Bullet Recommendation - 38 SPL

Karl · 08-19-2018, 11:48 AM

I am new to the world of .38 special. I just purchased a .357 magnum revolver with 6.5" barrel. I intend to use this for target shooting at 25 yrds. with .38 special. I will likely use Power Pistol or Blue Dot simply because I already have it. I understand that lead bullets are more desirable in revolvers. What are recommended bullets? weight? coated?

Thanks.

rhuff · 08-19-2018, 02:57 PM

Karl,

I used to load/shoot plain lead RN and SWC in my 38 Spec. and 357 Mag. I am, for the most part, getting away from lead bullets and using plated and FMJ bullets. They are a bit more expensive, but not a lot, and I am pleased with them. I load both 125gr and 158gr bullets. The 158gr seem to do better in my revolvers, as the sights are factory regulated for 158gr.(non-movable sight handguns).

I , for years, shot 38 Specials in my 357 Mag revolvers, and always had to contend with the powder ring left in the cylinder that had to be removed to shoot 357 Mag ammo. Some years back I began loading 357 Mag brass with 158gr plated SWC bullets @ 38 Special max powder loads. These are very comfortable shooting rounds for the range, accurate, and no powder ring in the cylinder. This is a win-win in my way of thinking.

I have no experience with the coated lead bullets, but I hear good things about them from experienced handloaders.

sheepherder · 08-19-2018, 03:51 PM

My favorite 38 Special bullet has been the 146gr SWC. But that weight/profile seems to be hard to find these days. So now I use 148gr/.357" dia DEWC from Missouri Bullet Co. I like these for plinking and also for 'target' loads in my S&W Mod 52.

I also shoot their .453" 200gr "Oddball" LRN in my .45's.

Both of these Missouri Bullets have Thompson's Bullet Lube lubed cannelures.

Sergio Natali · 08-20-2018, 09:05 AM

When I did shoot with the 38 Spl revolvers I used to reload 148 grains LWC bullets with 3.2 N320 Vihtavuori powder.
The only drawback shooting 38 Spl bullets in 357 Mag. revolvers is that you get the chambers dirty
with crud and lead.

HerrKaiser · 08-20-2018, 11:09 AM

Odd question, I know they’re similar in size, but has anyone tried to get .38 spl bullets to reload their 9mm luger rounds? I know you’d probably have to shave a bit off the .38 bullets to make them fit properly, but it’s also as close to the original truncated come shape that the original 9mm German military rounds possessed.

Sergio Natali · 08-20-2018, 02:44 PM

They are similar but not the same as they have a different drawing, it's not worth the risk.
IMHO

RichSr · 08-20-2018, 03:20 PM

There have been many different shapes for 38 Special projectiles but all sized at .357 (.358 for lead slugs). The 9mm Para. should use a .355 bullet. I believe excess chamber pressure would occur if it even chambered. Use of the average weight jacketed 38spl. bullet would be an invitation to disaster.

Karl · 08-20-2018, 04:42 PM

Thanks to all for the advice. I will use .357 mag brass and will try out a few types of 158 grain bullets.

As for using .38 bullets in 9mm, technically they could be swaged down to .355 but there are many truncated cone-like 9mm bullets available. See Graf & Sons.

KFS

Rick W. · 08-20-2018, 04:57 PM

My local indoor range has removed any lead bullet other than 22 rimfire from their ok list.

I have ventured into the Berry's arena of plated bullets. Not so bad in price but so far I have not experienced the accuracy had before with lead bullets. I have tried them in 38 special in a 52, a midrange, and a K38, all like the lead more better, but when in Rome.......

I suspect that tis a loading parameter that I am missing with the plated bullets. I tend to reserve nice jacketed bullets for faster cartridges, too expensive for me just plinking around.

In the 38 or 357, I do favor the 125 gr bullet, fast and no recoil really, but there is some blast with the 357. I have tried both the hollow base and double ended wadcutters plated to no real avail yet........again just my load needs to be improved I am sure.

I finally had enough of the short cases in the longer cylinder routine, so got a few M14 Smiths and reserved the 38's just for them. Brushing out the ring is not my favorite things to do. One can reload the 357 down some, and not have the short ring problem in the chambers if you so wish. You could do worse with the powders you mentioned............

Karl · 08-20-2018, 05:44 PM

Rick,

Thanks of the information. In addition to recommendations, one reason for starting with the 158 grain bullet is deeper seating for reduced case capacity to compensate for the longer .357 brass. My initial choices will be lead. The gun is due for delivery on Wednesday and I'm not buying any bullets yet in case I have to send it back for some reason.

KFS

sheepherder · 08-20-2018, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karl

The gun is due for delivery on Wednesday...

Post a couple pics of it!

S&W or Colt? Hopefully not a Ruger...

Vlim · 08-20-2018, 09:03 PM

Nothing wrong with a .38 special sixgun. Provided the branding is right

rhuff · 08-21-2018, 02:09 PM

Karl,

If you decide that you want some "soft" range rounds in that 357Mag brass, and also want a near/full case of powder, then I can suggest that you give Trail Boss powder a try. It is a bit more expensive, but it essentially guarantees NO double loads, if loaded to max, it will burn clean but shoot soft, and is accurate for me and my handguns.....just a thought.

Major Tom · 08-21-2018, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karl

Thanks to all for the advice. I will use .357 mag brass and will try out a few types of 158 grain bullets.

As for using .38 bullets in 9mm, technically they could be swaged down to .355 but there are many truncated cone-like 9mm bullets available. See Graf & Sons.

KFS

GT BULLETS (not our GT), has 115gr. 9mm lead bullets that look like the old German truncated ones. They are $9+ per/100

Karl · 08-21-2018, 04:04 PM

Rhuff,

I have not considered Trail Boss because it is not listed in any of my reloading manuals. What load and bullet are you using for .38?

KFS

rhuff · 08-22-2018, 02:01 PM

Karl,

I like to shoot my 357Mag lightweight J frames, as well as K frames, and others, but don't enjoy the beating that the J frames do to my hand/wrist/elbow. Below is the load that I have settled upon that works well for me, and my handguns:

Bullet= Xtreme 158gr PSWC (you could substitute a 158gr lead RN or SWC here)

Powder= 4.4gr Trail Boss powder( a fast powder with a high loft)

OAL= light roll crimp to the cannalure on the bullet

Primer= Federal SPP(some of my revolvers are "tuned" and these primers are the easiest to ignite)

These loads are easy on your brass, and a dream to re-size......plus fun to shoot !!

Karl · 08-22-2018, 06:43 PM

The gun arrived this afternoon. It is not a Smith and not a Colt, and I anticipate ridicule for that. It is a used Taurus 627. My friend has a Taurus 608 in .357 and I was impressed with it - excellent trigger and the ported barrel virtually eliminates muzzle jump. I was prepared to buy a new one but I was put off by the giant "TRACKER" logo on the side of current production. I got this one on Gunbroker for $325. and I am satisfied.

KFS

gunbugs · 08-23-2018, 01:07 AM

I've got about 6 or 8 S&w 38's. Other than the 52, the revolvers generally get a 158 SWC with 5.5 of AA No5. Kind of my "go to" load. I've been shooting it for decades. A little faster than a true "target" load, but it shoots well out of all my guns.

rhuff · 08-23-2018, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karl

The gun arrived this afternoon. It is not a Smith and not a Colt, and I anticipate ridicule for that. It is a used Taurus 627. My friend has a Taurus 608 in .357 and I was impressed with it - excellent trigger and the ported barrel virtually eliminates muzzle jump. I was prepared to buy a new one but I was put off by the giant "TRACKER" logo on the side of current production. I got this one on Gunbroker for $325. and I am satisfied.

KFS

You will get no ridicule from me concerning Taurus revolvers.....I own three(3) of them, all big bore(44Spec and 45LC). I have owned them for many years, and they are some of my favorites to take to the range. Don't get me wrong, I own S&W revolvers(no Colt DA revolvers), and what is not to like about them??

Enjoy your new revolver, and with trial and error, you will find a load that is the "sweet spot" for it. Once you find it, then make a bunch of it, and shoot the snot out of it!!

Rick W. · 08-23-2018, 08:04 PM

Running down someone's choice in firearms is kinda akin to kicking someone's dog. Some people just take time to get to know I guess; gotta keep the lamp out in front.

I would enjoy the new acquisition. Life is short.

08-19-2018, 11:48 AM	#1
Karl Lifer - Twice Over Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Savannah Posts: 530 Thanks: 0 Thanked 280 Times in 123 Posts	Bullet Recommendation - 38 SPL I am new to the world of .38 special. I just purchased a .357 magnum revolver with 6.5" barrel. I intend to use this for target shooting at 25 yrds. with .38 special. I will likely use Power Pistol or Blue Dot simply because I already have it. I understand that lead bullets are more desirable in revolvers. What are recommended bullets? weight? coated? Thanks.

08-19-2018, 02:57 PM	#2
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,308 Thanks: 2,737 Thanked 993 Times in 729 Posts	Karl, I used to load/shoot plain lead RN and SWC in my 38 Spec. and 357 Mag. I am, for the most part, getting away from lead bullets and using plated and FMJ bullets. They are a bit more expensive, but not a lot, and I am pleased with them. I load both 125gr and 158gr bullets. The 158gr seem to do better in my revolvers, as the sights are factory regulated for 158gr.(non-movable sight handguns). I , for years, shot 38 Specials in my 357 Mag revolvers, and always had to contend with the powder ring left in the cylinder that had to be removed to shoot 357 Mag ammo. Some years back I began loading 357 Mag brass with 158gr plated SWC bullets @ 38 Special max powder loads. These are very comfortable shooting rounds for the range, accurate, and no powder ring in the cylinder. This is a win-win in my way of thinking. I have no experience with the coated lead bullets, but I hear good things about them from experienced handloaders. __________________ Need DWM breechblock #21

08-19-2018, 03:51 PM	#3
sheepherder Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: ...on the 'ol Erie Canal... Posts: 8,197 Thanks: 1,416 Thanked 4,462 Times in 2,336 Posts	My favorite 38 Special bullet has been the 146gr SWC. But that weight/profile seems to be hard to find these days. So now I use 148gr/.357" dia DEWC from Missouri Bullet Co. I like these for plinking and also for 'target' loads in my S&W Mod 52. I also shoot their .453" 200gr "Oddball" LRN in my .45's. Both of these Missouri Bullets have Thompson's Bullet Lube lubed cannelures. __________________ I like my coffee the way I like my women... ...Cold and bitter... Last edited by sheepherder; 08-20-2018 at 09:24 AM. Reason: oops...dia off

08-20-2018, 09:05 AM	#4
Sergio Natali User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Somewhere in Northern Italy Posts: 2,646 Thanks: 1,087 Thanked 1,783 Times in 1,007 Posts	When I did shoot with the 38 Spl revolvers I used to reload 148 grains LWC bullets with 3.2 N320 Vihtavuori powder. The only drawback shooting 38 Spl bullets in 357 Mag. revolvers is that you get the chambers dirty with crud and lead. __________________ "Originality can't be restored and should be at the top of any collector's priority list.

08-20-2018, 11:09 AM	#5
HerrKaiser User Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: South Carolina Posts: 869 Thanks: 816 Thanked 882 Times in 424 Posts	Odd question, I know they’re similar in size, but has anyone tried to get .38 spl bullets to reload their 9mm luger rounds? I know you’d probably have to shave a bit off the .38 bullets to make them fit properly, but it’s also as close to the original truncated come shape that the original 9mm German military rounds possessed. __________________ -QM Looking for Mauser S/42 toggle train #22

08-20-2018, 02:44 PM	#6
Sergio Natali User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Somewhere in Northern Italy Posts: 2,646 Thanks: 1,087 Thanked 1,783 Times in 1,007 Posts	They are similar but not the same as they have a different drawing, it's not worth the risk. IMHO __________________ "Originality can't be restored and should be at the top of any collector's priority list.

08-20-2018, 03:20 PM	#7
RichSr User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: West Texas Posts: 128 Thanks: 154 Thanked 54 Times in 36 Posts	There have been many different shapes for 38 Special projectiles but all sized at .357 (.358 for lead slugs). The 9mm Para. should use a .355 bullet. I believe excess chamber pressure would occur if it even chambered. Use of the average weight jacketed 38spl. bullet would be an invitation to disaster. __________________ Rich

08-20-2018, 04:42 PM	#8
Karl Lifer - Twice Over Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Savannah Posts: 530 Thanks: 0 Thanked 280 Times in 123 Posts	Thanks to all for the advice. I will use .357 mag brass and will try out a few types of 158 grain bullets. As for using .38 bullets in 9mm, technically they could be swaged down to .355 but there are many truncated cone-like 9mm bullets available. See Graf & Sons. KFS

08-20-2018, 04:57 PM	#9
Rick W. User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 339 Thanks: 81 Thanked 359 Times in 198 Posts	My local indoor range has removed any lead bullet other than 22 rimfire from their ok list. I have ventured into the Berry's arena of plated bullets. Not so bad in price but so far I have not experienced the accuracy had before with lead bullets. I have tried them in 38 special in a 52, a midrange, and a K38, all like the lead more better, but when in Rome....... I suspect that tis a loading parameter that I am missing with the plated bullets. I tend to reserve nice jacketed bullets for faster cartridges, too expensive for me just plinking around. In the 38 or 357, I do favor the 125 gr bullet, fast and no recoil really, but there is some blast with the 357. I have tried both the hollow base and double ended wadcutters plated to no real avail yet........again just my load needs to be improved I am sure. I finally had enough of the short cases in the longer cylinder routine, so got a few M14 Smiths and reserved the 38's just for them. Brushing out the ring is not my favorite things to do. One can reload the 357 down some, and not have the short ring problem in the chambers if you so wish. You could do worse with the powders you mentioned............

08-20-2018, 05:44 PM	#10
Karl Lifer - Twice Over Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Savannah Posts: 530 Thanks: 0 Thanked 280 Times in 123 Posts	Rick, Thanks of the information. In addition to recommendations, one reason for starting with the 158 grain bullet is deeper seating for reduced case capacity to compensate for the longer .357 brass. My initial choices will be lead. The gun is due for delivery on Wednesday and I'm not buying any bullets yet in case I have to send it back for some reason. KFS

08-20-2018, 09:03 PM	#12
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,990 Times in 1,205 Posts	Nothing wrong with a .38 special sixgun. Provided the branding is right Attached Thumbnails

08-21-2018, 02:09 PM	#13
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,308 Thanks: 2,737 Thanked 993 Times in 729 Posts	Karl, If you decide that you want some "soft" range rounds in that 357Mag brass, and also want a near/full case of powder, then I can suggest that you give Trail Boss powder a try. It is a bit more expensive, but it essentially guarantees NO double loads, if loaded to max, it will burn clean but shoot soft, and is accurate for me and my handguns.....just a thought. __________________ Need DWM breechblock #21

08-21-2018, 04:04 PM	#15
Karl Lifer - Twice Over Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Savannah Posts: 530 Thanks: 0 Thanked 280 Times in 123 Posts	Rhuff, I have not considered Trail Boss because it is not listed in any of my reloading manuals. What load and bullet are you using for .38? KFS

08-22-2018, 02:01 PM	#16
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,308 Thanks: 2,737 Thanked 993 Times in 729 Posts	Karl, I like to shoot my 357Mag lightweight J frames, as well as K frames, and others, but don't enjoy the beating that the J frames do to my hand/wrist/elbow. Below is the load that I have settled upon that works well for me, and my handguns: Bullet= Xtreme 158gr PSWC (you could substitute a 158gr lead RN or SWC here) Powder= 4.4gr Trail Boss powder( a fast powder with a high loft) OAL= light roll crimp to the cannalure on the bullet Primer= Federal SPP(some of my revolvers are "tuned" and these primers are the easiest to ignite) These loads are easy on your brass, and a dream to re-size......plus fun to shoot !! __________________ Need DWM breechblock #21

08-22-2018, 06:43 PM	#17
Karl Lifer - Twice Over Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Savannah Posts: 530 Thanks: 0 Thanked 280 Times in 123 Posts	The gun arrived this afternoon. It is not a Smith and not a Colt, and I anticipate ridicule for that. It is a used Taurus 627. My friend has a Taurus 608 in .357 and I was impressed with it - excellent trigger and the ported barrel virtually eliminates muzzle jump. I was prepared to buy a new one but I was put off by the giant "TRACKER" logo on the side of current production. I got this one on Gunbroker for $325. and I am satisfied. KFS Attached Thumbnails

08-23-2018, 01:07 AM	#18
gunbugs Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Fairbanks, Alaska. Home of the best moose. Posts: 672 Thanks: 371 Thanked 1,202 Times in 407 Posts	I've got about 6 or 8 S&w 38's. Other than the 52, the revolvers generally get a 158 SWC with 5.5 of AA No5. Kind of my "go to" load. I've been shooting it for decades. A little faster than a true "target" load, but it shoots well out of all my guns.

08-23-2018, 08:04 PM	#20
Rick W. User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 339 Thanks: 81 Thanked 359 Times in 198 Posts	Running down someone's choice in firearms is kinda akin to kicking someone's dog. Some people just take time to get to know I guess; gotta keep the lamp out in front. I would enjoy the new acquisition. Life is short.