38 S&W

[algrennathan]

Hi guys! I need some info on the 38 S&W. There isn't any retailer here in the Philippines with that kind of ammo anymore so I've decided to make my own. I need this kind of ammo for my Enfield no. 2 mk I but unfortunately, like what I've said, there isn't any retailer here in the Philippines with that kind of ammo. Kinda ironic since it was used during our commonwealth era and in WWII. Anyway, I was told I can used 38 spl. casings so I thought there won't be any problems with that, but what I don't know is the amount of powder that there should be in it. So does anybody know how much powder it should have (in grams)?

Thanks!

 

[MichiganScott]

You were given wrong information. Not only is the S&W Special cartridge longer than the cartridge your Webley is chambered for, the Webley cartridge is fatter. If you were to cut down the Special cartridge for the Webley chamber, it may rupture during the first firing.

 

[algrennathan]

You were given wrong information. Not only is the S&W Special cartridge longer than the cartridge your Webley is chambered for, the Webley cartridge is fatter. If you were to cut down the Special cartridge for the Webley chamber, it may rupture during the first firing.

What do you mean "it may rupture during the first firing"? The chamber or the casing? I've just recently fired the enfield with a reloaded shortened 38 spl casing from the previous owner and it seems to shoot well. But what what may rupture?

 

[MichiganScott]

The casing. The Special casing is smaller in diameter than the .38 S&W.

Please notice "it may rupture".

 

[11e40]

you may get away with it, or you might get burned. .38 spl cases are smaller in dia. as well as shorter. you could fireform them with a light load & then load w/ .38 s&w dies & proper loads for .38 s&w. proceed at your own risk. by the way i use .358 lead bullets in mine. hth.

 

[crankyoldlady]

Or you can purchase the correct brass here providing they ship to your location...

https://www.starlinebrass.com/brass-cases/38-SandW-Brass/index.cfm

 

[robertrwalsh]

The .38 S&W is supposed to use .361 bullets, but I have had good luck with hollow base lead .358 diameter bullets. I have heard of people successfully using cut down .38 special brass, and they do split more than occasionally, but it is such a low intensity round it probably isn't dangerous to the user. Have fun, good luck.