Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Ammunition-Gunsmithing > Ammo
o

Notices

Ammo All Ammo Discussions Go Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 03-07-2017, 05:39 PM
Jessie's Avatar
Jessie Jessie is offline
Member
Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping  
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Virginia
Posts: 8,865
Likes: 10,603
Liked 15,202 Times in 5,250 Posts
Default Prohibitive shipping

I was hoping to get some Buffalo Bore .38 S&W for my wife's 32-1 Terrier.
I found some decent BB 125 gr. hardcast @875fps out of that 2".
Good enough with little recoil. Pricey @ $28/20, but $26 for shipping on 2 boxes? Deal breaker.
Does anyone load for this round? Is it worth the spin up with dies, etc.?
I really like the gun and she does too and we'd both shoot it enough to justify some initial expense considering the alternative.
I understand the bullet is a bit larger than the .38 spcl. Are they easily obtainable? And in SD configuration?
It may pay to get a mold also?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 03-07-2017, 08:37 PM
DWalt's Avatar
DWalt DWalt is offline
Member
Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: South Texas & San Antonio
Posts: 33,480
Likes: 236
Liked 28,944 Times in 14,013 Posts
Default

The .38 S&W is easy to load for, and I have loaded it for many years. I use .38 Super dies, a set of the old Lyman Tru-Line Jr. type. You can easily get standard .38 Special ballistics, but you had better not use them in any of the older top break revolvers. OK in solid frame revolvers. You can use .38 Special bullets (.357-.358) with no problems, but the recommended bullet is .360-.361. I load only Lead bullets.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 03-07-2017, 08:50 PM
rockquarry rockquarry is online now
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,552
Likes: 4
Liked 8,885 Times in 4,121 Posts
Default

That's a shakedown. For a little more than what they would charge you, you can probably buy good, minimal loading equipment.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #4  
Old 03-07-2017, 09:09 PM
STCM(SW)'s Avatar
STCM(SW) STCM(SW) is online now
US Veteran
Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping  
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: E. Washington State
Posts: 5,475
Likes: 1,321
Liked 10,568 Times in 3,212 Posts
Default

I also reload the 38 S&W because of the price.
Use Trail Boss for the top break S&W and unique for the I frame solid top.
windows screenshot
photo sharing
screen capture tool
__________________
Only difference Fool/Mule-ears
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #5  
Old 03-07-2017, 09:22 PM
LoboGunLeather's Avatar
LoboGunLeather LoboGunLeather is offline
US Veteran
Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 7,518
Likes: 19,273
Liked 32,340 Times in 5,474 Posts
Default

Whether you are dealing with a manufacturer, distributor, or individual seller the cost of "shipping & handling" must be factored in prior to completing an order. There are many sellers out there advertising attractive prices, then jacking up the delivery charges to keep the bottom line high.

Loaded ammunition (and primers, powder, etc) poses some special considerations when being shipped. Generally speaking you will be limited to ground services, and hazmat fees will be applied. Shipping to a residential address can be more expensive than a business address.

If you are a member of a shooting club or range you may want to consider working up group buys, generally saving on bulk pricing and keeping shipping charges to a minimum. Otherwise, as an individual you will find yourself always at the hard end of minimum delivery charges.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #6  
Old 03-08-2017, 04:51 AM
chief38's Avatar
chief38 chief38 is offline
Member
Prohibitive shipping  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 17,759
Likes: 7,836
Liked 25,615 Times in 8,661 Posts
Default

Jessie,
I know Buffalo Bore ships for free if you buy 12 boxes (240 rounds - I know) and would also bet you could find a more fair shipping deal if you look around and do not want so much of it. I agree that what they banged you for shipping is outrageous but IMHO their ammo is top notch and it turns many smaller calibers into viable defense guns.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #7  
Old 03-08-2017, 01:46 PM
ArchAngelCD's Avatar
ArchAngelCD ArchAngelCD is offline
Moderator
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northeast PA, USA
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 1,029
Liked 5,070 Times in 2,660 Posts
Default

I load for the 38 S&W because even factory practice ammo is very expensive. Bullets are not hard to find but if course there isn't as wide a variety as with the .38 Special. It's not hard to load that cartridge at all.

A set of Lee Carbide dies will cost you only $32.
__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #8  
Old 03-08-2017, 09:02 PM
Jessie's Avatar
Jessie Jessie is offline
Member
Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping  
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Virginia
Posts: 8,865
Likes: 10,603
Liked 15,202 Times in 5,250 Posts
Default

Thanks everyone. It sounds like it will be no trouble to load these. The dies are the same as a box and a half of BB.
I should be able to work up something that approaches BB and will add some bite into that Terrier's bark.
I would think you're getting some extended life out of the brass with its low pressures, also?
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #9  
Old 03-08-2017, 09:16 PM
DWalt's Avatar
DWalt DWalt is offline
Member
Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: South Texas & San Antonio
Posts: 33,480
Likes: 236
Liked 28,944 Times in 14,013 Posts
Default

I don't think you will have any brass life problems with the .38 S&W, no more than with any other caliber, even with hotter loads. There's really not much point in trying to magnumize the .38 S&W, although it's no trick to reload to .38 Special ballistics, or beyond. One of my favorite loads is a 125 grain lead truncated cone bullet for the .38 Special which moves out at about 850 ft/sec. That load groups well at any reasonable distance and should be adequate for any SD purpose.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #10  
Old 03-08-2017, 10:14 PM
Jessie's Avatar
Jessie Jessie is offline
Member
Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping  
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Virginia
Posts: 8,865
Likes: 10,603
Liked 15,202 Times in 5,250 Posts
Default

No, I don't want to make it a " magnum " by any stretch.
That would defeat the purpose of getting it for my wife because of the mild recoil.
The load you mentioned sounds good for that gun. 850fps is enough.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 03-08-2017, 10:27 PM
Cal44 Cal44 is online now
Member
Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping  
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Northern California
Posts: 3,568
Likes: 5,473
Liked 6,418 Times in 1,861 Posts
Default

Check out other ammo suppliers.

I just tried Cheaper than Dirt and they have BB 38 S&W in stock and charge a little over $16 to ship to my location for two boxes.

But for shipping 5 boxes (all they had in stock) it's only a couple bucks more.

Usually shipping a couple hundred rounds isn't my more that shipping two 20 round boxes.

Didn't buy it, so those 5 boxes are probably still there.

Last edited by Cal44; 03-08-2017 at 10:28 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #12  
Old 03-08-2017, 11:00 PM
Jessie's Avatar
Jessie Jessie is offline
Member
Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping  
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Virginia
Posts: 8,865
Likes: 10,603
Liked 15,202 Times in 5,250 Posts
Default

I just checked Cheaper than Dirt and they want $22 to ship one 50rd box to Va.
You would think it was nitro or something.
I know all about hazmat charges and such, but something else is going on with the "exotic" calibers, I think.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 03-09-2017, 04:25 AM
ArchAngelCD's Avatar
ArchAngelCD ArchAngelCD is offline
Moderator
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northeast PA, USA
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 1,029
Liked 5,070 Times in 2,660 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jessie View Post
I just checked Cheaper than Dirt and they want $22 to ship one 50rd box to Va.
You would think it was nitro or something.
I know all about hazmat charges and such, but something else is going on with the "exotic" calibers, I think.
There is no hazmat fee on loaded ammo. The ammo companies had enough power to prevent that while reloaders didn't. Even though that is a huge price it's not a hazmat charge.
__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 03-09-2017, 10:49 AM
jimmyj's Avatar
jimmyj jimmyj is offline
Member
Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping  
Join Date: May 2003
Location: DUNNELLON, FLORIDA USA
Posts: 11,102
Likes: 1,690
Liked 16,302 Times in 4,231 Posts
Default

consider RELOADiING !
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 03-09-2017, 12:02 PM
scattershot's Avatar
scattershot scattershot is online now
Member
Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 1,813
Likes: 166
Liked 977 Times in 489 Posts
Default

Maybe you could find it at a local shop, or they could order it for you. Wouldn't help the high price any, but you would avoid the outrageous shipping.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #16  
Old 03-09-2017, 12:39 PM
ckcrranch ckcrranch is offline
Member
Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping  
Join Date: May 2016
Location: southeast
Posts: 69
Likes: 82
Liked 18 Times in 11 Posts
Default

I've got the same little Terrier and I bought 38 S&W from SG Ammo. PPU makes it; a Serbian ammo manufacturer. Thus far it has been very very good ammo. I've shot about 500 rounds of it. I usually get between 5 and 10 boxes at a time. Shipping is very reasonable. I use that ammo for my 32-1, 11-4, and 33-1.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #17  
Old 03-09-2017, 01:14 PM
gwpercle's Avatar
gwpercle gwpercle is offline
Member
Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Posts: 6,838
Likes: 7,394
Liked 8,050 Times in 3,652 Posts
Default

Check out the Lee Hand Press Kit , a set of Lee 38 S&W dies and a Lee 2-cavity bullet mould.
The hand press kit comes with press , case lube, powder funnel and primer seating tool.
The dies come with a shell holder , powder scoop and load data.
The mould , 125 gr. RF , is complete with handles and bullets can be shot as cast, roll them around in Lee bullet lube and dry .
The whole set up will put you back $107.00 from Midway .
Not a bad investment to become the master of your own ammo supply.

The hand press is excellent for making handgun ammo , it's about all I use now , I sit anywhere in the house , or my office, and reload ammo. One thing I forgot , you will need a bullet tray to hold them while reloading. MTM is $7.00 or drill holes in a wooden block = $0.00
Gary

Last edited by gwpercle; 03-09-2017 at 05:49 PM. Reason: spelling
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 03-16-2017, 12:22 PM
kaaskop49 kaaskop49 is offline
Member
Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping  
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Demon-class planet
Posts: 7,404
Likes: 29,169
Liked 8,461 Times in 3,772 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by scattershot View Post
Maybe you could find it at a local shop, or they could order it for you. Wouldn't help the high price any, but you would avoid the outrageous shipping.
^^^^what he said.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 03-16-2017, 12:39 PM
StakeOut's Avatar
StakeOut StakeOut is offline
US Veteran
Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: NW of Austin Texas
Posts: 3,090
Likes: 1,351
Liked 4,938 Times in 1,730 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by gwpercle View Post
Check out the Lee Hand Press Kit , a set of Lee 38 S&W dies and a Lee 2-cavity bullet mould.

The whole set up will put you back $107.00 from Midway .
Not a bad investment to become the master of your own ammo supply.
What about the melting pot,Lyman #2 casting lead,sizer and greaser,bullet lube etc?

Casting setup costs can be costly.
__________________
NEVER GIVE UP YOUR GUN
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 03-16-2017, 02:25 PM
peachhead peachhead is offline
Member
Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping  
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Middle Georgia
Posts: 101
Likes: 124
Liked 75 Times in 40 Posts
Default

Lyman has a kit, at a pretty good price. Actually they have two, one comes with a lubrisizer. Lube is cheap. Lead is about the only thing you have to look for and eBay is full of it.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 03-16-2017, 03:01 PM
StakeOut's Avatar
StakeOut StakeOut is offline
US Veteran
Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping Prohibitive shipping  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: NW of Austin Texas
Posts: 3,090
Likes: 1,351
Liked 4,938 Times in 1,730 Posts
Default

Lead needs to be found locally.

Shipping costs are always the deal breaker

Many ranges sell their mined lead.
__________________
NEVER GIVE UP YOUR GUN
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Non ffl to ffl shipping Mike McLellan The Lounge 17 11-29-2012 05:54 PM
2nd Day Shipping dhallz71 The Lounge 1 01-26-2012 11:24 PM
shipping ups tedog The Lounge 10 04-06-2011 02:24 PM
Is there a fee for shipping... mtb1bkr The Lounge 4 07-02-2009 12:17 AM
$150.00 for shipping?? jimmyj The Lounge 5 05-23-2009 01:51 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:39 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)