.38Special CAS ammo

[ZVP]

 Fired from a 4 5/8 Vaquero, what velocity should I expect?
ZVP

[panhead pete]

Mornin' Z,

Depending on load, powder and projectile, 700-850 fps.  Look at the Hogden site or Handloads.com to see how different loads stack up.

PhP

[Bart Solo]

What and how much powder and what bullet do you use?  

The results are predictable if you know the variables, otherwise, not so much.

[ZVP]

 I see, there is no "standard" load used. I just wondered how these low velocity loads stack up against a 158 gr lFactory lead load?
Since there is no "standard" each manufacturer must have their own formula and velocity and far as Handloading goes there are too many variables to really get an answer.
I thought that perhaps the "Cowboy Load" was supposed to be about equal to a Factory loaded .38 Colt load...
I think the best bet is to try all three of the most popular Factory "Cowboy Loads" and see which groups best in your revolver, then go with it so there are no questions about illegal Handloads.
I have read several detrametal posts about these low recoil .38 Special reloads and I see that there is no textbook velocity or bullet weight listed in the rules so I was hoping that there was some "standard" that was adhered to.
I guess if it'll make the metal go "clang" that's the limit...
ZVP
  Thanks for the answers.

[ZVP]

 I did some research and it seems that Winchester Cowboy ammo gives 250 ftlbs of energy with a 158 gr bullet, a full 15 to 35 ftlbs more thand standeard .38 special round nose and jacketed!
That was a suprise!
I suppose all the low velocity stuff is handloaded.
The Winchester site has all the .38 loads and spec's.
ZVP

[Four-Eyed Buck]

The standard .38 Spec. load specification applies to setting knockdown targets. They're supposed to be able to be taken down with those. Barrel length will affect speed readings. Be sure to check what test barrel was used if your looking at loads from a speed aspect, the length will affect the speed.........Buck

[ZVP]

 I don't know if it was a "Vented" Barrel or not as Winchester dosen't state it on their site. I just restated the spec's that Winchester had.
I did buy a box of the Winchester .38 Cowboy loads to try out, so I'll see how they shoot? I am expecting that they will work out just fine in the accuracy department. For $28 it was worth a try!
One thing I do know is that these won't be any sort of "Squib"

  ZVP

[lethal larry]

Just keep in mind the 1000 fps maximum limit and the minimum of 400 fps 60 power factor lower limit. If your ammo falls somewhere in that range you are legal and "should" knock down the reactive targets too when you encounter them.

[ZVP]

 Yesterday, I finally got to test some of the Winchester .38 Special CAS Loads.
The recoil from the 158 gr RNFP, 250 ft/lbs ME load is pretty stout, indicating a very good probability of a knock-down every time! This would make for a good trail and G/P carry round! Power and accuracy are there.
I was impressed with the good preformance of the cartriges, there is a lot more "umph" to the load than the writers would indicate. The .38 Special gets talked down like it's a .22 CB Cap. In the Factory CAS load, it's f=FAR from a pipsqueak and even farther from a no-recoil round.
ZVP

[Dances With Coyotes]

What kinda rifle you gonna be shooting? I have a Rossi 92 and tried the 158 RNFPs through them and they did not work very well.(would eject live round along with fired case) Then a fella here recomended a 147gr Truncated Cone bullet from Moulton Lead. It is a longer bullet and is loaded approx 1.55" to closely match the lengths of a .357 cartridge. So far so good. Works great through my Rossi.