OK, so im thinking of starting to reload. I already need to to feed my Jet, and figure I would cut my teeth on some 38 or 357. My shooting will be mostly just target. No hunting, and not for defence. I hear a lot of talk about a lot of places going non lead bullets. Dad reloaded a LOT of lead SWC amno, and I got a lot of it when he passed, and what I have been reading thats a great starting point. So my issue is that with lead being on the way out in some places, [im in NY if that matters ] Im wondering if I should start off loading something lead free, or jacketed? If so whats a good bullet to start with? Any input at all would be great!! Im here to learn!!!! Thanks

Start off with lead. It's not going anywhere anytime soon. I live in NY also and all my target and plinking is done with 148 gr double end wadcutter (DEWC) in .38 special. Start with what you have...the SWC is a great bullet. If you reload it in .357 keep the speed down to .38 levels or you risk leading the bore. Pay attention to all the instructions and read all you can about reloading...be safe and good luck.

I'm in Ohio and some of the indoor ranges insist on jacketed or plated bullets. They're lead at the core and load very similarly to lead but you need to find out if you have a particular range in mind.

Worst case, you put what you have up for sale. Bullets fit well into the "If it fits - it ships" boxes from the Post Office.

Oh, and welcome to your new addiction.

I agree, start with lead. Other than in Komie-fornia lead will be around for a good while.

You Dad was right, a 158gr LSWC is a great target load and will work well in both the .38 Special and .357 Magnum. My favorite .38 Special load is 4.0gr W231/HP-38 under a 158gr LSWC and for a .357 Magnum I up the charge to 5.0gr W231. That 5.0gr .357 Magnum load is a good target load and nowhere near the Max.

__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

Pretty much anything will work, just make sure the range you shoot at will allow reloads and lead bullets. Maybe you can find somebody locally selling bullets, I have a shop close to me which allows me easy access to all sorts of bullets. Lead is a good thing.

Like the others have said, Id use the lead. Unless theres some other reason not to.

Id the bullets are old (old is subjective) make sure the lube is still on and in decent shape.

I also load and shoot lots of plated bullets, mostly berrys from berrysbullets

I have found that the swaged Speer 158gr LSWC-HP makes a good all around bullet for the .38 Special, just keep the velocity at 850 fps or lower to avoid leading. For the .357 Mag you will need a bit harder alloy bullet such as Missouri Bullet Co. 357 Action or any quality cast bullet, these will cope with the higher velocitys found with the Mag loads. Good luck and have fun!

__________________
Stay safe people!

Check out Montana Gold bullets, I got some great looking 165 gr. .40 hp's. free shipping at a great price. They have a good selection in all calibers.

Thanks for the info guys!