keeper
Member
Will a 3rd model top brake .38 S&W Cal. manufactured in 1895, in good shape, handel factory ammo? or should i hand load lighter.
38 S&W top brake ammo
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The R-P factory ammo I've used was pretty light, and I think it was so loaded because of all the old top break's still in use. I do not think it would be a problem. At $30 bucks a box (local price for factory) I started loading it. I think the dies only cost $25 or so, and I have a great time shooting the .38/200 and Webley. My lighest load is 1.5 grs 231 under the 148gr HBWC, its like shooting a .22 and is accurate at short range but the bullet begins to keyhole at any distance.
cgt4570
Member
I've also shot the factory Remington and Winchester ammo with no ill effects in my various single and double action topbreak Smiths. Probably lighter and lower peak pressure than original blackpowder loads. I also reload for them and it's a breeze due to very little case expansion.
Chris
Chris
opoefc
US Veteran
I've shot 100s of rounds of modern smokless ammo in both .32 & .32 S&W top breaks ( in good mechanical condition) and never had any problems. I don'r seem to have any problem finding boxes of the ammo cheaply at gun shows. Usually ten bucks , or so, a box.
cxm
Member
If you decide to reload for the .38 S&W and need brass let me know... I have quite a quantity of new Winchester mfg. 38 S&W brass.
V/r
Chuck
V/r
Chuck
