.38 S&W reloading ?

[ttocswob]

A friend at work just bought a H&R top break revolver in this caliber, and can't find ammo. Digging through my box o stuff, I found a single piece of .38 S&W nickel plated brass...so...

 

Since I had nothing else to do (!) I went through my books to see if I could make shootable ammo with my current dies, etc. To my surprise, diameter of 9mm is .005 less at the mouth and base, and the S&W case is slightly longer. So by short stroking the sizer die a bit, I got fairly close. My best available bullet was a 9mm 132 g RN from my Lee mold. A bit small, but I dipped in hot wax to fill the lube ring, and loaded over 2.5 g Bullseye.

 

My friend "Barney" put the lone bullet in his shirt pocket, then tried it in his gun last night. It fit all cylinders, and he was brave enough to fire it. Success!

 

Now for the questions. Available bullets (several 9mm .38 .357) are smaller than the recommended .361 - .362 for caliber. Would a paper patch help? Also don't have a good crimp option, as the round is too short and fat for my .38 factory criimp die - will the 9mm taper crimp be enough? Any other suggestions, besides don't do this?

 

I found brass at Midway. I'd hate to keep loading the same single round over and over...

[Westwindmike]

I don't have any advise, but just wanted to say I'm glad you didn't give up on it. Just don't load too hot for those old top breaks. They aren't real strong.

 

Try the CastBoolits site for more info on the old 38.

[gregintenn]

Try a soft lead hollow base wadcutter in it. The hollow bases, in theory, obturate to fit the throats and barrel.

[ttocswob]

Thanx. Checked the Castboolits forum and found someone else successfully using 9mm dies. Also some mentions of the HBWC, with the variation of bore diameters in .38 S&W, this should provide a better gas seal.

 

I may buy/trade for this pistol, just for fun. If so, I'll slug the bore, etc. Also found load data for the .38 Short Colt with a 135g LRN, should be a good starting point for the boolits I have now.

[Jonnin]

I am going to try to make mine with my 9x18 dies & bullets.  Its on the to-do list, but it *should* work.  Found 4 or 5 boxes at a gun show so I have the correct brass.   I think the lighter mak bullet & a reduced load should be fun.   Have to see if the bullet will go down the pipe....  its a little bigger but not much & the barrel is worn enough.

Edited May 22, 2013 by Jonnin

[chperry]

If you are ever near Knoxville I have a box of factory ammo you can have.

[Dolomite_supafly]

I used 9mm dies to load some last year. Worked fine but you had to use a 38 Special case holder.

[Hershmeister]

Lee makes 38s&w dies