rk, is that really a light load? I wouldn't think so as 5.0 gr. of Unique with a 158 gr. bullet in a .38 Spl. case was stated to be a plus P load a couple of decades ago by some name writers. For example, I've used 4.3 gr. of Unique with a 158 gr. lead bullet in .38 Spl. for about 30 years with fine results.
Since the .38 S&W case is so much shorter and the reduced volume will presumably cause a pressure rise, that is an additional concern, isn't it?
It's generally asserted that the 200 gr. S&W load was going about 600 or so fps. I think. I'd assume that your 180/5.0 load is somewhat hotter. Have you chronographed it?
I'm not trying to be cantankerous, just cautious.
