember, ALWAYS verify this data with a reloading manual):
*Powder, Bullet, Primer, Minimum Charge, Maximum Charge, Cartridge Overall Length, Estimated Velocity, Intended Use*
HP-38/W231
Berrys 158 Grain Plated, CCI 500 Small Pistol, 3.0 Grains, 3.5 Grains, 1.45 inches, 700-850 FPS, Target/Plinking
Unique
Berrys 158 Grain Plated, CCI 500 Small Pistol, 4.0 Grains, 4.5 Grains, 1.45 inches, 750-900 FPS, Target/Plinking
Titegroup
Berrys 158 Grain Plated, CCI 500 Small Pistol, 3.2 Grains, 3.7 Grains, 1.45 inches, 750-900 FPS, Target/Plinking
Bullseye
Berrys 158 Grain Plated, CCI 500 Small Pistol, 2.8 Grains, 3.2 Grains, 1.45 inches, 700-800 FPS, Target/Plinking
Power Pistol
Berrys 158 Grain Plated, CCI 500 Small Pistol, 5.0 Grains, 5.5 Grains, 1.45 inches, 850-950 FPS, Target/Self-Defense (Consult the manual)
To develop a safe and effective load, start by loading a few rounds at the minimum powder charge specified in your chosen reloading manual. Fire these rounds and carefully examine the fired cases for any signs of pressure. If no pressure signs are present, load a few more rounds with a slightly increased powder charge (e.g., an increase of 0.1 grain). Repeat this process, gradually increasing the powder charge, until you reach the desired velocity or the maximum load listed in your manual. At each step, continue to monitor for pressure signs. If you notice any, immediately stop and reduce the charge. It’s important to follow the guidelines of your chosen source to ensure safe reloading practices.
Helpful Tips for Reloading Berrys 158 Grain Bullets
Preparing your cases is a crucial step in producing safe and accurate ammunition. Start by thoroughly inspecting each case for any signs of damage. A case trimmer will allow you to make sure your brass is uniform. Chamfer and deburr the case mouths to allow for better bullet seating and crimping. Thoroughly clean your cases to remove any residue.
Proper bullet seating and crimping are essential for consistent performance. Seat the bullet to the proper depth as specified in your reloading manual. Cartridge Overall Length (COAL) is a critical measurement. A proper COAL ensures the bullet isn’t seated too deeply, which could increase pressures, and also fits correctly within the firearm. Apply a roll crimp to secure the bullet in the case. A crimp also aids in consistent burn rates.
Troubleshooting is part of reloading. If you encounter issues such as failure to feed, low velocity, or inconsistent accuracy, several factors could be the cause. A failure to feed can be caused by a variety of issues, including COAL, the crimp, and overall dimensions. Low velocity may be related to insufficient powder charge, or even a poor seal in the case. Inconsistent accuracy could be related to poor seating, or the type of powder used. Carefully review each step of your reloading process to identify and resolve any problems.
Testing and evaluation are essential to ensuring the quality and performance of your reloads. Use a chronograph to measure the velocity of your loads. This helps confirm whether your ammunition is performing as expected and if you’ve reached your velocity goals. For accuracy testing, evaluate group size at your preferred shooting distance. Record each load to identify consistent performance.
Conclusion
Reloading .38 Special ammunition with Berrys 158 grain bullets can be a rewarding and economical pursuit. Always follow safety guidelines, and verify all data with a reputable reloading manual. By selecting the right powder, following load data, and using the tips provided, you can produce high-quality ammunition tailored to your needs.
This information is designed as a helpful guide for reloading Berrys 158 grain bullets in .38 Special. Remember that you are solely responsible for the safe and proper reloading of your ammunition. Never assume information is accurate; always verify with reliable, trusted sources.
References
Hodgdon Reloading Data
Speer Reloading Manual
Hornady Reloading Manual
Various Online Reloading Resources (use reputable sources; exercise caution)
Specific Bullet/Powder Manufacturer Websites.
