So I'm "collecting" some older (and some newer) .38 specials: 1905, a post-war transitional, plus mods 14 & 15.....

and I'm wondering about what to shoot out of it.

Thinking L RN at 158 gr. for the older guns Yes?
And 130 gr. FMJ for the newer ones.

And then who's buying where for best price?

Saw AIM at $11.95/box for PPU (Privi, which I shoot for my milsurps)....for 158 LRN and $13.95 for 130 gr. fmj.

Would appreciate any suggestions or advice folks might have.

(And I do reload, but the reloader is in the garage and there's half a house full of stuff in front of it during a major remodel....so no homebrewed for a while.)

I too shoot "heavier" projectiles in all of my older smiths. Either 357 or 38 special I stick to 158 grain lrn or 148 wadcutters. Palmetto state armory was last place I purchased some 22 ammo on sale. Just look for sales and or free shipping on the popular internet gunsites. Or try ammoseek, it's a website that searches for the cheapest ammo in a given caliber online at any specific time.

I use the PPU 158 grain LRN with good success in my older Smiths. I have 2 m&p targets from the late teens that are very accurate with this ammo and it doesn't lead or dirty up the guns too bad. I've used this ammo with some newer 38/357 guns and some barrels need some extra cleaning love after shooting. I've also had good success with HSM SWC 38 special as well. You can sometimes find this on sale by using wikiarms, palmetto was just selling this for like 7.99 per box of 50 plus shipping.

Hope this helps
SVT28

As I learn more and more about ammo from being a forum member here I have sort of made a rule for me

If the gun is 1930 or later nothing lower than 130 grain.

If the gun is 1929 or earlier stick with 148 wad cutters or 158 LRN.

I'll adjust if it becomes necessary.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

From what I read S&W started using better Steal and heat treating from 1902 on. Some say before but 1902 is a safe date. (double check me please) Because of that you can safely shoot any Standard Pressure .38 Special ammo within reason. Of course not every 100+ year-old gun is up to being shot so each should be checked out before shooting it and if they were mine I would shoot lead bullet ammo. Cowboy loads will be very safe.

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Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

I have read that heat treating began in Sept 1919 somewhere around s/n 316648 in the Model of 1905. That's the date I have been using.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

The 130gr FMJ I suspect will be harder on those old barrels than lead. For a mild round for your old .38s, I'd "second" the recommendations for 148 grain wadcutters. Very easy shooting and accurate!
As an example---
148gr WC (Winchester)
710 fps/166 ft lbs
130gr FMC (Magtech)
800 fps/185 ft lbs
148 gr WC are very inexpensive to reload as well.

Ive shot Armscorp USA 158 FMJ in my Victory, 1943, .38 Spl.
It shoots well an has been easy on that revolver.
Jim

I met the 130gr FMJ .38 way back when I was on active duty with a Model 15 and I have found absolutely NOTHING to like about the 130gr FMJ from then to now.
Std lead loads in a .38 (158gr std and/or 148gr target loads) are easy on the barrel, accurate, and will do anything practical with a .38 revolver. I have shot many thousands of wadcutters at Bullseye for 40 years and the bore of my Model 14 is within new specs.
If you want to shoot hot light jacketed bullets, buy a 9mm; they are really not the best for a .38.

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Science plus Art

I have a rule. Only 158 g. lead swc in everything. Works for me

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Some collect art; I shoot it!

For older guns I'd go with the old 158 grain RNL standard velocity fodder. It is still made by most ammo Company's and should be available. You could also use the 148 grain Wad Cutters (even milder) but they are more expensive and harder to find.

If hand loading then your task is even easier. Just order some 158 RNL bullets and load away. A charge of 3.1 - 3.2 grains of Titegroup under the RNL bullet is both quite mild, accurate and easy to shoot all day long out of any vintage revolver.

I have always had good performance out of Precision delta reloaded ammo.
Looks like $232 a case for 148gr wadcutters. You can pay more if u need federal primers.

Generally I reload but I have had the opportunity to try some of Georgia Arms ammo in a couple of different calibers and thought highly of it. The stuff I had was all put up in new Starline brass. They have some bullet profiles that are hard to get elsewhere.

http://www.georgia-arms.com/38-special-1/