Not really long range but need a little help

[Clay Target Guy]

My daughter has started shooting a little and wants to get a hand gun carry permit. She is shooting a lightweight 38 special and the recoil of standard rounds is a little hard on her hand.
I was hoping to someone knows of a really light load for 125gr plated lead bullets that is really a soft shooter. This load is just for her to practice with and not to be used when she would be carrying it for real.

Thanks

John

 

[Gunpoor]

I have shot the 158 grain LSWC bullets in 38SPCL with 4.0 grains of W231 for a velocity of 775 ft/sec from my 4" barreled revolver. This load is very mild recoiling and more accurate than most shooters including me. I think 4.4 grains of W231 over your 125 plated bullets would be a wonderful load for your daughter, as 231 is a very predictable and versatile powder. This load at 4.4 falls in the middle of the charge between Min and Max loads. Sorry that I can't give some hands on experience but I have never shot 125 grain bullets in the 38. If I have it has been too long to remember the specifics.

 

[Jud96]

Check out the Reloader's Nest - a reloaders resource site, they have tons of loads for everything! Hope this helps!

 

[Canadian Bushman]

My buddy showed me some lightweight ammo he was carrying in his carry weapon. Its made by liberty and called civil defense i believe. He said it reduced recoil but he bought it for a high cap magazine carry weapon that was heavy with lead ammo. This might be a bit pricey for practice rounds though.

Liberty Civil Defense Ammo 9mm Luger +P 50 Grain Fragmenting Hollow

 

[parker300]

I load a 158 rnfp with 3gr of clays for my wife and it is very mild dirty but mild

 

[mtwarych]

Is there a possibilty of changing the grips to spread the recoil so the percieved recoil is not as sharp?

 

[Clay Target Guy]

It has rubber grips on the gun and she love them, so if she likes them as well as she says I don't think I will be able to change her mind (hard headed like her daddy )

I found a light load using Trail Boss powder, any of y'all tried that.

As far as the Clays powder load goes, I have that powder but have not found a load for the 125 gr bullets, does anyone know what a charge for that combo would be.

THANK EVERYONE FOR THE HELP SO FAR,

 

[parker300]

125 GR. CAST LRNFP Hodgdon Clays .358" 1.445" 2.5 810 8,400 CUP 3.5 978 16,900 CUP

125 GR. HDY XTP Hodgdon Clays .357" 1.455" 3.5 843 12,400 CUP 3.9 937 16,100 CUP