was hunting the other day for the first time in a while with dad and and buddy of mine. had a riot! I took the 45/410 and mistakenly took some #4's not #6's so squirrel's got lucky but I took my first handgun rabbit! but anyway I was thinking with the lack of 22's around here and enjoying the revolvers more, what light loads are you guys using for squirrel and sitting rabbits? I know I will need to be very very careful with the shots taken in respect to the backstops. I have a bunch of 158 cast bullets, red dot, unique and 5744. I dont have many 38 cases but should not need to many. looking for a low velocity, light recoil load. thanks guys

Test 4 to 4.5 gr.Unique with the 158 cast, to determine the best accuracy.

700 FPS or so you think?

Tyler, what pistol are you wanting to use? .38 or .357?....Revolver?

Depends upon barrel length. Probably more like 800-830 fps.

I loaded about 1K light .38 loads last winter. I'll check my data but think I used 125's.

I have a smith 686

Tyler, I also agree with the 4 gr. of unique load with the 158 gr cast...but I will also say I have not used the red dot or 5744 with the 158 gr. cast...I use unique or bullseye (because I have a lot of it to use!)....I use this in a .357 case not the .38...Based on my own experience, I would be careful with those loads....They have a tendency to "bounce off trees and rocks" and sometimes come straight back at you!...But I find them use! Good luck

edit...should be around 675-700 fps

load some very light round nose lead bullets
couple grains - 4 of bullseye
depending on ranges , etc
These would work a lot like old 32 caliber percussion squirrel rifles.
Actually sound fun
6 in revolver with a red dot