.38 Spcl S&B ammo

[woof]

Anyone shoot >38 spcl from S&B? I'm asking because I just bought a Marlin levergun in .357/.38 and know that many seem to have jamming problems with .38s. It seems the longer the round (up to 1.55) the better they feed and can't be less than 1.40. Was wondering if a) someone could measure an S&B round 158 gr softpoint and b) if anyone knows what factory .38 spcl would be under but closer to 1.55. Thanks!

 

[MortalWombat]

Using the information from the Sellier and Bellot website here, and converting millimeters to inches (1 millimeter = 0.03937 inches), the 158 gr LRN is 1.549 inches, and the 158 gr SP and FMJ are 1.519 inches.

At Cabela's, the FMJ (these are flat nosed) are one dollar cheaper per 50 than the SPs. I don't know if you want to use LRN in a lever gun. Might be too pointy.

 

[Will5A1]

I have a 1894CP and it feeds the S&B .38 Special 158gr FMJ fine, I have not tried the SP round but shorter rounds do jam my rifle. AIM (www.aimsurplus.com) used to sell the S&B cheap, lately I've been using my handloads in .357 cases and the Independence .357 SP round. Once it jams up I need a screwdriver and have to remove the lever to undo it.

 

[steveno]

I like the S & B 38 spec wadcutters in my K-38

 

[hcb42]

S&B

I've used both the 158 gr FMJ and the wadcutters. Both work fine. The FMJ are a bit longer than say Winchesters, and the wadcutters seem to smoke a little bit and are more dirty, but never had a problem. The wadcutters are cheaper and in my Taurus UL / 2 inch are really accurate out to 50 feet at least.

 

[seeker_two]

I use the 158gr FMJ loads in both .38 & .357 and love them. Great shooting....

 

[gandog56]

It's not the wadcutters smoking. It's the bullet lube.