I have 3rd change (circa 1910) and 4th change (circa 1919)model 1905's, both 38 special. What ammo do you shoot in yours? Thanks.

I have a few old K frame 38 spls and I shoot 158 gr cast bullet hand
loads in them that are a bit below standard factory pressure.

Assuming your handguns are in good mechanical condition any non+P, lead projectile load that is factory equivalent or less should be fine. Most of the big box stores around me tend to stock 125-130 gn FMJ 38 Specials. If you try and run those through you revolvers I predict you will be disappointed. Find either 158gn or 148 grain lead loads.

You should not have any problems with 148 gr WC loads - but recall that your guns were made prior to the "modern" era of heat-treatment, about 1930. Personally I would stick to this load only.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Thanks for the input. Do any of you shoot 38 S&W in these revolvers?

No.
.38 S&W is not a subload for .38 Special.
Even though shorter, it is larger in case diameter and will not even chamber in a normal Special.
The old catalogs would list .38 Specials as handling .38 Short and Long Colt but those rounds are nearly defunct except for the Cowboy market.
Just stick to the 158 gr LRN the gun was designed for.

I hand load mild 38 special bullet for these "Senior Citizens".

A 158 RNL hard cast bullet over 3.1 grains of Titegroup does the trick for me. It is mild, accurate and won't lead anything up. It will produce roughly 650 - 700 fps out of a 4" tube.

Chief38

soda, I have a 4th change serial # 2996xx shipped June 1919. How close is that to yours?