Cowboy “Choice Ammunition” Coupon?

[Calico Jack]

Due to my employer being a bunch of bumbling fools - I am switching from my planned 45 colt route to 38 special to save some coin where I can.

 

I do not currently reload so my plan was to stock up for the matches I want to shoot this year.

 

Choice Ammunition is of course SASS affiliated and so I feel fairly confident in the ammo itself but I was curious if anyway was aware of a coupon code I could use before ordering. 
 

Also open to any feedback on their ammo!

 

I will be shooting a Rossi R92 24” and Taylors Smokewagons 5.5”.

 

Thank you friends! Be well, be safe!

[Sedalia Dave]

In your Rossi 92 you'll likely need to shoot .357 vice 38 specials. most 38 special length ammo in a 92 action tends to stove pipe or have other feeding issues when run fast.

 

You won't know until you try, but I would test fire a couple boxes of 158 grain 38 specials and see how they feed cycling the action as fast as you can. I would also try the .357 ammo loaded with both 125 gr and 158 grain bullets and see which feeds better. 

 

For your pistols either the 105 or 125 grain loads will work well.

 

Because the bullet profiles are different for the different 38 special bullet weights you won't have any issues telling them apart.

 

I've been shooting 92's for about 10 years. In all I have set up 6 Rossi 92's. Those that I have set up would feed 125 grain 38 specials with zero issues IF the COAL was 1.505" to 1.510". any shorter and I would have feeding issues. To get this length the bullets are not crimped in the crimp groove and I had to adjust my loads from what most people use to allow for the increased case volume.  

They will also run .357 ammo with bullet weights between 130 and 158 grains with no issues. 

 

I used the video sold by Nate Kiowa Jones at www.stevesgunz.com

[Sedalia Dave]

Do the math. depending on how many matches you plan to shoot a reloading setup will pay for itself pretty quickly.

[Badlands Bob #61228]

1 hour ago, Sedalia Dave said:

Do the math. depending on how many matches you plan to shoot a reloading setup will pay for itself pretty quickly.

Buying components in bulk is a lot cheaper than buying loaded ammo in bulk.

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

Get ahold of Scarlett Darlin. She's a SASS ammo maker.

[SouthwestShooter]

Been using Choice since they started SASS/COWBOY loads.  Great ammo, and I  believe they have gone back to federal  primers.  They passed out a coupon at EOT...I think it's for  15% and is SASS2025 I think.  WINDY...

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

23 minutes ago, SouthwestShooter said:

Been using Choice since they started SASS/COWBOY loads.  Great ammo, and I  believe they have gone back to federal  primers.  They passed out a coupon at EOT...I think it's for  15% and is SASS2025 I think.  WINDY...

Her ammo works in a '92, I've seen it first hand.

You should at least call her.....

[Calico Jack]

7 hours ago, Sedalia Dave said:

In your Rossi 92 you'll likely need to shoot .357 vice 38 specials. most 38 special length ammo in a 92 action tends to stove pipe or have other feeding issues when run fast.

 

You won't know until you try, but I would test fire a couple boxes of 158 grain 38 specials and see how they feed cycling the action as fast as you can. I would also try the .357 ammo loaded with both 125 gr and 158 grain bullets and see which feeds better. 

 

For your pistols either the 105 or 125 grain loads will work well.

 

Because the bullet profiles are different for the different 38 special bullet weights you won't have any issues telling them apart.

 

I've been shooting 92's for about 10 years. In all I have set up 6 Rossi 92's. Those that I have set up would feed 125 grain 38 specials with zero issues IF the COAL was 1.505" to 1.510". any shorter and I would have feeding issues. To get this length the bullets are not crimped in the crimp groove and I had to adjust my loads from what most people use to allow for the increased case volume.  

They will also run .357 ammo with bullet weights between 130 and 158 grains with no issues. 

 

I used the video sold by Nate Kiowa Jones at www.stevesgunz.com

Thank you for this incredible break down! I truly appreciate it!

 

I will be sure to try a spread of ammo and different shooting speeds to see what behavior I get.

 

It is a lot easier to order the right ammo than it is to invest and learn how to reload. It is on my list. I need to create a workstation in the basement and research a full list of what I would need to order and then perhaps a local friend can mentor me on the process.

 

I also need to look at trading my R92 carbine in 45 colt for another 38/357 rifle or carbine. 
 

I am planning on installing a spring kit in this rifle tonight as well.

 

I will also look into trying some of Scarlett’s ammo!

 

Thank you again!

 

[H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619]

 

7 hours ago, Sedalia Dave said:

In your Rossi 92 you'll likely need to shoot .357 vice 38 specials. most 38 special length ammo in a 92 action tends to stove pipe or have other feeding issues when run fast.

 

Dave speaks the truth.   The same can be said for trying to run .44 Specials in a .44 Magnum Rossi.   Their guns don't seem to like shorter than normal ammo.

[Sedalia Dave]

Choice Ammunition is a SASS affiliated merchant. They also own Chey-Cast bullets. 

 

Unlike many other ammo makers, their Cowboy Action ammo is specifically for Cowboy Action and is loaded to the same velocities many CAS shooters load their own ammo to.

They sell ammo in all the common CAS calibers including 38-40 and 44-40 

[Sedalia Dave]

4 hours ago, The Original Lumpy Gritz said:

Her ammo works in a '92, I've seen it first hand.

You should at least call her.....

 

125 grain 38 specials loaded to factory COAL will not run well in a Rossi 92. This is because the cartridge guides are a compromise between 2 different cartridge overall lengths.

Because of how the action works, this compromise causes 38 special length ammo to have feeding issues when loaded with light weight bullets. With proper action tuning 38 specials loaded with 158 grain bullets will work. This action tuning requires modifications to the LH cartridge guide and proper spacing/alignment of the RH cartridge guide. Springs alone will not correct feeding issues.

 

Yes a good machinist could modify a 92 to run 38 special length ammo flawlessly but would be cost prohibitive and would mean that the rifle would not feed 357 length ammo.

 

Just like a Marlin, a 92 can be short stroked if you're willing to shell out the cash. However just like a short stroked Marlin it would be restricted to a very narrow range of cartridge lengths. 

[Calico Jack]

17 hours ago, Sedalia Dave said:

 

125 grain 38 specials loaded to factory COAL will not run well in a Rossi 92. This is because the cartridge guides are a compromise between 2 different cartridge overall lengths.

Because of how the action works, this compromise causes 38 special length ammo to have feeding issues when loaded with light weight bullets. With proper action tuning 38 specials loaded with 158 grain bullets will work. This action tuning requires modifications to the LH cartridge guide and proper spacing/alignment of the RH cartridge guide. Springs alone will not correct feeding issues.

 

Yes a good machinist could modify a 92 to run 38 special length ammo flawlessly but would be cost prohibitive and would mean that the rifle would not feed 357 length ammo.

 

Just like a Marlin, a 92 can be short stroked if you're willing to shell out the cash. However just like a short stroked Marlin it would be restricted to a very narrow range of cartridge lengths. 

I just got off the phone with Choice Ammunition - they are going to try and add some 357 to my order - that way I can try a wide variety of ammo and see what it prefers. 

 

They were adamant I would not have issues in my rifle with their 38s. I did try and communicate the technical information to them that I learned here - although I think perhaps they thought I was saying there was an issue with their ammunition. I tried to assure them it was simply a matter of the gun being a picky eater.
 

I will post a range report when my order comes in and I have a chance to test! Thanks again for all the help!

[Griff]

On 6/23/2025 at 4:22 AM, Sedalia Dave said:

In your Rossi 92 you'll likely need to shoot .357 vice 38 specials. most 38 special length ammo in a 92 action tends to stove pipe or have other feeding issues when run fast.

 

You won't know until you try, but I would test fire a couple boxes of 158 grain 38 specials and see how they feed cycling the action as fast as you can. I would also try the .357 ammo loaded with both 125 gr and 158 grain bullets and see which feeds better. 

 

For your pistols either the 105 or 125 grain loads will work well.

 

Because the bullet profiles are different for the different 38 special bullet weights you won't have any issues telling them apart.

 

I've been shooting 92's for about 10 years. In all I have set up 6 Rossi 92's. Those that I have set up would feed 125 grain 38 specials with zero issues IF the COAL was 1.505" to 1.510". any shorter and I would have feeding issues. To get this length the bullets are not crimped in the crimp groove and I had to adjust my loads from what most people use to allow for the increased case volume.  

They will also run .357 ammo with bullet weights between 130 and 158 grains with no issues. 

 

I used the video sold by Nate Kiowa Jones at www.stevesgunz.com

I didn't use Steve's video on any of the 3 Rossis I have.  But, then... I'm not sure it was available back in the late 1980s!  But, the recommended techniques I was given by other shooters and developed on my own, are pretty close.  Both of the .38/.357 carbines run either .38 Specials or 357s at speed.  Both my wife & son used them when they were competing, and winning matches with them.   The 45 Colt Short Rifle ain't quite as slick, but I didn't work on it quite as long either.  And with 4 other 45 SASS rifles, not really needed for the game, it being more my hunting gun.

[Sheriff Dill]

I originally wanted to buy ammo for each match. However I found it a lot more cost effective to make the jump and purchase a press and reload my own for our shoots especially now that it will be my son and I shooting.  I was spending around $600.00 a year just for him to shoot not including shotshell. 
 

I found a really good deal on a used press. 

[Smokin Gator SASS #29736]

For someone starting shooting matches it's pretty easy to set up a single stage press and load a few hundred rounds per month. Buy your shotshells. 

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

2 hours ago, Smokin Gator SASS #29736 said:

For someone starting shooting matches it's pretty easy to set up a single stage press and load a few hundred rounds per month. Buy your shotshells. 

That gets old real fast!

Look hard at a Dillon 550.

[Smokin Gator SASS #29736]

2 hours ago, The Original Lumpy Gritz said:

That gets old real fast!

Look hard at a Dillon 550.

If you're only talking 2-3 hundred rounds a month it's a cheaper way to get started. And you can still use the single stage for somethings if you upgrade to a Dillon.

[Calico Jack]

11 hours ago, The Original Lumpy Gritz said:

That gets old real fast!

Look hard at a Dillon 550.

I will take a gander at it and do some more research. 
 

Is the Dillon 550 the “buy once, cry once” path for reloading?

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

1 hour ago, Calico Jack said:

I will take a gander at it and do some more research. 
 

Is the Dillon 550 the “buy once, cry once” path for reloading?

Yes, best CS ever.

Been run'n a 550 since 1987, load 14 calibers.

The 550 is the KISS of all progressive presses. 

[Brazos Bottom Bill Miller]

11 hours ago, Smokin Gator SASS #29736 said:

If you're only talking 2-3 hundred rounds a month it's a cheaper way to get started. And you can still use the single stage for somethings if you upgrade to a Dillon.

That's what I use. A Lee Classic single stage.. Sit and watch tv and reload 20 bullets.  Do it in the evenings, and you can replenish your shooting by just watching a movie or a couple of shows.

[El Sobrante Kid]

17 hours ago, The Original Lumpy Gritz said:

That gets old real fast!

Look hard at a Dillon 550.

 

Calico Jack, not sure if you shoot other calibers or not, but another plus of (most of) the Progressive Reloading Presses is that you can easily and quickly change the caliber you are reloading. Typically all you need is one additional tool head and the correct set of dies for each caliber you want to reload. Lots of info to search on the Wire about reloading. GL!

[Red Eye Jim]

I'm going to be one of the +1's for suggesting a Dillon 550 for reloading for SASS over using a single stage.

 

I for one would *NOT* recommend doing anything else while reloading, however.  I personally just turn on some music and go at it.  Not having anything distracting me allows me to focus on "place brass, place bullet, pull handle, push handle, visual verify powder during turn, repeat." 

 

Once you have your die heads setup you can usually swap out calibers in about 10 minutes.  20 if you need to change the primer size.   Once setup, I crank about 100 rounds in about 45-50 minutes depending on which one. 

 

I then pass each one through a checker before putting it in the ammo case.  I do need to figure out a better way to check for high primmer though.  Using my thumb isn't as good as once was apparently.  The last couple of matches my wife has either found high primers when loading or on the line...

 

[Gateway Kid SASS# 70038 Life]

550 in any configuration (A, B, C) is a great press. My first in 1982! Had (and still have a Rock Chucker) that has a semi permanent place in the shed these days. Over the years have acquired a 650 and a 750 as well, but for small runs (<200 or so) of calibers I don’t use a lot, the 550 is my go to. Used as a more or less single stage, all my hunting ammo will produce 1 inch groups at 200 yards if I do my part. Plenty accurate enough for me. Love the quick change tool heads (which are considerably cheaper than the 650/750 versions. Only complaint is when making 1000 plus of something could really use a powder check like the 650/750 has. The 550 will produce 300-400 an hour comfortably for me if I have preloaded primer tubes. I check weight, COAL, and crimp about every 80, so could probably go faster but not necessary for me.

Good luck in this adventure!

Regards

    

Gateway Kid

PS some will tell you to learn on a single stage (which I did for the week or so it took to get my 550 here) but the 550 can be used as a quality single stage so in retrospect I can’t think of any compelling reason to have both, unless you want! Do what makes you happy!

[Sheriff Dill]

@Calico Jackone just listed for sale 

[Calico Jack]

1 hour ago, Sheriff Dill said:

@Calico Jackone just listed for sale 

Good lookin out, thank you!

 

Also thank you Gateway Kid, that’s sage advice and great feedback.

[Crazy Gun Barney, SASS #2428]

Everybody will suggest going blue.  I even gave in a few years ago and got a 550.  But you cant go wrong with a single stage press.  in fact, get a couple.  You can get used or small presses cheap.  For example, my dad and I started many years ago with a RCBS reloaded special.  Fine press!  We soon added a RCBS partner press mounted to the worktable next to the first press.  That turns it into a "sort of" progressive.  We can size in one press, then transfer it to the second to expand the mouth.  kind of cuts out one full handling of the brass.  I prime using a hand primer.  Then I powder 50 at a time (tray I use hold 50) and insert the lead and crimp.  Doing it this way allows you to break up the process over time.   Since then, I have picked up a few more presses for one project or another.  I dont have a permanent location to keep them mounted, but I do have a board with permanent mounting hardware installed that I mount to my worktable.  That way i can simply screw the press into the t-nuts already mounted into the board.

 

I will usually deprime with a hand deprimer in the evenings while watching tv.  then when i have a proper bucket of deprimed brass, I drop them into the polisher.  Then when I am ready, I will set up the two presses and size and flare all of them.  Priming takes place a different day.  Then powder and lead can happen on another day.  I find it easier to grab small sections of time than to block out large amounts of time.

[Eyesa Horg]

I'm exhausted just reading that! 

[Calico Jack]

On 6/24/2025 at 8:28 PM, The Original Lumpy Gritz said:

That gets old real fast!

Look hard at a Dillon 550.

I can send you an invoice for this since it was your idea right?

 

Thanks Big’un Bruce, who I can’t seem to tag because the menu is far off to the left of my screen on mobile, for the hookup! 
 

[Scarlett]

Welcome to THE MOST FUN EVER!! This game is full of wonderful folks as you can see here. Lots of friendly advice.  There’s not a lot of folks who load on a single stage press. I started with a single stage press.  I’d never reloaded before and wasn’t shooting but one or two matches per month. I really enjoyed it. I liked the process. I got set up with more than I really needed for less than $400. That’s been a while, but still. Buying ammo whether from Choice or me gets expensive over time. 
 

Lee Single Stage press

Set of 38/357 dies

Lee Factory Crimp Die

wet or dry tumbling set up. I’d start with dry but others will say wet. 
 

Primers - Federal Small

Powder - pretty much 3.2-3.4 gr of any shotgun powder will work

Bullet -I think starting with 125gr Trucated cone is best vs RNFP in Uberti 73. The ones I sell don’t have a crimp groove which allows you to load to the OAL that you want. 
 

There are 7,000 gr in a pound. A pound of powder will go a long way. Loading your own ammo is not only cost saving but also helps you learn more… and is really enjoyable. Just be sure to PAY ATTENTION.  Don’t load up a bunch until you test them first. (I learned the hard way). If you go progressive, get an RCBS lockout die for your powder check spot. It’s magic. 😉. Locks press if too much or too little powder. 
 

Have a BLAST!

 

Hugs!

Scarlett

 

PS Apologies if I’m repeating what others have said. 

 

[Calico Jack]

41 minutes ago, Scarlett said:

Welcome to THE MOST FUN EVER!! This game is full of wonderful folks as you can see here. Lots of friendly advice.  There’s not a lot of folks who load on a single stage press. I started with a single stage press.  I’d never reloaded before and wasn’t shooting but one or two matches per month. I really enjoyed it. I liked the process. I got set up with more than I really needed for less than $400. That’s been a while, but still. Buying ammo whether from Choice or me gets expensive over time. 
 

Lee Single Stage press

Set of 38/357 dies

Lee Factory Crimp Die

wet or dry tumbling set up. I’d start with dry but others will say wet. 
 

Primers - Federal Small

Powder - pretty much 3.2-3.4 gr of any shotgun powder will work

Bullet -I think starting with 125gr Trucated cone is best vs RNFP in Uberti 73. The ones I sell don’t have a crimp groove which allows you to load to the OAL that you want. 
 

There are 7,000 gr in a pound. A pound of powder will go a long way. Loading your own ammo is not only cost saving but also helps you learn more… and is really enjoyable. Just be sure to PAY ATTENTION.  Don’t load up a bunch until you test them first. (I learned the hard way). If you go progressive, get an RCBS lockout die for your powder check spot. It’s magic. 😉. Locks press if too much or too little powder. 
 

Have a BLAST!

 

Hugs!

Scarlett

 

PS Apologies if I’m repeating what others have said. 

 

Thank you! You threw in a lot of awesome tips and wisdom for me! 
 

I managed to get a new 550 from a new friend - So now I need to make a list of the other items I will need to get started. 
 

You answered a lot of the questions I had or didn’t know I had yet lol 

 

Thank you! 

[Dantankerous]

Look into the Lee Classic Turret Press. Quite affordable. Easy to use. I load 11 different calibers on mine. Bought this specifically for cowboy. It has been trouble-free since day one. I can load 250 to 300 rounds per hour but a more leisurely pace will yield 200. It is a great piece of equipment on which to learn reloading. 

Edited June 30 by Dantankerous

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

16 hours ago, Dantankerous said:

Look into the Lee Classic Turret Press. Quite affordable. Easy to use. I load 11 different calibers on mine. Bought this specifically for cowboy. It has been trouble-free since day one. I can load 250 to 300 rounds per hour but a more leisurely pace will yield 200. It is a great piece of equipment on which to learn reloading. 

Agree on the Turret except I was always slower than that.   Kind of like my shooting.  

[Prairie Dawg, SASS #50329]

FWIW, 357s run better in my rifles than 38s.

38s will run OK, but the .357s run smoother, so that's what I use in my 38/357 rifles.

I save 38s for my 38-only rifles.

I know many folks are sensitive to saving $$ where they can, but CAS shooters spend lots of coin to get quicker, smoother pistols, rifles, and shotguns.  IMHO, for the average shooter, the ammo you run makes a bigger difference than much of what we spend to make our guns "match or competition ready" 
--Dawg

[Calico Jack]

I am now the proud owner of a Dillon 550C but I have some bad news lol 

 

What I’m about to show you could be considered graphic - I would probably describe it as gun gore.

 

Ive been working the action on this rifle day and night, I have a tendency to fidget, and it has been lubricated with ballistol the entire time.

Over the weekend the action started to hang up as it was first engaging from a close position. I decided to clean it (it’s never been shot yet as I was waiting on ammo order). 
 

I discovered some unexpected wear and what is most definitely a catastrophic  failure of the screw threads on the receiver side.

I took it to the gun store I got it from today and it’s being sent off to Rossi. There’s no putting metal back where it’s not so I’m hoping for a replacement and not the runaround lol

 

RIP - my cowboy choice ammo just arrived today lol 

 

 

 

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

46 minutes ago, Calico Jack said:

I am now the proud owner of a Dillon 550C but I have some bad news lol 

 

What I’m about to show you could be considered graphic - I would probably describe it as gun gore.

 

Ive been working the action on this rifle day and night, I have a tendency to fidget, and it has been lubricated with ballistol the entire time.

Over the weekend the action started to hang up as it was first engaging from a close position. I decided to clean it (it’s never been shot yet as I was waiting on ammo order). 
 

I discovered some unexpected wear and what is most definitely a catastrophic  failure of the screw threads on the receiver side.

I took it to the gun store I got it from today and it’s being sent off to Rossi. There’s no putting metal back where it’s not so I’m hoping for a replacement and not the runaround lol

 

RIP - my cowboy choice ammo just arrived today lol 

 

 

 

Do you have a picture of the outside of the receiver?