A real “Pipsqueak” but fun as heck!
Handloading or reloading .38 Special and .357 Magnum pistol caliber shotshells using traditional wads or cards involves creating cartridges for short-range pest control, particularly for dealing with snakes or small rodents. Here’s a guide based on traditional methods:
Loading Process with Wads or Cards:
- Case Preparation:
- Ensure the cases are clean and free from defects. You can use either .38 Special or .357 Magnum brass, though .38 Special is often preferred for its fit in revolvers.
- Powder Charge:
- A light charge of powder is used since these shotshells are not intended for long-range shooting. Common powders include Bullseye, Unique, or Red Dot.
- Wad Placement:
- Place an over-powder card wad first to seal the powder. This can be made from thick paper or cardboard, cut to fit snugly in the case.
- Shot Placement:
- Fill the case with the appropriate shot size. For .38 Special or .357 Magnum, #9 or #8 shot is often recommended due to the need for a dense pattern at close range.
- Over-Shot Wad:
- After the shot, another card or a gas check can be used to hold the shot in place. This can be a simple card wad or something like a .35 caliber gas check for more stability.
- Crimping:
- Crimp the case to secure the wads and shot. A roll crimp is typically used to ensure everything stays in place. I prefer to use white glue to seal the load and keep the shot from falling out.
Recommended Load Data:
- .38 Special:
- Powder: 1.5 grains of Bullseye with #9 shot, using a card wad both under and over the shot. This load has been reported to provide a pattern of about 10 inches at 5 yards from a .38 Special case.
- Another method includes using 5.0 grains of Unique with #8 shot, which can be effective for snakes at close range. This load uses homemade wads and a bit of wax or hot glue to seal.
- .357 Magnum:
- Loading .357 cases with about 4 grains of Bullseye, using homemade wads and a bit of #8 shot, is suggested for practical use. The process includes sealing the top with wax or hot glue.
- For those looking to use .357 Maximum brass, for more shot capacity. A load using 6 grains of Bullseye with #9 shot, along with card wads, has been used effectively.
Important Considerations:
- Safety: Always ensure the wads do not get lodged in the barrel, which could cause dangerous pressure spikes.
- Material: Traditional materials like card wads and glue or wax for sealing are used to keep the cost down and maintain the simplicity of the load.
- Performance: These loads are meant for very short ranges (typically 10-15 feet), and the pattern will spread quickly.
Remember, these loads are for pest control at close range and should not be confused with standard bullet loads for self-defense or hunting. Always consult with current reloading manuals or trusted reloading forums for the most up-to-date and safe practices.
Load some of these up, shoot them in an adapter and the kids will love you forever! Bring balloons to the range that day too!