.38 S&W

[Leidangbonde]

Hi all

I want to load som cartridges for my 2th Model Safety Hammerless .38 S&W.
I have heard that is not safe to shoot fabric ammo or loaded with smokless at all ?
My gun is in perfect mekanic condeesen .
So how mutch blackpowder or pyrodex can I use ?
I got .361 lead bullets 145 grain.And Stareline brass.
Or couled a light smokeless load do?

[ArchAngelCD]

It's common practice to fill the case with blackpowder to where the bullet will seat, you don't want any air space when using blackpowder. I would be careful when using Pyrodex because even though it's supposed to be a close match for black it is a little hotter by volume and can be dangerous in such an old handgun.

My suggestion would be, write Hodgdon and ask them if Trailboss would be safe in your top break .38 S&W. That powder was designed for low pressure Cowboy Action loads and closely mimics Blackpowder even though it's a smokeless powder. Hodgdon will be able to tell you if it's safe and if so what charge to use.

[Old 44 Guy]

I'm loading 2.0 gr. Bullseye & .309 wadcutter lead bullets. A nice mild practice load & pretty darn accurate in my 3rd Model S&W.

[Alk8944]

If your revolver is in safe mechanical condition it can be shot with factory ammunition. The .38 S&W is loaded for the top break guns. Anyone who says factory loads are unsafe in top break revolvers simple is repeating what "He has heard somewhere" and doesn't know what he is talking about.

[ArchAngelCD]

Originally Posted by Alk8944

If your revolver is in safe mechanical condition it can be shot with factory ammunition. The .38 S&W is loaded for the top break guns. Anyone who says factory loads are unsafe in top break revolvers simple is repeating what "He has heard somewhere" and doesn't know what he is talking about.

I agree, factory ammo is safe in any handgun that's in good working order. SAAMI sets the pressure limits for the lowest common denominator, to a fault at times.

[1066]

My Lyman #43 lists starting load for the 38S&W of 2.0 of Bullseye for a 125g lead round nose. The max load is listed at 3.0g.

It shows the same start and max load for 135, 148 and 150g lead bullets.