When I first bought my hand Ejector I found some factory ammo and reloaded some cut down .38 spl cases with standard .38 spl .357 bullets. The reload results were terrible, and I then realized the case is supposed to be .386 and the projectile .361 (.38 spl is .379 and .358). Both facts that present diameter problems in adapting the .38 spl to .38 S&W. I wouldn't consider adapting the cylinder or Bbl anyway, but I'm presented with the problem of not being able to find .361 projectiles, or even moulds for casting. I can reuse factory brass and buy .38 S&W dies from Lee, but I'm not going to bother with projectile off by 3 thousands of an inch. Any suggestions or solutions would be greatly appreciated.
.38 S&W Diameter Issue
- Thread starter B.H.B
- Start date
#1bcshooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- North Of The DMZ (US border)
CGN Member Jethunter for the 38 S&W cast slugs
Cut down 38 spl casings will bulge in a 38 S&W cyl
Years ago I had a victory model & had the cyl reamed to accept full length 38 spl rounds .
It shot fine but with the 38 spl bullet being smaller I'm sure the accuracy suffered.
The spent casings looked like a bottle neck rnd
Cut down 38 spl casings will bulge in a 38 S&W cyl
Years ago I had a victory model & had the cyl reamed to accept full length 38 spl rounds .
It shot fine but with the 38 spl bullet being smaller I'm sure the accuracy suffered.
The spent casings looked like a bottle neck rnd
- Location
- Central AB
Jethunters bullets are great, but I've also used the 148 hollow base wad cutters, which are very accurate in my Colt Police Positive.
.38 S&W brass from Starline is easy enough to come by. Many retailers in Canada stock it.
When I had my Enfield I used the cast bullets I already had (.359" as cast) and powder coated them up to .362-363"; took 2 coats. Worked great. I also had good luck with the Hornady 148gr HBWC meant for .38 special.
When I had my Enfield I used the cast bullets I already had (.359" as cast) and powder coated them up to .362-363"; took 2 coats. Worked great. I also had good luck with the Hornady 148gr HBWC meant for .38 special.
Boolitcaster
CGN Regular
- Location
- Vancouver Island
As above. I also have had a .358" sizing die opened up to .360" for final sizing.
Works great. I will have a bunch on my table at the next gunshow.
I would like to know more about the powder coating as it sounds like a good solution for the hundreds of old .38 spl projectiles I've got.
Boolitcaster
CGN Regular
- Location
- Vancouver Island
There is a powder coating sticky on the bullet making section. It should be all there.
If you wish to reuse lubed bullets you will need to remove all the lube by some means.
We are here if you can't get your answers in the bullet making section.
