As the title says. I just bought myself a old Smith and Wesson chambered in 38 S.&W. I would like to find some good priced factory loads as I am not reloading yet. Has anyone seen some around. I am southwest Ontario. Between Chatham and London. Thanks Cookie
Looking for source of 38 S.&W.
- Thread starter cookie077
- Start date
Unless you want to reload, you should just get a second (used, .38SPL) cylinder assembly for your revolver. They're as common as a rock, will drop right in, and will quickly solve the ammunition availability problem.
Keep the existing cylinder and firearm unaltered, however. (You can thank me later.)
Keep the existing cylinder and firearm unaltered, however. (You can thank me later.)
saskgunowner101
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- near Prince Albert
Not trying to hijack the thread, but is this possible with an Enfield in .38 S & W as well??
Thank You
Thank You for the replies. All numbers match on it except for the grips that look like they are off a Victory model. So I will make sure that I keep all parts, as well I will try to get the right looking grips on it. But the smooth ones will stay on for shooting. I like the feel. At this time I think it is a 1939-40 build. Still researching it. Might have to sent off for a letter from S.&W. A second cylinder sounds like it may be the way to go. Here is a picture. Cookie
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r120/tech863/sw001.jpg
Thank You for the replies. All numbers match on it except for the grips that look like they are off a Victory model. So I will make sure that I keep all parts, as well I will try to get the right looking grips on it. But the smooth ones will stay on for shooting. I like the feel. At this time I think it is a 1939-40 build. Still researching it. Might have to sent off for a letter from S.&W. A second cylinder sounds like it may be the way to go. Here is a picture. Cookie
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r120/tech863/sw001.jpg
Amaziah Rimfire
Member
I own a Victory model, and I hadn't thought about a second cylinder in .38 Special before. Now that I'm set up to reload .38 S&W I don't think it would be worth it, but just out of curiosity, what kind of accuracy are you getting?
What I did was to buy a few boxes of factory ammo to build up a supply of casings and then start reloading. Remington and Winchester both load .38 S&W. You should be able to find some at any well stocked gun shop. Both are 145 grain lead roundnoses and fairly mild. The Remington loads come in plain brass cases and the Winchesters come in nickel cases. The Winchester cases seem a little stouter too - once you get reloading, either one should last forever. Lee makes the cheapest dies, and I just use 158 grain .358" cast bullets. Now it's as cheap to shoot as anything else I own.
You can also try Ellwood Epps (link at top of page). They usually have all kinds of hard to find ammo. Since it is an uncommon round, factory ammo is not going to be cheap.
Winchester currently makes it so many gunshops should carry it. Lebaron lists it for $30/50
Winchester currently makes it so many gunshops should carry it. Lebaron lists it for $30/50
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Thank You.
It looks like I have some options. I will keep my eye open for a good cylinder
and in the mean time build up a supply of brass. I have been told that this gun was set up for 38-200 's. All the factory stuff does seem to be a lot lighter. I will try some out and see how it does.
I need to talk to the guy I got it from. He said he was reloading for it but I suspect he was just doing up light loads in reg .38 but if he was reloading .38 S.&W. I will see if he will part with the dies.
Thank You to all that have replied. Cookie
Amaziah Rimfire. Any chance of a picture of that Victory model. I have really fallen for these old S.&W.
It looks like I have some options. I will keep my eye open for a good cylinder
and in the mean time build up a supply of brass. I have been told that this gun was set up for 38-200 's. All the factory stuff does seem to be a lot lighter. I will try some out and see how it does.
I need to talk to the guy I got it from. He said he was reloading for it but I suspect he was just doing up light loads in reg .38 but if he was reloading .38 S.&W. I will see if he will part with the dies.
Thank You to all that have replied. Cookie
Amaziah Rimfire. Any chance of a picture of that Victory model. I have really fallen for these old S.&W.
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Amaziah Rimfire
Member
Here ya go! This is my first attempt at posting pictures, so I hope it works.
Right side, with box of CDN WWII issue ball and 3 rounds of FN surplus ball that Century Arms brought in years ago.
Left side, with 3 Remington factory loads (left) and 3 of my handloads in Winchester casings (right).
Right side, with box of CDN WWII issue ball and 3 rounds of FN surplus ball that Century Arms brought in years ago.
Left side, with 3 Remington factory loads (left) and 3 of my handloads in Winchester casings (right).
- Location
- WMU247 near Edmonton
nice, I've got one like that too as well as a pair of enfields.
Bought a few boxes of 38 S&W from WSS they normally stock it and I reload those cases.
the bore is .361 but I just use .358 (same as my other 38 and 357)
Bought a few boxes of 38 S&W from WSS they normally stock it and I reload those cases.
the bore is .361 but I just use .358 (same as my other 38 and 357)
I bought once fired brass and relaod them with 38 Spl dies. Because the barrel is bigger, I load the 148 gr hollow base bullets, on the assumption that the bullet will expand well to fill the grooves.
I have never understood this caliber. Seems to me that the later revolvers would have handled a hotter load.
I have never understood this caliber. Seems to me that the later revolvers would have handled a hotter load.
