Does anyone where I might buy empty 38 spec. shotshell capsules and perhaps loading data? I want to load up a few for this spring.
Thanks
Jim

Graf & Sons - SPEER 38/357 CAPSULES EMPTY w/BASE PLUG 50/bx

They are common, so should be easy to find elsewhere.

Check this out here might be an alternative. I've loaded ten of these the other night. I havn't had a chance to shoot them yet. I hope I will tomorrow.

Here is the link!

Snake Loads

Thanks all for the info. That was just what I was looking for.
Jim

I load mine with 5.0 grs. of 231 and get satisfactory performance. I use #9 shot, but only because I can not find #12 anywhere. I also load these capsules in the 9mm for identical performance in my 940.

Dave Sinko

I have also thought about loading #12, but load these so seldom it hardly seems worth it to have/buy just for that. It's pricey, too.

BPI Lead Shot #12 10 lb Bag - MidwayUSA

The advantage of the shot capsules (CCI-Speer) is that they hold more shot. I use them in .38/.357, .44 Spec/Mag, .45 Colt.

They work well. I suggest you stay on the low end of powder charges listed - they seem to pattern better, there.

The finer the shot the better the results. I much prefer #12 but tend to use #9 because it is MUCH easier to find.

FWIW
Dale53

The calhoon recipe works good. Here is another which uses shot and a ball.

Snake Stopper

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Dave

You'll also find that a short barrel tends to pattern better than a longer barrel. The short barrel imparts less spin and less deformation to the pattern. My "tacklebox" gun is an old M36 and has accounted for many snakes and related "vermin" at close range.......

Speers loading manuals list load data for their capsules.

I've found that you can actually get more shot into a case by not using the capsules and loading it the way Capt. Cormorant linked to. The thick base plug, capsule thickness and seating depth outweigh the exposed parts capacity.

There is a local bullet caster that used to carry a whole line of shotgun loading supplies, unfortunately now they are hit and miss on what they have on hand, but they did carry both no. 12 and "dust" shot.

I used to make some full length shells for my .41s using cut down .30-30 brass. They held a lot more shot.

I'm still waiting for the guy that got the CH blank die to report how he made out using it to make shot loads

Here's an idea for getting #12 shot to make a few snake rounds -
Cheaper - than- Dirt has RIO 12gauge shells with #12 shot(dust) at $6.97 a box(25) You can scavenge enough shot from them to make a goodly number of pistol rounds

That is a fantastic idea for obtaining #12 shot.

My last purchase from Ballistic Products cost me an arm, and a leg.

The small shot really does improve killing power.

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NRA Instructor

That 1st link listed 7.0 grns of Bullseye in a 357 for a snake shot charge. That seems rather high to me.

I have three boxes of 50 of 44 empty capsules that was given to me and I don't use them. If someone wanted them I would give them for the shipping (about 5.00 flat rate).

Spoken for by Darmtn1917.

Great thread, I never gave this a thought until I read this last night.

This morning I made up a cartridge using 4.5 gr. 231, a cardboard wad, 75gr. of 7 1/2 shot. I capped it off with another cardboard wad and sealed it with wax.

I shot it at a pizza box from 10 ft. and got an approx. 14'' pattern out of a 4'' M 64. In my haste to shoot it, I put on eye protection but forgot my hearing protection, It wasn't that bad and no recoil.

This seems like it will be perfect out of the snubbies.

Thanks for the idea.

Has anyone tried heavier shot, like #6 or even #4, to extend the range?

From what I have read, smaller shot such as #9 that Speer recommends gives the best pattern and performance. I use the Unique load that Speer includes with the shot capsules for 38/357, it patterned best for me.

When you buy the Speer shot capsules the loading data is on the box. I used the 5.5 Gr Unique, and it has worked very well. I initially loaded #8 shot as that is what I had available years ago. When I started loading shot loads for a 44 Special I got some #12 shot. 10 lbs. goes a long way. If you just want to load a box of 50, I'd send you enough for the price of shipping. I think a flat rate box is $4.95. PM me if you are interested.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Yes, heavier shot reduces the amount you can put in the case and opens the pattern up. Your success would depend on how big of a target you are shooting at and how far away you are. I have shot them loaded with round balls and smaller diameter bullets, they worked alrifgt at close range.

Ihave had real good results with the calhoon metod making shot shells for
.32s&w longs. Have dispatched several snakes and vermin with them at about ten feet