Checking reloads

[Aaryq]

Howdy, folks. I came across about 200 or so rounds of .38 special JHP's. They're all reloads and at least 20 years old. When my dad joined the PD, he was issued a .38 special until he bought his own service pistol. He was given 8 rounds of .357 mag and 200 rounds of .38 special. Due to some policy that I don't understand, he gets to keep that ammo even after he leaves the dept. He's the Sheriff now and gave me the ammo. I eventually intend to buy either a marlin rifle or else a revolver either or can handle .38 spec/.357 mag revolver. What do I look for in a reloaded round to see if it will work.

 

[sctman800]

If it was good then it is probably good now. I would shoot it, if you are not comfortable with that pull the bullets then reload with new powder. Jim.

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

I'm not sure how you expect us not to make this about the ammo when your question is about the ammo, but here it goes...

Aside from having someone who knows what they are doing disassemble it and check out what how much and what type powder is in there, there isn't really a good way to be sure. I mean, you could measure OAL or whatever, but you still wouldn't know what is in there. Even then, you'd still may want to weigh every round to make they were consistent.

The other option is just to shoot them and see what happens. While it may not be the safest way to go, it would quickly tell you if that particular round was ok. One down, 199 to go. I mean, chances are that if they were loaded up a bunch for a police department, they are problably ok. But, you never know.

 

[PotatoJudge]

1. Will it fit in the chamber?
2. Does it have a primer?
3. When you shake it, can you hear the powder in there? In pistol rounds, normally you hear nothing. In rifle rounds, you can usually hear powder being shaken.
4. Bullet?

There is no way to tell if the primer or powder is good, or if the flash hole is patent, without shooting it.

Getting a 357 to shoot them is a good idea.

 

[Hemicuda]

Since this can't be about the ammo, Arayq, I'll ask

"Hey, man, How's the weather out there in southern Cali?"

I hope my question helped answer your query, since it can't be about the ammo!

 

[Jeff F]

Are you sure those rounds are reloads? I've never herd of a PD issuing reloaded ammo for duty. Reloaded ammo is used at the range and most of the time is issued at the range and not taken home.

 

[Pilgrim]

Due to some policy that I don't understand, he gets to keep that ammo even after he leaves the dept.

Inventory and accounting is much easier if ammunition issued is considered expended.

Pilgrim

 

[Numinous]

The only way to be sure it's safe is to take each round apart, weigh the powder and make sure it's within acceptable limits(if you can figure out what powder it is to begin with), and then put it back together and shoot it.

.38spl has a case volume large enough to create a very big over pressure condition if it was reloaded carelessly or with the wrong powder.

How do you know they are reloads? Are you making an assumption because the bullets are not copper jacketed or something?

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

Pull one of the bullets, weigh it, post a pic of it on here (maybe someone will know what it is).
Shoot a few of the rounds through a chronograph (if you have access to one). Record the velocities, look for large variances plus the average fps. That should tell you all you need to know about them.