I've been eyeing those Enfield break action revolvers that several forum sponsers are selling lately. As someone who doesn't want to own a gun I can't shoot I'm wondering if there is any reliable source in Canada for .38 S&W?
.38 s&w
- Thread starter sailor723
- Start date
gewehr76
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
The ammo is available from winchester. They use 148 gr lead slugs. Prepare to pay roughly 50$ per box of 50 rds. Its as expensive as 44 mag.
The only sensible way to go is reloading. Regular 38 special components can be used and I believe dies are available from lee that work pretty well and inexpensive.
The only sensible way to go is reloading. Regular 38 special components can be used and I believe dies are available from lee that work pretty well and inexpensive.
Phat Eagle
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Fraser Valley, BC
My friend had one... It's hilarious! I always think the bullet is stuck after that anemic pop!
gewehr76
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
It can be loaded as hot as 9mm Para. Almost similar dimensions except for the rim.
Being of similar dimensions to the 9mmP does not mean it can be loaded to the same pressure or velocities. A friend of mine is currently trying to work up some stouter loads to make his Enfield more fun to shoot, but you do need to work with established loads to start, and it can be a long process.
I got bored with my .38S&W and traded up to a Webley MkVI with a shaved cylinder. I down-load .45ACP for it, but it's still lots more fun than the old Enfield.
I got bored with my .38S&W and traded up to a Webley MkVI with a shaved cylinder. I down-load .45ACP for it, but it's still lots more fun than the old Enfield.
gewehr76
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
One can load the cartridge as hot as one want it to be, however there is one thing that works against, it is the gap between cylinder and barrel. if there was no gap it may be as hot as 9mm that fired from gapless chamber.
The 9mm can be fired from 38SW revolver, however the 9mm with moonclips won't fit as the headspace is too small. Unless the cylinder be machined to accept this set up,
The 9mm can be fired from 38SW revolver, however the 9mm with moonclips won't fit as the headspace is too small. Unless the cylinder be machined to accept this set up,
For higher power loads for the 38 S*W get a copy of "Pet Loads" by Waters.
The 9mm has an operating pressure about 50% over the 38.
During WW2 380 cal revolvers both Enfield and S&W were converted to use 9mm as an experiment but it was found that the cylinder bulged at the locking slot cut out after a few rounds.
The 9mm is definitely NOT suitable for 38 S&W cal pistols.
The 9mm has an operating pressure about 50% over the 38.
During WW2 380 cal revolvers both Enfield and S&W were converted to use 9mm as an experiment but it was found that the cylinder bulged at the locking slot cut out after a few rounds.
The 9mm is definitely NOT suitable for 38 S&W cal pistols.
gewehr76
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Yes my reloads work fine in my pistols and revolvers, Its other people's business what they choose to shoot through their guns. If everyone who was afraid to increase the charge on 38 special were so paranoid about it , 357 magnum would never been invented.
Top break revolvers are not as strong as other designs. Lee calls for 3.1gr of Unique as the min/max load with a 148gr lead. (check data before using) This is the load I use, Green dot/Win 231 has a slightly higher M/V according to the Lee book. Rusty's trading on CGN has the brass, Lee makes the dies so reloading is easy and cheap.
Sailor, reloading is freedom.
Start building up your component supplies, and then sit and watch as others scurry about trying to buy commercial ammo, at almost any price.
Meanwhile, you're making as many hand-tailored-to-your-gun rounds as you want, at far, far less expense than commercial stuff. What's not to like?
I reload for .38 S&W, 9mm, and soon for my TT33, and I use a single stage press. Not expensive, but I'll admit it's slow. On the other hand, what else to do on a winter's night?
Yesterday I finished up the last of my loaded .38 S&W, and I'm down to my last 200 9mm. Fortunately, I have another box of 38 Super LRN bullets, and a box of Berry's 124gr for the 9MM.
Lots of powder, primers and brass, and I replace as I go.
I also enjoy the act of reloading itself. I find it very calming, and rewarding to be patient, focussed, and detail oriented, while producing my own ammunition. It's another rewarding hobby to complement shooting.
Start building up your component supplies, and then sit and watch as others scurry about trying to buy commercial ammo, at almost any price.
Meanwhile, you're making as many hand-tailored-to-your-gun rounds as you want, at far, far less expense than commercial stuff. What's not to like?
I reload for .38 S&W, 9mm, and soon for my TT33, and I use a single stage press. Not expensive, but I'll admit it's slow. On the other hand, what else to do on a winter's night?
Yesterday I finished up the last of my loaded .38 S&W, and I'm down to my last 200 9mm. Fortunately, I have another box of 38 Super LRN bullets, and a box of Berry's 124gr for the 9MM.
Lots of powder, primers and brass, and I replace as I go.
I also enjoy the act of reloading itself. I find it very calming, and rewarding to be patient, focussed, and detail oriented, while producing my own ammunition. It's another rewarding hobby to complement shooting.
Actually I find shooting the mouse fart loads in the Webley to be kind of fun. Not everything has to buck and stomp (though those are also fun).
I suppose that the feeling I get from getting that revolver with the heavy ass trigger to shoot straight is part of the fun.
Likewise, shooting light target loads in my brother's model 14 smith is rather dull, but once I got a Uberti '51 Colt conversion in .38, it has become fun once more.
I bought some True Blue to try, and the amount of powder used could best be described as a pinch. I'll get something close to 3000 rounds from a pound!
I suppose that the feeling I get from getting that revolver with the heavy ass trigger to shoot straight is part of the fun.
Likewise, shooting light target loads in my brother's model 14 smith is rather dull, but once I got a Uberti '51 Colt conversion in .38, it has become fun once more.
I bought some True Blue to try, and the amount of powder used could best be described as a pinch. I'll get something close to 3000 rounds from a pound!
As you can see in this picture, 9mm brass fits the 38 S&W chamber perfectly.
In a pinch, they can be used for reloading, instead of proper brass. The empty cases poke out of the chamber easily with a pencil.
You still have to use 38S&W load data. 10,000 psi vs 35,000 psi !!!!!
In a pinch, they can be used for reloading, instead of proper brass. The empty cases poke out of the chamber easily with a pencil.
You still have to use 38S&W load data. 10,000 psi vs 35,000 psi !!!!!
ipscgraz
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I used to load for mine before selling the three of them off.
You can use 9MM sizing dies and a .38 shell holder. I bought a dedicated .38 S&W crimp die to avoid adjusting my 9mm dies.
Brass lasts forever, especially with the usual 2.2 grains of baby powder the enfields are limited to.
You can use 9MM sizing dies and a .38 shell holder. I bought a dedicated .38 S&W crimp die to avoid adjusting my 9mm dies.
Brass lasts forever, especially with the usual 2.2 grains of baby powder the enfields are limited to.
