Ammo - feeding various S&W revolvers

[Waveski]

My questions are in regards to 2 specific ammo products , both .38 special :
Magtech 158 gr lrn , muzzle energy 200 ft lb , muzzle velocity 755 fps.

Fiocchi 130 gr fmj , muzzle energy 284 ft lb , muzzle velocity 950 fps.

Question on the Magtech ; Am I correct in thinking that this lrn is an appropriate and safe ammunition for use in older revolvers , such as a model o 1902 and a model of 1905 , both from around 1910? Seems like a round which resembles that which those models were designed for - am I right in that?

The Fiocchi 130 gr fmj ... not sold as +P , but a bit on the hot side... My intended use for this product is in shooting a model 15 , a 14 , and a couple of stainless J frames , none of which are +P rated.

I am working on stocking up on ammunition which is appropriate to some of my favorite revolvers. These two products are (I think) of reasonable quality and price. Informed opinions on these combinations of revolver and ammo will be appreciated.

 

[Sistema1927]

I would use either in any of my .38 Special revolvers without worry.

 

[Jonesy814]

I don't think either is hotter than the old ammo, but I don't shoot FMJ in my old model of 1905 S&W. I feel the lead bullets will be easier in the forcing cone and barrel rifling.

 

[GRIZ22]

If your guns are working properly either could be used in any of them IMO.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

Unfortunately velocity and muzzle energy are not good indicators of what is safe to fire in a revolver. Pressure is the most important thing. In other words, depending on the powder used pressure can vary somewhat.and none of the ammo manufacturers that I am aware of list the actual pressure of their products. SAAMI Spec maximum pressure for 38 Special is 17,000 PSI which is pretty low. Any ammunition you find on the shelves will be below that and safe to shoot in most revolvers.

HOWEVER...........

The cylinders of the Model 1899 and Model 1902 were not heat treated. These revolvers were manufactured when Black Powder ammunition was still quite common, and yes, 38 Special started out as a Black Powder round. Black Powder generally develops less pressure than most Smokeless powders.

I only put very light loads through my Model of 1899. I would not dream of putting jacketed bullets through it, only lead. Usually my own light 'cowboy' hand loads. If I owned a Model 1902 I would do the same.

Smith and Wesson did not start heat treating cylinders for the 38 Military and Police until about 1920, during 38 M&P 1905 4th Change production, around Serial Number 316648. They began heat treating cylinders to make them stronger and safer for Smokeless Powder.

The Model 1917 revolvers were heat treated for jacketed bullets.

Other than the Model 1899, for most of my old Smiths, made anywhere before 1930 or so, I usually shoot Federal American Eagle 158 grain Lead Round Nosed ammunition. It is often very reasonably priced. As I said, I do not use their jacketed ammo, only lead. The data printed on the box says 770 fps at the muzzle and 210 ft-lbs. Again, no pressure data, but this stuff meets SAAMI Specs.

For any S&W revolver with a Model Number, such as Model 15, or 14, these have all been made after 1957. Any off the shelf ammunition is fine for them.

 

[Hertzer]

Something I have noticed when shooting my older fixed sight S&W revolvers is that they were set for use with 158 grain bullets so with lighter faster bullets the point of impact tends not to be at point of aim. I still get decent groups but not in the same placed as the 158 grain bullets group.