Hey all, I came accross a load of ammo called .38 Special Sharp Shoulder (12 boxes of 50 each) @ $12 a box. I have no clue what they are, could someone please explain them to me and are they safe to shoot in a 1921 S&W M&P .38 special Revolver? I am not an ammo collector and I am just looking for cheap ammo to shoot and then reload the cases after shooting.

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The "sharp shoulder" is meant for the way they cut paper on the target, so they can be scored easily. A round nosed bullet will make a very ragged hole which can be very hard to distinguish the center when scoring.

Are any of the boxes in better shape? The boxes are worth something to collectors depending upon condition. This box looks a bit rougher than most in it's era that come up for sale. Also, the brass in the box looks as though it is not consistently tarnished, so it may have been reloaded- but I can't tell. It may be that way from the way it's been stored.

It may be worth more to a collector that might need it. It looks to be pre-war...but I can't read the box too well.
Do you have the "case box" that it came in from the factory? That would be the cream that would make it very valuable, although these came in 20 box cases at that time.

As for suitability of shooting- if they are factory loaded and not reloads (which in the pictures it's impossible to tell unless some close up are done) they should be fine as long as they show no signs of deterioration, such as holes in the cases or liquid leaking out. Deterioration is rare, but does happen. If there is no signs of it, you're good to go.

However, it may be worth more than new ammunition...emphasis on *may*. The other guys will be along, or you may need to post this in the 1896 to 1961 forum for the real collectors to chime in.

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Lost it all in a boat accident

Ahhhhhhhhhhh great response, thank you Andy. Makes sense for a paper punch target standpoint.

No, all 12 of the boxes are about the same, rough edges on the boxes from being shuffled back and forth on a shelf in this persons basement cabinets. No master box. The owner actually shot 2 full boxes of these 3 weeks ago and no misfires and I had seen the targets and very consistant groups. I, over the weekend reloaded those 100 rounds after a tumble and clean up of the shot brass and all reloaded excellent. They (the 12 full boxes) are not reloads as they are owned by family of the person who bought them orig (a great grandfather) and he did not reload. The brass actually in person looks good, the lead looks a lil white on the top. That particular box, many of the brass have been handled from people taking a look see. He told me they are late 1930's.

I am just looking at it from a shooter standpoint, very hard to find even cheap .38's under $18.00 a box. I will gladly empty the boxes and sell the boxes, I am after the ammo for shooting and reloading. Like I said, I am not an ammo collector at all. I am just finding sources for old ammo at decent prices.

The way I see it, it is $12 a box of 50 ammo with no S&H charges. I am really not interested in trading or selling it due to all the S&H issues etc., I was just curious what the "Sharp Shoulder," meant.

I think the modern term for this ammo would be (full, target) wadcutter. These are usually lightly loaded for target shooting and "should" be fine for use in your older M & P; if you have or can borrow one, perhaps also bring a modern .38 or .357 with you to try them out first?

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I found several boxes of the identical ammo at a flea market and have been shooting it up for a couple months with no issues. I shoot a lot of old ammo, and in my opinion the potential for collector value (in general) is greatly over stated, expecially for common ammunition in uncrisp boxes. And murphydog is correct, it was referred to as "sharp shoulder" or "clean cutting" before it was called "wadcutter".

Murphydog: TY that clears it up a lil more. Sadly, I only have the 38 M&P which is a shooter and a prestine in the box with papers Victory "U.S. Property" marked with a small bomb on the barrel near the frame.

Stiab: It is unbelievable how much .38spl ammo I find for the cheap at yard sales, flea markets and estate sales from anywhere $5 to $15 a box of 50. All of it so far shot fine and reloaded excellent. If I find something odd, I buy it and trade for shootable ammo. These 12 boxes, I looked on gunbroker and auction arms and found much of it, so its collectability is prob nill, although on those sites they are like $25 a box + S&H. I cast my own bullets from free tire weight lead from my uncles gas station/tire shop. I found 10,000 primers at a yard sale for $5 per 1000. The only thing I paid retail for was powder as I am not too sure of opened cans of powder even though I do find a lot of it. If it is still sealed, I will buy it in my travels to sales and markets.

I bought most of my reloading stuff from yard sales and estate sales. I found an entire Lee Turret press with scale, auto primer, 3 sets of dies (.38, 30-30 & .45acp), powder trickler, tumbler, case trimer with measure, .38spl 4 cav bullet mold, melt pot, 20lbs of lead ingots and many accessories....all for $25. The thing is, you have to ask as nobody thinks to set this stuff out at yard sales.

Shoot em up I say and let the collectors retain their values