.38 ammo prices!

Personally, I feel the prices on 38 Sp is ridiculous...that said it was at one time the most widely used round out there. There were a lot of small companies selling commercially reloaded ammo cheap. The factories quite often had really good sales. But that was at the time when the police almost universally used 38s. Now it's the 9 mm. And for the average every day blow away ammo...the factories really only need load 2-4 different rounds...Sure they have the pretty, really expensive "self defense" rounds. And to be honest that cottage industry is a BIG money maker for all calibers these days. With the internet testers shooting all those water jugs and gel blocks helping that SD industry. The 38 and others have been relegated mostly to the back of the shelf...with much higher prices. Most of the self defense stuff could be reloaded by any enterprising shooter. Even in ammunition that the average buyer of ammo spends money on...pretty sells. Not the looks of the ammo...what the makers push and want you to believe...Kinda started way back yonder with Super-vel. As far as SD ammo...the 9mm NEEDS a bit of help...still. The boutique stuff on any caliber is actually eye candy...and evidently worth much more...Yep...I AM old and jaded. I'm not gonna shoot water jugs with ammo that costs 2 to 3 dollars or more per round
 
I've noticed similar trends. Just when you think prices are dropping, they shoot back up again. I get what you're saying about big bore prices for .38 Special—it almost makes more sense to go with a .45 ACP.

Lucky for me, I managed to pick up an S&W 940 for a steal, so I can still enjoy revolvers without breaking the bank on ammo. If you're looking for more info on ammo, I found a great read at 5.56 vs 223 Ammo - What's the Difference? 19 Things You Need To Know. It's super informative and helped me a lot.
 
That problem has an easy fix ...
Reload them empty 38 special cases ...
It can be done cheaply and easily ...
And it must not be too hard to do ... I been doing it since 1967 .
Started out with Lee Classic Loader ($45) on the net and a powder scoop ...add plastic mallet ... you in business !
A little slow but ... that's still a viable way to do it !

Or you could move up to a Lee Hand Press ($64) and omit the hammering ... the best buy is the Lee Hand Press Kit $74 !
Gary
 
I reload for revolvers. IT is relatively easy to do. Best thing for beginners probably. I don't bother reloading for auto pistols anymore. .38 cases will hardly if ever stretch from firing and last really long with standard power loads. So you are not that worried about trimming or headspace issues. I started with the simple/very cheap Lee Loader tool for revolvers. Slow and tedious but a good way to learn the basics. Only loaded .38 ammo is defensive that I hoarded a long time ago when it was cheap. The cost of reloading components is horrible now but I also hoarded that stuff years ago too. Even at current prices I think you will come out well ahead depending on how fancy your bullets are.
 
Before I saw a shortage of any kind a friend told me he has a mold and dies for every caliber he owns.

I followed his lead and did the same. One of the best pieces of advice I've ever received.
 
KyleeMarks said:
I've noticed similar trends. Just when you think prices are dropping, they shoot back up again. I get what you're saying about big bore prices for .38 Special—it almost makes more sense to go with a .45 ACP.
Click to expand...

Do you what ammo prices were in 1974?

Until American Law Enforcement and Military adopted the 9mm that was expensive due to supply and demand. .38 Special was the most affordable centerfire handgun cartridge.

If you are complaining about the price of ammo I will guess you have never taken Professional Training. Defensive Revolver at Thunder Ranch requires 1000 rounds of 38 Special.
 
I reloaded for about 50 years before I realized I really didn't like it. So I stopped.

I still shoot every week. 9mm is cheap, and I buy .38 Special and .45 ACP when I see a good deal. 20 bucks for a box of .38 Specials is cheap. And even expensive .22s are cheap.

I have a modest stash. My plan is to have one box of everything when I croak.

I will admit to getting a kick out of all the "well, I reload" guys scrambling for primers when those ran out.

I can understand reloading for economic reasons. Hell, thats why I did it. Now I just buy what I want.
 
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I with you on 38/357 ammo prices. I love shooting my revolvers. I wanted to shoot my M60 j-frame. It was cheaper for me to buy a USED M43c and shoot .22LR. I purchased a used M340 M&P. I might just have to bite the bullet and buy a case of ball 38/357.
 
I have been a reloader and bullet caster since 1967 ...

And enjoyed every minute of this fascinating and interesting hobby .

It is my Hobby ... shooting is hobby #2 .

Some folks aren't cut out to be reloaders and tha's okay ...
Do what makes you happy .

These days of shortages and regulations it might be wise to be able to cast bullets and reload ammo for at least a few of your guns for hunting and survival ... a stroke of a presidents pen can outlaw the sale of lead bullets , ammo and even some firearms ...
Be Prepared .
Gary
 
During covid Federal went consumer direct. If you bought 1000 rounds 38 special 130 grain KMJ 38 special 10% discount and free shipping. Had to pay Nevada sales tax.
Price about $43.20 per 100.
Looked for another source but not luck so I purchased the 1000.
Supply of 38 special
 
rockquarry said:
What is "go scorched Earth"?
Click to expand...

A scorched-earth policy is a military strategy of destroying everything that allows an enemy military force to be able to fight a war, including the deprivation and destruction of water, food, humans, animals, plants and any kind of tools and infrastructure.
 
LVSteve said:
Indeed. There many of us (most?) who have no interest in reloading, or even if we did lack a safe space to do it. The "I reload" posts just clutter up the thread when the OP is just looking for suggestions on obtaining factory ammo at a better price. Now he/she has to do a lot more sorting of the wheat from the chaff.
Click to expand...
If one has no interest in reloading, I'd have to ask, if he/she shoots a lot. If so, I would assume that money is no object. I started reloading with a Lee Reloader for .38 SPL. A .38 SPL revolver was my only centerfire handgun at the time. I loaded on the kitchen table. Having had been a competitive shooter for a long time, reloading was the only way to participate in the sport, as I couldn't afford factory match ammo. I could, however, produce match quality ammo by reloading. Like anything, there are a thousand excuses for not reloading when one doesn't want to. I just ask you not to hate us for being handsome and beautiful, as well as, being reloaders.
 
diyj98 said:
A scorched-earth policy is a military strategy of destroying everything that allows an enemy military force to be able to fight a war, including the deprivation and destruction of water, food, humans, animals, plants and any kind of tools and infrastructure.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the explanation. I lack military experience and am not familiar with such terms.
 
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