38 S&W lead bullets

[johnfrost]

I need some round nosed 38 S&W lead bullets. Can't seem to locate any suppliers. I'd like them to be 158 grain which was the main bullet used for the 38 S&W around 1890. Does anyone know of a source? Appreciate any suggestions or help on this. I'm trying to put together a display of an old S&W revolver and I'd like to load some brass (without powder) with the actual bullets of the period.

 

[Starter52]

While the .38 S&W was made to take a .360 bullet, a lot of us have found that the standard .357 diameter bullet works just fine.

If all you needed were a few, you might find a partial box of old .38 Special RN ammo and pull the bullets.

 

[Branspop]

http://www.laser-cast.com/38Cal.html

 

[Clark]

The important thing for me is to get a soft lead bullet and wimpy recoil for the 38 S&W to go in Iver Johnson break tops. The latch is fragile, and the force of bullet friction and recoil on the mass of the barrel can stretch the latch and make the action loose.

http://www.westernbullet.com/cbip/cbip.html

Most 200 grain .35 caliber bullets are meant for rifle, although some pistol cartridges can be used with the heavyweight bullet. Since most .35 bullets around 200 gr. are meant for rifles they are far too long for most revolver cylinders. This bullet carries most of its weight behind the crimping groove allowing it to function in the cylinder of most pistols. The .38/200 loading of the .38 S&W would be a good choice for this bullet. Heavy .357 loads can also use it. This bullet can also, of course, be used in rifles.

Write to the old guy that is Western bullets and ask him how soft that bullet is.

 

[johnfrost]

Thanks for the info.

thanks to all of you for the info. Found what I was looking for at Western Bullet in Missoula MT. which Clark gave the web site for. They had .360 in 160 grain which is probably as close as I can get.
I'm hoping to seat the bullets with my 38 special/357 die. If that does not work may have to find a .360 die.

Thanks again. I already placed an order for the bullets.

 

[Old Fuff]

The original .38 S&W cartridges were usually loaded with a 146 grain RNL bullet, backed by 12 to 15 grains of FFFg black powder. The 200 grain bullet came much later, and should not be used in top-break revolvers.

If it is your intention to make a display, I suggest that you use the real thing. Follow this link.

http://members.aol.com/mg64guy/

 

[johnfrost]

Old Fluff

Thanks for the reply and the site for the cartridge collector. I got my information from my Speer manual which said the bullet was a 158 grain back then. What I ordered yesterday is 160 grain, and in the .360. However, I'll check out the bullet collector as well.

 

[Old Fuff]

Actually, if you buy a box of current .38 S&W you will find that in appearance it is identical to most of the same cartridges that were sold during the 19th century. A review of the cartridge collector's inventory will confirm the issues concerning bullet weight. Since you are only looking at making a display you may find that the cost of buying rounds made around the turn of the 20th century is less expensive then the way you're going. This of course presumes that you have no intention of firing this stuff.

Just for grins, to to the following site: www.armsbid.com

They recently completed an auction that included a large number of vintage S&W revolvers and ammunition - some of the ammunition was still in the original box(s). While you can't bid on anything now, I'm sure you will have an interesting and enjoyable visit.

 

[johnfrost]

Old Fluff

Thanks for the lead on the auction site. Was kind of interesting to check out. Been busy with the storm we had up here (I'm in Olympia, WA). We were lucky, power at our house was only out 12 hours; some may not get power till around Christmas in outlying areas.
Haven't gotten the bullets I ordered yet but guess I'll go ahead and seat them and see how that goes. Sure appreciate the input.

 

[Steve 48]

I use Leadheads at www.proshootpro.com. There 158 gr RN are great!! Steve48