Federal Nyclad for 38 special?
- Thread starter chad214
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I'm sorry to say that this round is just about the most difficult thing to find thing out there in firearm land. I believe Federal discontinued production. It's a shame because it was considered to be a fantastic round.
There's a box of 100 for sale on GunBroker right now. They're asking $100 (plus $15 for shipping).
There's a box of 100 for sale on GunBroker right now. They're asking $100 (plus $15 for shipping).
Coated bullets.......
I thought Nyclads were a novelty way back when but after a long time coated bullets are getting to be very popular. Beats plated and conventionally lubed bullets. Some full ammo makers may be supplying these soon if not already. If not, maybe try making a foray into reloading and you can buy all the coated bullets you want for cast bullet suppliers. Or if you know a reloader that can work up a batch for you you could impose on them. Anyway, what I'm saying is don't go spending big money on Nyclads as there are other ways to get the same thing now.
I thought Nyclads were a novelty way back when but after a long time coated bullets are getting to be very popular. Beats plated and conventionally lubed bullets. Some full ammo makers may be supplying these soon if not already. If not, maybe try making a foray into reloading and you can buy all the coated bullets you want for cast bullet suppliers. Or if you know a reloader that can work up a batch for you you could impose on them. Anyway, what I'm saying is don't go spending big money on Nyclads as there are other ways to get the same thing now.
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elpac3
Member
Well said. Back in the day, the Nyclads were produced by Federal Cartridege (purchased from Smith & Wesson) as an answer to airborne lead issues in indoor firing ranges. They were cheaper than jacketed bullets and did not procduce airborne lead (although these did not address lead produced by primer detonation). The distinctive navy blue nylon coating also prevented leadding of the barrel.
Today we are seeing coated bullets, either powder coated or Hy-Tek coated available to hand loaders. I have personally tested the Hy-Tek coated bullets from Bayou Bullets in my .44 mag and found them to be outstanding. The virtually have eliminated the smoke issue and leave the bore pristine clean after shooting. If you are a hand-loader I would HIGHLY recommend them. If you don't handload - at a buck a round for a purchased, coated bullet, it might be time to consider jumping into hand loading.
GEC
And some of the coatings have.....
And some of the coatings have PURTY COLORS.
https://www.google.com/search?q=coa....php%3F171403-Powder-Coating-Boolits;1305;973
And some of the coatings have PURTY COLORS.
https://www.google.com/search?q=coa....php%3F171403-Powder-Coating-Boolits;1305;973
Thanks
Thanks for the feedback and info. Have about 100 rounds of the +P & like that. Relatively low recoil and accurate. Was hoping to try the standard pressure at some point. Too bad this stuff's so hard to find. It''s still listed on the Federal website which seems odd since it's been discontinued for so long. Probably won't be hand loading anytime soon. Just not at that point yet. There seem to be some good alternative manufactured loads out there. The gun show's here next weekend so I'll see what I can come up with there. Maybe one of the vendors will have some standard pressure Nyclad stashed away that they're willing to part with. Unicorns are real, right?
Thanks for the feedback and info. Have about 100 rounds of the +P & like that. Relatively low recoil and accurate. Was hoping to try the standard pressure at some point. Too bad this stuff's so hard to find. It''s still listed on the Federal website which seems odd since it's been discontinued for so long. Probably won't be hand loading anytime soon. Just not at that point yet. There seem to be some good alternative manufactured loads out there. The gun show's here next weekend so I'll see what I can come up with there. Maybe one of the vendors will have some standard pressure Nyclad stashed away that they're willing to part with. Unicorns are real, right?
David R
Member
I think these coated bullets will be available in the future from commercial loaders instead of lead.
I have used them, Less hassle, no leading , Good accuracy,more fps in both pistol and rifle.
I bought them because the lead thing. I have had enough in my lifetime. Results were far better than expected.
I have used them, Less hassle, no leading , Good accuracy,more fps in both pistol and rifle.
I bought them because the lead thing. I have had enough in my lifetime. Results were far better than expected.
ironhead7544
Member
The 125 gr standard pressure load worked well in the 2 inch barrels. Good expansion at around 770 fps from a 2 inch.
I am wonder when the major makers are going to get around to the 38 Special leads loads with the polymer coating? A +P LSWCHP that does not lead the barrel would be nice. A bullet similar to the 125 gr Nyclad HP pushed about 1000 fps should work great. Or, how about a lead version of the Hydra Shok with Nyclad or coated bullets? Dead soft lead could be used.
I am wonder when the major makers are going to get around to the 38 Special leads loads with the polymer coating? A +P LSWCHP that does not lead the barrel would be nice. A bullet similar to the 125 gr Nyclad HP pushed about 1000 fps should work great. Or, how about a lead version of the Hydra Shok with Nyclad or coated bullets? Dead soft lead could be used.
Cocked & Locked
Member
Every thread needs at least one related picture...
According to Federal, Nyclad isnot available
Nice!
Great Pic! I'm shooting a new 649-5 with 21/8 barrel. Love it! The Standard Pressure rounds keep the recoil low for the wife and still seems to be effective for home defense. Still wish Federal would start up again with the Nyclad again. They're great rounds. Currently using Hornady Critical Defense 110 Grain Standard Pressure. Thinking about bumping up to Buffalo Bore 125 grain Gold Dot HP though I like the plug in the Hornady round. Maybe splitting hairs here. Either way, it's fun to test some of these new fangled rounds.
Great Pic! I'm shooting a new 649-5 with 21/8 barrel. Love it! The Standard Pressure rounds keep the recoil low for the wife and still seems to be effective for home defense. Still wish Federal would start up again with the Nyclad again. They're great rounds. Currently using Hornady Critical Defense 110 Grain Standard Pressure. Thinking about bumping up to Buffalo Bore 125 grain Gold Dot HP though I like the plug in the Hornady round. Maybe splitting hairs here. Either way, it's fun to test some of these new fangled rounds.
badge 851
US Veteran
It's silly how low the velocities are for a lead 125gr, but 830-850fps is still good for some expansion and ~10" penetration in gello....a fair load for something like my older Colt Cobra or someone seeking low recoil "best case .380" performance.
Todays SD minimum in a 2" is the standard pressure.........
win 110gr
Fed 110 low recoil
Hornady 110 CD (not Duty)
With the short barrel +P speed is almost always needed for proper bullet expansion with jacket bullets.
The 125gr Rem GS would be my minimum in a J frame snub nose, if I had to use a light bullet, after all the test that I have done. You can upgrade with Speer or Cor-Bon but at 900fps plus there is more recoil.
win 110gr
Fed 110 low recoil
Hornady 110 CD (not Duty)
With the short barrel +P speed is almost always needed for proper bullet expansion with jacket bullets.
The 125gr Rem GS would be my minimum in a J frame snub nose, if I had to use a light bullet, after all the test that I have done. You can upgrade with Speer or Cor-Bon but at 900fps plus there is more recoil.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I have several original boxes on the Nyclad HP .38's and I try not to shoot any of them. I'm holding on to them for when I carry my old Chief's Special, they are the perfect carry ammo for that revolver IMO.
About 6 years ago I came across 12 rounds of SWC Nyclad ammo without a hollow point in a old box of mixed loose rounds. I didn't know those were ever made.
About 6 years ago I came across 12 rounds of SWC Nyclad ammo without a hollow point in a old box of mixed loose rounds. I didn't know those were ever made.
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Great find...................
Solid Nyclad's........... woa baby.
I do think they would get deeper penetration than the HP for
winter use and heavy clothing.
Thanks for sharing, I did not know that type of ammo was made, either.
Solid Nyclad's........... woa baby.
I do think they would get deeper penetration than the HP for
winter use and heavy clothing.
Thanks for sharing, I did not know that type of ammo was made, either.
Communication with Federal
E-mailed Federal about the Nyclad and got a couple of responses indicating they keep it listed on the website because there are still a few dealers with small amounts of inventory, though they were unable to tell me who or where. Sent one more E-mail inquiry about whether they intend to manufacture the Nyclad again. No response yet. Those Non-Hollow Points look excellent. Thanks for the pic. I'm definitely rationing the 75 rounds of +P I have left. Would like to get to try the standard pressure rounds at some point if I can ever find them.
E-mailed Federal about the Nyclad and got a couple of responses indicating they keep it listed on the website because there are still a few dealers with small amounts of inventory, though they were unable to tell me who or where. Sent one more E-mail inquiry about whether they intend to manufacture the Nyclad again. No response yet. Those Non-Hollow Points look excellent. Thanks for the pic. I'm definitely rationing the 75 rounds of +P I have left. Would like to get to try the standard pressure rounds at some point if I can ever find them.
Texas Star
US Veteran
I have several original boxes on the Nyclad HP .38's and I try not to shoot any of them. I'm holding on to them for when I carry my old Chief's Special, they are the perfect carry ammo for that revolver IMO.
About 6 years ago I came across 12 rounds of SWC Nyclad ammo without a hollow point in a old box of mixed loose rounds. I didn't know those were ever made.
Is that head stamped as Federal or as S&W brand? Is it Plus P?
I may have seen that, but, not, I think, as a Federal Chief Spcl. round. I think those were all non Plus P, a 125 grain HP at a nominal 825 FPS.
whataboutbob
Member
how do the 158gr nyclads shoot in a short bbl?
kbm6893
Member
I have about 5 boxes of 158 grain Nyclad ammo. The NYPD issued them. 2 boxes of jacketed rounds and 3 of the hollow point. All +P. Never gonna shoot them. They're a dying breed and I want to pass them down one day to my son.
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