Marlin Buckhorn,SASS 51727 Posted August 20, 2013 Share Posted August 20, 2013 Might start loading 38 S&W. Now the references I have looked at say they use a .361 diameter bullet. My bullet supplier doesn't do these so I have a couple of questions; 1. What diameter bullet do you use. 2. What grain bullet do you use. 3. Where do you buy them. 4. What else should I be asking. I would be shooting these in a 3rd Model S&W Auto Ejection (Top Break) All help is appreciated, Marlin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rio Brazos Kid Posted August 20, 2013 Share Posted August 20, 2013 Missouri Bullet Co. 38 S&W Bullets 145 gr RN .361 Dia. 500 for $35.50 RBK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abilene Slim SASS 81783 Posted August 20, 2013 Share Posted August 20, 2013 Howdy Marlin, Missouri bullet has .361 at the link below. Missouri Bullet The biggest question is how old is your gun? If it's a 3rd model .38 double action (spur hammer) or safety hammerless, do not use smokeless loads. BP only as these old top break pocket pistols weren't meant for smokeless loads, no matter how light. .38 (medium, No. 2 frame size) 3rd model with spur hammer : SN 119,001 - 322,700; made from 1885-1895 .38 (medium, No. 2 frame size) 3rd model safety hammerless : SN 42,484 - 116,002; made from 1890-1898 Generally speaking, any pre-1900 gun should not be used with smokeless Another issue is the condition of your S&W. Many of them look ok but are worn out and not safe to shoot. Get it checked out. good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Driftwood Johnson, SASS #38283 Posted August 21, 2013 Share Posted August 21, 2013 Howdy .360 is the diameter that I often hear quoted for 38 S&W. Anyhoo, I have used these. They are only .359 diameter, but they work fine. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/2046424229/hunters-supply-hard-cast-bullets-38-caliber-359-diameter-100-grain-lead-flat-nose P.S. I do not use these with Smokeless in an old Top Break such as you describe. They are lubed with hard lube, so I use them with APP. I suppose if I was ambitous enough I could melt the lube out and pan lube them with a BP compatible lube so I could shoot them with real Black Powder, but I am a bit too lazy to pan lube bullets any more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marlin Buckhorn,SASS 51727 Posted August 21, 2013 Author Share Posted August 21, 2013 Thanks for the info guys. Looks like the gun is earlier than I thought. Last patent date on the barrel is Jan. 8, 1882. Serial number is 175xxx. With info supplied by Deadwood Slim, thank you very much, it appears the gun was produced around 1886 +or- a year or so. Thanks again guy. Any further info from anyone? Marlin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michigan Slim Posted August 21, 2013 Share Posted August 21, 2013 If you cast your own, Lee makes a 125 grain mold that throws .361 consistantly. It is listed as #90574. Double cavity. They also have a six cavity for that bullet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyrus Cassidy #45437 Posted August 21, 2013 Share Posted August 21, 2013 Hey pard, start casting bullets! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marlin Buckhorn,SASS 51727 Posted August 21, 2013 Author Share Posted August 21, 2013 Don't really need another hobby! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beartrap SASS#57175 Posted August 21, 2013 Share Posted August 21, 2013 At the distance, and as little as we usually shoot them, any 38 cal lead bullet (.357 or .358)loaded on top of APP will work fine. Just make sure you have a good crimp and fill the case to the bottom of whatever bullet you use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie T Waite Posted August 21, 2013 Share Posted August 21, 2013 Get mine from bandit shooting supply/ Rushmore ammunition, they make the bullets for Black Hills Ammunition and are very high quality & reasonable. http://www.banditshooting.com/ Charlie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 Posted August 25, 2013 Share Posted August 25, 2013 www.betterbullets.com has a .360", 158 grain round nose that I use to excellent effect. In fact, I get a lot of my bullets from them. Buffalo Arms aslo has a .358" 150 grain hollow base bullet. I originally got it for use in 38 Short and Long Colt, but it works pretty good in the S&W round as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack, SASS #20451 Posted August 26, 2013 Share Posted August 26, 2013 I get mine from Chey-cast in WY. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Utah Bob #35998 Posted August 26, 2013 Share Posted August 26, 2013 Don't really need another hobby! Ditto. Ain't enough hours in the day! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meesterpaul Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 www.betterbullets.com has a .360", 158 grain round nose that I use to excellent effect. In fact, I get a lot of my bullets from them. Buffalo Arms aslo has a .358" 150 grain hollow base bullet. I originally got it for use in 38 Short and Long Colt, but it works pretty good in the S&W round as well. count me in as another fan of BetterBullets.com. I was paying high $30's for 500 200gr 45s Update: last batch was $47, may have included 6% PA tax. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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