Testing 38-40 High Velocity Loads...

I pushed the 38-40 a little harder today. Honestly, I don't have the correct bullets, but have some better choices on the way.

Using LOTS of 2400, I pushed the 170 grn Missouri SWCs to 2100+ fps. These are cast to a hardness of 18 and coated. Accuracy went downhill after 1800 fps, but no leading at over 2100 fps.

Pushed the plain based GT Hollow Point 200s to 1800+ fps without leading also. This one surprised me. But, the throat and bore is perfect in this build. I think that helps. Accuracy dropped off above 1650 fps.

I believe loss of accuracy is simply due to bullets being too soft.

Nosler Jacketed 200s were next. 1950 fps was easily reached with 2400 Powder. Groups were quarter sized at 75 yards. Pretty much held up my belief that the cast bullets were too soft.

Using Herco or Unique and pushing the GT Bullets to 16-1650 fps results in fine accuracy, low noise and very little recoil. Not much that won't handle around here anyways.

Going to try some heavier, coated Missouri Bullets soon. Also, some very hard cast and coated offerings from Montana Bullet Works. Cast at a hardness of 22 and coated should hold the rifling better at higher velocities.