What can anyone tell me about this .38 Special ammo?

[Seedy Character]

I concur

Safe to shoot, but definitely collectible.

I sold an empty, Western shotshell box on ebay for $26 + shipping.
Great condition box, full of match ammo , should be an easy sell.

 

[.38 Special]

https://www.gunsinternational.com/g...n-super-match-38-special.cfm?gun_id=101569501

125 dollars for two boxes. you might want to keep that box intact.

luck,

murf

Hell, isn't that pretty much what ammunition costs these days?

<edit> I meant that as a joke, but then got curious. Turns out that I wasn't being that funny. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2900280244?pid=793723

 

[citizenconn]

Well, the box is old. The ammunition? Not so sure. In focus pictures of the ammunition including the primer, will help determine if it is original to the box or reloaded.


Kevin

Here are some more pictures of the entire box of ammo and the primers. This is about as in focus as my old phone will manage.

 

[Dave T]

I would say that is definitely factory ammo not reloads. But, YMMV!

Dave

 

[.38 Special]

If those aren't factory loads, somebody went to a heck of a lot of trouble to make them look like it. I don't remember the last time I saw domed primers available to handloaders.

 

[StrawHat]

Yep, those old primers are making me think original.
Go to the ammunition collectors web sites and see what they buy and sell for.


Kevin

 

[Hooda Thunkit]

. I don't remember the last time I saw domed primers available to handloaders.

Decades ago, one could get different primer seating pins: concave for the domed primers and flat for the more modern primers.

I can't remember the last time saw a priming pin for a domed primer.

 

[.38 Special]

Decades ago, one could get different primer seating pins: concave for the domed primers and flat for the more modern primers.

I can't remember the last time saw a priming pin for a domed primer.

I actually have one, or did at some point (I haven't seen it in a very long time...)

What I don't have is the press that it used to fit into!

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

I will pile on with everyone else.

Definitely factory ammo. Notice the layer of orange/yellow sealant around the primers. I don't know anybody who does that today, at least I don't.

Yup, mild Wadcutter target loads. Should be safe in any 38 Special revolver that is in good condition.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Also, the cardboard separators to separate the cartridges. I don't recall seeing cardboard separators in a long time. These days factories are either using foam with holes for each cartridge, or injection molded plastic.

 

[.38 Special]

Also, the cardboard separators to separate the cartridges. I don't recall seeing cardboard separators in a long time. These days factories are either using foam with holes for each cartridge, or injection molded plastic.

I've gone a little overboard buying these "replica" cartridge boxes - I just can't resist the nostalgia.

 

[Haywood]

Here is one for you. Has anyone got info on this ammo?

 

[gwpercle]

It's probably the best target ammo you can beg, borrow or steal ... it may not even be made any longer .
I would keep it for some serious target shooting . Burning it up on tin cans is such a waste .
Buy some of the plated and/or FMJ stuff they make now days for burning up ...
The HBWC is pure target ammo and probably un-obtainable now days .
Gary

 

[Coyote3855]

They were also meant for the S&W Model 39.

Any factory .38 Special ammo is safe in any .38 Special revolver in proper working condition. That ammo was used in a semi-auto but not exclusively. It was very popular with revolver bullseye shooting to like in the S&W Model 14. (Smith & Wesson Model K-38 Target Masterpiece) No fears... I reload and load that type of ammo all the time for my .38 Special revolvers. The Wadcutter bullet is named so because it punches a nice round hole in the target that looks like a hole puncher did it making scoring easy.

Model 39 or 52? I think the 52 was derived from the 39. My 39 is 9mm.

 

[BigBlue 94]

It's probably the best target ammo you can beg, borrow or steal ... it may not even be made any longer .
I would keep it for some serious target shooting . Burning it up on tin cans is such a waste .
Buy some of the plated and/or FMJ stuff they make now days for burning up ...
The HBWC is pure target ammo and probably un-obtainable now days .
Gary

HBWC in 38 special is still available from Fiochi and a couple other brands.

I use sealant on some ammo; primers and bullets. Mainly stuff that will could be potentially carried in the rain or snow.

 

[Old_Grouch]

Model 39 or 52? I think the 52 was derived from the 39. My 39 is 9mm.

I think you're right.
Bonus point question: What cartridge was the Model 52-A variant chambered for? (No Google cheating )

 

[BigBlue 94]

I think you're right.
Bonus point question: What cartridge was the Model 52-A variant chambered for? (No Google cheating )

The model 52 is indeed what shot these 38 Special HBWC.

Dunno the bonus question

 

[StrawHat]

I think you're right.
Bonus point question: What cartridge was the Model 52-A variant chambered for? (No Google cheating )

Was that chambered for the 38 AMU?

Kevin

 

[Old_Grouch]

Was that chambered for the 38 AMU?

Yes it was!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Model 39 or 52? I think the 52 was derived from the 39. My 39 is 9mm.

You are correct, my mistake... (don't get old)

At least the rest of that post was correct. (I hope lol)

 

[azrn]

i have not seen a box of western ammo in 50 years.

 

[gwpercle]

HBWC in 38 special is still available from Fiochi and a couple other brands.

I use sealant on some ammo; primers and bullets. Mainly stuff that will could be potentially carried in the rain or snow.

I meant manufactured by Winchester-Western ... others still make them but W-W was some great ammo and it's been a while since I've seen it on the shelf ... maybe 40 years ? I started loading my own and even casting my own 148 gr. WC bullets when I started shooting in NRA Bullseye Match Competition locally .
I always thought the W-W Target stuff was the best and was my goal to match it's accuracy .
Gary

 

[Coyote3855]

You are correct, my mistake... (don't get old)

At least the rest of that post was correct. (I hope lol)

Too late! I'm already old and make many errors of commission and omission.

 

[Hal]

I didn't see this posted - if it was forgive me.

What lot numbers are printed on the tab of the box?

Those should have the date of manufacture.

 

[halfmoonclip]

The .38 WC will shoot in any .38/.357 revo, but PPs are right, the old rounds/boxes are likely collectable.
Wadcutters only .38 semi autos are rare birds; none remain in production. Current Bullseye guys have gone to lower recoil .32 WCs, that run in high end Walthers and Hammerlis.
BTW, the S&W 52 is a steel framed iteration of the single stack S&W 39 9mm. There is reputed to be a 952, a tuned version of the 9mm; not sure what specific sort of ammo it may use.
Moon