38 Spl +P with 125gr Hornady XTP

Published on November 5, 2017
Duration: 29:30

This guide details the process of reloading 38 Special +P ammunition using 125gr Hornady XTP bullets. It covers brass preparation, die setup for resizing, expanding, seating, and crimping, and discusses powder selection with Hodgdon Longshot and Ramshot Silhouette. The video emphasizes careful measurement of charge weights and overall length, while also highlighting the importance of proper case mouth flaring and bullet inspection. Live-fire testing with a chronograph provides velocity data for different charge weights.

Quick Summary

Reloading 38 Special +P with 125gr Hornady XTP bullets involves careful selection of powders like Hodgdon Longshot or Ramshot Silhouette. Recommended charge weights are up to 7.0gr for Longshot and 6.7gr for Silhouette. Overall lengths typically range from 1.445" to 1.455", with deeper seating increasing pressure. Silhouette powder generally provided better groups and consistency.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Elk Hunting Recap
  2. 00:17Reloading 38 Special +P Plan
  3. 00:39Hornady XTP Bullet Introduction
  4. 01:01Powder Selection: Longshot & Silhouette
  5. 01:33Primer and Brass Selection
  6. 02:18Overall Length Considerations
  7. 02:56Load Data: Longshot Charge Weights
  8. 03:39Load Data: Silhouette Charge Weights
  9. 04:13Reloading Process Overview
  10. 04:33Press Setup & Resizing Die
  11. 05:04Expanding Die Setup & Case Flaring
  12. 06:48Bullet Inspection for Debris
  13. 08:57Hand Weighing Longshot Charges
  14. 09:35Bullet Seating Die Setup
  15. 11:13Bullet Seating Depth & OAL Measurement
  16. 13:11Crimp Die Setup & Adjustment
  17. 15:06Fit Check in Firearm
  18. 15:51Range Testing: 15 Yards
  19. 16:13Longshot 6.2gr Test
  20. 17:35Longshot 6.6gr Test
  21. 18:06Longshot 7.0gr Test
  22. 18:51Silhouette 5.8gr Test
  23. 19:55Ammo Case Spill & Reloading Chaos
  24. 20:56Silhouette 6.2gr (Presumed) Test
  25. 21:59Silhouette 6.7gr (Presumed) Test
  26. 23:05Further Mixed Load Testing
  27. 25:19Reloading Analysis & Takeaways
  28. 25:22Silhouette vs. Longshot Performance
  29. 25:58Unburned Powder Observation
  30. 26:44Future Powder Considerations
  31. 27:47Conclusion & Channel Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the recommended charge weights for 38 Special +P loads with 125gr Hornady XTP bullets using Hodgdon Longshot and Ramshot Silhouette powders?

For Hodgdon Longshot, the tested charge weights ranged from 6.2 to 7.0 grains, with 7.0 grains being the maximum listed. For Ramshot Silhouette, the tested range was 5.8 to 6.7 grains, with 6.7 grains as the maximum.

What overall length is recommended for 38 Special +P loads with 125gr Hornady XTP bullets?

Manufacturer recommendations vary: Hodgdon suggests 1.455 inches, while Ramshot lists 1.445 inches. The presenter found that seating bullets slightly deeper, around 1.440-1.442 inches, improved the appearance in the case but increased pressure.

Which powder performed better for 38 Special +P reloads: Hodgdon Longshot or Ramshot Silhouette?

Ramshot Silhouette generally performed better, yielding tighter groups and more consistent velocities. Hodgdon Longshot achieved higher velocities but showed signs of unburned powder and less consistent performance.

What potential issues were noted with 125gr Hornady XTP bullets during reloading?

It was observed that some Hornady XTP bullets had manufacturing debris in the hollow point, which could hinder expansion. This debris should be cleared before loading to ensure proper bullet performance.

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