Hs-6

[Rex]

Found a pound of Winchester 540 left from when I loaded shotshells. I have a Speer #8 book and have tried 7 grains with a 150 grain 358477 bullet with some success. Remember I don't own a 38 special but shoot everything in a 686 S&W. I do have a whole bunch more 38 special cases than 357 though. For those of you that use HS-6 in the same circumstances, what do you like for a load?
Thanks a million,
Rex

[Rex]

I can't believe no one has used HS-6 in a 38 special. It and Winchester 540 are the same powder in different packageing.

[bobthenailer]

The reason is standard pressure 38 special velocity can be reached with faster burning speed powders that require a smaller & more econimcal powder charge.

loaded in 38 special brass at std pressure. with HS6 powder

158gr lead swc 5.7gr @928 fps to 6.3gr @1,010 fps

38 special +P
7.0gr @ 1,140 fps

357 mag case
7.0gr @1,100 fps to 8.0gr @ 1,200 fps @ 21,400 cup

with a 158gr jacked bullet in 357 mag brass
8.0gr @1,182 @28,000cup to 9.5gr @1,375 fps @41,900 cup

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I came across a couple old, sealed one lb containers of HS-6 (cheap) at a gunshow a couple years ago. I've used it with 44 Mag, 250gr. castboolit from a saeco 441 mold.
I don't recall the charge weight, but it was below the listed Max.
It made for a great "standard" load.
Jon

[Rex]

I've loaded the 7 grain load and it's been too cold to set up the chronograph but from the feel I bet it is less than 1000 fps out of my 4" barrel. I'm just using what I have to nurse a meager supply of Unique until this component foolishness is over.
May have to put up the guns and get out the fishing pole unless they start hoarding worms to.

[Lefty SRH]

One of my favorite and most accurate 38spl loads was with HS-6. The load was a Lyman 358311 boolit over 5.6gr HS-6. I had planned on using it for competition but the first time I took it to a match the unburned powder flecks got under the ejector and locked up my cylinder when I closed the cylinder after a speed reload.
Oh well, still an accurate load noe the less.

[tall grass]

Rex

It's not 38 special but I load 6 grains in the 357 mag for a light load in the Marlin. Accurate and the kids shoot it like it is 22 long rifle.

Jim

[P.K.]

I came across a couple old, sealed one lb containers of HS-6 (cheap) at a gunshow a couple years ago. I've used it with 44 Mag, 250gr. castboolit from a saeco 441 mold.
I don't recall the charge weight, but it was below the listed Max.
It made for a great "standard" load.
Jon

Wish I had your luck! I really like that powder, for standard target and paper punching it's about perfect in my .40 and 9mm/.380.

[Rex]

Thanks for the replys guys.
Tall Grass, I grew up in the Hill City, Kansas area.
Rex