Old Stock .38 158 gr WC

[PeteC]

I picked up a few of these at a local show, because my usual economy HBWC is not available from my normal sources these days. Can someone tell me how these compare to current production Federal 158 gr LRN on one hand, and/or Winchester 148 gr HBWC? Those are the other two available to me, and I only have so much time to research and chase after ammo. I know this information is most likely online somewhere, so a link will do too. Thanks!

 

[Nevada Ed]

Looks to me like training ammo refills, that is used that might take the place of the
full load 158 gr "FBI load" that has a heavier recoil.

If the price is right, go for it.

PS;
I haven't seem metal corner bracing in a long time.

 

[PeteC]

...I haven't seem metal corner bracing in a long time.

I don't remember seeing it, or at least paying any attention to it, at all. However, I also don't remember posting pics of boxes, until now. I'm sure paper targets and empty tomato cans won't complain, but it's nice to know what you are putting in your gun

 

[jupiter1]

Those 18 round boxes were made for police issue; 12 rounds for drop pouches or speed loaders and 6 rounds in the revolver.

 

[mikerjf]

Seems like something that should be on display with your Model 10.

 

[PeteC]

Seems like something that should be on display with your Model 10.

No Model 10, but close. The nickel plated cases and the red corners almost look too nice to shoot, I would still like to know how old these might be. If they were police issue, I am sure it would have been a very long time ago!

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Remington 158-grain semi-wadcutter, headstamp indicates standard pressure. Probably in the 800FPS range, pleasant enough to shoot in snubs and lightweight revolvers. Reasonably good defensive load.

As Jupiter1 pointed out above, the 18-round boxes were typically used for police department contracts, 18 rounds being the "basic load" for the duty belt (12 in pouches, 6 in revolver). Made inventory and issue easy for everyone involved.

 

[ddixie884]

That looks like primo standard pressure ammo to me. If it was all the same price I would take that over your other choices, unless you are shooting Bullseye target...........

 

[gwpercle]

Standard 38 special load , improved SWC bullet instead of the old RN
" widow maker " loads . Police Dept 18 round boxes . The SWC's were the next step up in improving effectiveness...
many dept's couldn't carry hollow points so these were issued .
Baton Rouge P.D. carried model 64 fixed sight 38 special right up untill mid 1970's (1975?) before moving up to 357 magnum S&W with adjustable sights no less ! And I believe it was with the 357 magnum they started issuing JHP's .
Gary

 

[PeteC]

That makes sense out of the 18-rd boxes, thanks! I believe either the Model 64 or the 67 were used as duty guns in Louisville KY, in the late 1970's and maybe 80's. An uncle of a friend of mine had one then, can't remember which one though.

The gun and the ammo were NOT acquired together. Someone above suggested I should pair the ammo with the right gun... I don't usually look for old ammo at shows, and I was actually looking for something different at the time, so this may be my one and only experience with this particular round. I assume paper won't complain if I use it,

 

[george_lehr]

I believe that 158 grain was the bullet weight for standard pressure loads that would shoot to point of aim in fixed sight revolvers (model 10).

 

[jim0383]

Save that Ammo not only because it's a cool piece of history, but also might come in handy if hollow points become illegal (and based on some consensus in this thread may be LEO duty Ammo quality).

 

[ddixie884]

I'd buy as much of it as I could afford, if it was me...........

 

[EMS6260]

I came on in 1987 and had similar rounds a lot of jurisdictions had "community issues and organizers" that had city governments scared of the dreaded hollow point.

 

[HKSmith]

The lack of Zip Code and the use of Conn instead of CT (for Connecticut) would place this ammo in the pre-mid 1963 era. I think the R-P head stamp replaced REM-UMC in the 1950's, so that gives you a pretty good idea of age. A Model 10 or pre-model 10 would be the correct "display gun" if you care about such things. Stainless steel revolvers weren't being made in the pre-zip code era.

 

[PeteC]

The lack of Zip Code and the use of Conn instead of CT (for Connecticut) would place this ammo in the pre-mid 1963 era. I think the R-P head stamp replaced REM-UMC in the 1950's, so that gives you a pretty good idea of age. A Model 10 or pre-model 10 would be the correct "display gun" if you care about such things. Stainless steel revolvers weren't being made in the pre-zip code era.

I am afraid I did not buy the boxes with the idea that they would match a particular gun, but it is very interesting nevertheless, so yes, I do care. The amount of knowledge here never ceases to amaze me, and thanks!

There is a tiny circular stamp on the boxes that I am guessing may be a date code, but even if that is what it is, it only includes a one digit year, and a month.