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08-28-2021, 04:00 AM
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I need 38-44 brass for a New model #3
Greetings to everyone from a new member!
I have a Smith & Wesson New model #3 .38-44 target revolver. I’m looking for anyone here on the forum who might know where I can get brass to load for the revolver.
Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated!
Gary
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08-28-2021, 06:12 AM
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This is one you will have to make from a common cartridge currently available. It is close enough to .357 Magnum but the case will be a bit short, which really is no problem. .357 Maximum will give a full lrngth case if you insist. This link goes to a post about the cartridge on the Gun Boards web site ( S&W 3rd Model Target / 38-44 Reloading | RVB Precision) It includes a dimensioned drawing of the cartridge and comments.
Last edited by Alk8944; 08-28-2021 at 06:24 AM.
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08-28-2021, 10:07 AM
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It is outside my area but I understand .38 S & W (not Special) brass has the same dimensions as .38-44 Target, except is shorter in length. If true and you are not looking for ultimate accuracy it should work fine.
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
Last edited by murphydog; 08-28-2021 at 10:08 AM.
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08-28-2021, 10:16 AM
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Accuracy
Quote:
Originally Posted by murphydog
It is outside my area but I understand .38 S & W (not Special) brass has the same dimensions as .38-44 Target, except is shorter in length. If true and you are not looking for ultimate accuracy it should work fine.
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I had heard the same thing but I wasn’t sure. It will definitely be fun to work with and see what degree of accuracy I can get out of it.
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08-28-2021, 04:48 PM
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To clarify, the .38-44 Target cartridge has a case diameter of 0.383" and a length of 1.475". The bullet diameter is 0.361" (nominally the same as the .38 S&W bullet). There was also a shorter .38-44 gallery load which used a lead round ball bullet. There is no reason to not use .38 Special, .357 Mag, or .38 S&W brass. If using .38 Special or .357 brass, it might be best to leave them un-resized, as their OD is a little small. If you can find .357 Maximum brass, that would also work, but would require trimming. Regarding bullets, just as the .38 S&W is stated to use .361 bullets, I find that .358 lead bullets do work just as well, therefore, I'd just use any .358 lead bullet for the .38-44 if I couldn't find any in .361.
If I had a #3 in that caliber, I'd probably try mild .38 S&W loads to start with (asssuming that they would chamber OK), and if their performance is satisfactory, there is no need to go any further. It might be interesting to try .375 round balls (downsized a bit) in a .38 Special case. As a propellant, I would use a minimum load of Bullseye or similar, essentially the same amount as would be used in a .38 S&W load. You wouldn't want a MV to be much more than around 600 ft/sec, but enough to keep the bullet from sticking in the bore. You could certainly use BP, but that can get fairly messy, and it will gum up the works in short order.
Last edited by DWalt; 08-28-2021 at 06:10 PM.
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08-28-2021, 11:28 PM
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Ammunition
DWalt... Thank you for that information! I copied it to my reloading info cache so that I don’t loose it.
What are your thoughts about this?... Considering the cartridge case requirements for the throat less chamber, wouldn’t a wadcutter bullet, of .360”, .361” or whichever the best applicable diameter is, work perfectly in this situation? Going forward and regardless of which method is used, I’m going to have to get a precise measurement of the groove depth as well a measurement of the lands.
Last edited by Frontier44; 08-28-2021 at 11:30 PM.
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08-29-2021, 11:42 AM
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Some like to use a .358 HBWC bullet in the .38 S&W because the skirt expands under pressure to fill the bore more completely. I personally believe that doesn't change things too much, but I can't discount the possibility that using a HBWC might tighten groups a little, depending on the gun. You won't know if it works until you try. If you want to try the .361 RN lead bullet, Missouri Bullet Company is the best source. But you must buy at least 500. Do not assume what I say is based upon experience, as I have never loaded for nor fired a #3 in .38-44.
Last edited by DWalt; 08-29-2021 at 11:53 AM.
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08-30-2021, 12:26 AM
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Thanks for the tip on the projectiles!
Once I gather all the components and do some experiments I’ll let you know how things turn out. Thanks again for everyone’s help!
Gary
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