What factory ammo CANT I shoot in my M38 Swede

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meanmrmustard

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I fired the M38 for the first time today (heavenly) and I burned through 40 rounds of Prvi 139 gr SPs.

What loads can I safely use in this action? Its 1941 dated, and flawless. It will be used at bench and deer hunting, but Id like to stock up.

What say ye?
 
+1

I've shot hot handloads in mine for years. Can't imagine any factory loads being unsafe in an m38 as the one you've described.
 
Thanks for the info fellas. Ive ordered another 100 rounds of Prvi 139 gr SP, it grouped fantastic, but I didnt want to be limited to a staple.

Im not sure of the twist rate for the short barrel, what weights can an M38 stabalize efficiently for nominal deer hunting ranges, i.e; 400 yards or less?
 
Norma makes a couple I would not shoot out of an old rifle since it rivals the speed of my modern action handloads, but I have never even seen them in the states so you probably don't need to worry about those.
Glad those Prvi are working out for you, try out the brass when you get a chance it is some really good stuff, I have some that I would bet I have shot 20+ times and not a single split neck or loose primer pocket, never seen anything like it.
 
That rifle was made to shoot the larger 6.5 bullets: you won't find a problem using what you find on the shelf.
Go back to Kachok for more specifics if you want to handload, but I'm really sure you won't have a problem with the big boys there either, it will just be a matter of how hot you can get them.
Yes, I have become a 6.5 nerd, lovin' every minute of it...
Greg
 
Thanks for chiming in guys.

Its been over a decade since i fired 6.5 Swede, so its been a pleasure getting reacquainted with the cartridge again.

I think that I may look into finding out the twist rate in the barrel and buying bullets by weight accordingly.

I think Norma and Hornady make some stuff thats weightier.:confused:
 
M-38 should have a 1:7.8" if I remember correctly, you should be good to go on any boat tail 140gr or rount nose 160gr and I know it is a bit tight for this but you might get good accuracy with 120gr too, I do and mine is only a slightly slower 1:8" Best accuracy to date has been the 129gr SST and RL19 but that is splitting hairs the Sweed loves darn near everything.
 
Kachok said:
M-38 should have a 1:7.8" if I remember correctly, you should be good to go on any boat tail 140gr or rount nose 160gr and I know it is a bit tight for this but you might get good accuracy with 120gr too, I do and mine is only a slightly slower 1:8" Best accuracy to date has been the 129gr SST and RL19 but that is splitting hairs the Sweed loves darn near everything.
Click to expand...
This is good info.

This opens up many weights for me to try, getting the sweet spot.
 
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