I have a small amount of 38 S&W I was thinking of loading up. What does everyone use? I would be shooting out of a 38 special. Is it worth even doing? Just stick to specials?

It's a wider case.

Still not sure how that happened.

Like cas mentioned, the .38S&W is a .360/.361" bullet with the case being the same bit larger, so it shouldn't fit.

That said, I use modest amounts of Red Dot because I ended up with a lot of Red Dot. I expect Bullseye or the like would suit just fine. In a solid frame pistol, it can turn in a respectable showing but you'd need to keep those away from any old "Owl's Head" laying around.

All the data I looked up did state .360 bullets but I wasn't sure if it would work with .358 sized bullets. I did see load data that used .358 bullets but I'm very cautious of load data I find on line. That is why I asked it here. I think it was missouri bullets that listed a .360 bullet.

I guess I will scrap the idea.

even re-size the cases down to 38 spl dimensions but seating the bullet is a 38 special die may be a problem...

--
Of the Troops & For the Troops

I know when I tried that with another caliber I couldn't size the base/head enough, they would only chamber 95+% of the way.

Woody, .38 S&W can be loaded using 9mm Luger dies. It takes some finaglin' but it can be done. However, unless you have a good strong gun like a Smith or Colt, or one of the old Brit Enfields, it's pretty much a waste of time.

The early .38 S&W guns, before about WW2, used .360 bore barrels. Smith and Wesson at least (don't know about other brands) started using .358 barrels after the war. In one of the later guns, hardcast .358 bullets will give good accuracy. In a strong gun, Unique can get a 155 grain cast SWC up to about 725 fps without straining anything. Start with about 2.8 grains and work up CAREFULLY.

As others have said, by all means don't use anything but the powderpuff factory loads in old breaktops.

If you do decide to scrap the idea, I will take the empty brass off your hands.

and buy one of their S&W M&P barrel and cylinder combination in 38 S&W. I have an old M&P made in 1915 that is plum worn out. New barrel and complete 38S&W (victory model parts) for $79.

Bob

nm

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