I'd like to test likely indoor .38 special rounds for accuracy. At my local range that excludes FMJ, but includes TMJ, JHP, WinClean to mention those I know of. Suggestions? I'm shooting revolvers.

Do you handload?

No, I don't handload (yet?). I'm happy to buy "remanufactured" as well as factory fresh though.

I can tell you what I do and what I think. From there it's up to you. I was born in 1970 and I chewed the window sill, so I don't care to expose my brain to any more lead than I have to. Seriously though, I handload and use Berry's or Rainier's plated 148 gr. DEWCs. You could use a lead bullet factory load like Remington offers, but I would recommend getting a reloading press and making your own. I'll never settle for being confined to only using what the ammo makers have to offer again, plus I save money by handloading and know more about guns and ammo than I would have by not doing so. It's your call and it can seem daunting taking the handloading plunge, but it's well worth it. Good luck, God bless. Remington's .38 wadcutters are well regarded, but not plated. You might want to look into them.

unless you are an exceptional shooter any decent low or mid velocity 148 grain wadcutter load will shoot better than you can hold. you used to be able to buy them in bulk so cheap it was almost not worth it to reaload them yourself. no longer true.

flop-shank, I'm tempted with hand-loading, know about Berrys MFG, and have taken a loading class, but I just don't have the time to do it now. Robert, I agree with you about the wadcutters, have tested several in a ransom rest with conclusive results, but they are not legal indoors. I frequently shoot in the evenings and I'd like to find a good, accurate round to fire indoors. Hence the question.

Speer 125gr. TMJ's work very well for what you want.
The 125 +P GD's then compliment those as the SD round as they give essentially the same POI and felt recoil.

Keppl,
I too am in W/Washington. Is the range your using specifically restricting the use of lead? Or is it that they don't offer any of it for sale as "range loads"? Depending on when the range was commissioned, that alone may cause the lead ammo restrictions. Newer ranges had to meet the current prevailing air quality regulations at time of commissioning (air scrubbers, filters etc.). Older facilities typically were grand fathered in, to allow continued use of lead. If you choose to reload and use lead, you may want to find another range? I've used ranges in Everett, Marysville and Bellevue. The only one I recall having a lead restriction was Wade's in Bellevue? (newest of the facilities) I don't recall it being a restriction at Marksman south of Seattle. If you choose not to reload, I'd start pricing via some of the many on line ammo sources. You'll never touch mail order pricing at any gun shop/range. Unless your related to the owners!

Spotteddog, I'm up in Bellingham going to Plantation Rifle Range, a county parks facility, nice place (w/ indoor and out), well run and the only one within a reasonable drive. I've no argument with the lead restrictions personally. And probably even in the evenings I'll be shooting outside in Summer. But I've been ransom rest testing various lead wadcutters and I'd like to do the same with rounds I can use indoors for Fall and Winter (I shoot often in the evenings). Hence my question about what indoor legal bullet to test while I'm at it. Yes, range prices are high. I normally shop at Kesselrings (Burlington)and their ammo prices can be competitive with online if you consider shipping.

Rainer makes a nice toally copper coated 148 grain double ended wadcutter.

Then all of the fine folks suggestions above will work fine, but only if you reload? I don't buy enough factory stuff any more, to have a clue as to whether or not the big 3 or others produce a total copper or at least a plated DEWC? Everybody using them (reloading), seem to think highly of them though.

Thanks, all. I may have to take the plunge and reload. I'm certainly tempted. It will be less involved if I am making just one caliber for one purpose, the plated .38 wadcutter.

I've been using the Plantation Rifle Range for 30+ years....grin.

That's why the TMJ suggestion.

Well, damitol, we must of crossed paths at Plantation without knowing it - grin. I've tested the TMJ you recommended with a rest and it's pretty good in my two .38s. I think I've even bought it a time or two from the range when I didn't have my own. If you've been there for 30 years our ages have to be pretty close too!

I started shooting when I was 1.......grin.

Jack's retired, Gary's the top dog now and there's a few new faces around workin' part time. Rex Combs was the first rangemaster. Dedicated guy who would be amazed at all the progress the Plantation has gone through these last many years.

We are damn lucky to have such a facility. Keeping it during down economic trends should always be our goal. Such activities and their arena are always the first to be considered expendable.

Kesselrings got some .38 TMJ's in a few months ago after a looooong drought, which is the reason Plantation just got some in as well.

Take care keppelj - FWIW - a black, 3rd door, short bed, '98, 1/2 ton Silverado (Z71) with rhino lining under diamond plate.....grin.