.38 Special Plinking Ammo?

[bushmaster1313]

I enjoy taking my 3.5" 27-2 and 5" pre-27 to the range for plinking with .38 Special.

Think of buying a case of plinking ammo and there are two main variables

Jacket v. no jacket
130 gr. v. 158 gr.

Does it matter?

 

[Pisgah]

No. Some will tell you that .38's in a .357 chamber will eventually "ruin the chamber". Bollocks. .38s WILL foul the chamber so that after many, many rounds it may become difficult to chamber .357's -- but if you clean your gun, even that will never occur.

 

[gerhard1]

Both are good It comes down to a matter of personal preference more than anything else. There is also the option of mid-range wadcutters. That is as mild-mannered a round as you'll find anywhere, especially in an N-frame 357.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

IMO you are better off shooting case bullets because they are easier on the barrel. For plinking I see no reason to shoot jacketed bullets. I hope this helps your decision. For real, they are fun lol.

 

[sodacan]

I use any 130 grain FMJ from any reliable maker.

 

[rockquarry]

If you have an interest in accuracy, buy a box each of several ammos and shoot them over a benchrest at 25 yards. Then buy a case of what shoots best. Cast bullets that fit will shoot at least as well as the best jacketed bullet ammo.

 

[Nevada Ed]

For 357 target work I prefer any light load, factory jacket bullet but ....
I will shoot a light 158 lead reload, as an option.... short or long case.

In a J frame I prefer a 38 148 WC standard load for target work but my
snub nose also likes slow 158 lead bullets.

 

[stansdds]

Either would be fine in a 357 Magnum. The jacketed 130 grain 38 Special will not leave any lead fouling, but the 158 grain lead load might be less expensive to buy. I would not worry about ruining 357 Magnum chambers with 38 Special ammo, unless you are reloading insanely over pressure 38 Specials, it just does not generate enough hot gas and pressure to actually erode the chambers. 38 Special ammo in a 357 Magnum chamber will build up fouling between the mouth of the cartridge case and the edge of the chamber, so just be thorough when cleaning the chambers.

 

[Borderboss]

I would go with lead round nose or SWC rounds. They're pretty easy to find online for under $0.25 per round, less if bought in case quantities. They're going to be easiest on your barrels, especially the pre-27 barrel that comes from a time of different metallurgy than today.

 

[alwslate]

158 gr lead RN, the classic .38 spl round. Easy on the shooter and the gun
barrel. If you don't handload you can sell your brass or have it reloaded
by someone you trust.

 

[lrrifleman]

I would lean towards the lead rounds. Personally, I refuse to put any FMJ bullet through my revolvers. Lead for practice, plinking, and giggles, semi/half jacketed for serious social encounters. I don't ever want my kids or future grandkids to ever worry about a shot out revolver barrel!

 

[ddixie884]

Lead is always good, but I have been using a lot of Perfecta .38spl 158gr fmj as it is very strong and very ''clean''. If shooting in a .357 it would not be too strong for practice. JMHO-YMMV......

 

[TTSH]

158 gr lead RN, the classic .38 spl round. Easy on the shooter and the gun barrel.

Yep. This is my first choice for my older S&W revolvers. I recently found a local source for American-made 158 gr RNL and was very pleased about that. It's not cheap, but I don't shoot that much of it for it to be a concern.

 

[pharmer]

This has been my favorite for a year or so. $130/ 500 on your doorstep. Pretty spunky too with very nice brass. Joe
Prvi Partizan 38 Special Ammo 158 Grain Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point

 

[Rudi]

I've had good luck with Federal American Eagle 158 gr. RN lead.

 

[IAhunter]

I prefer cast bullets in my .38 plinking ammo, wadcutters or semi-wadcutters. I roll my own though.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Go with the lead.
Then you can say, Friend I Deal in lead!
If you say, Friend, I Deal in Jackets!
They will think you work at Burlington.
Actually, I recommend the cheapest you can find!

 

[Steve912]

.38/.357 seem to be two of the handgun calibers that are
still worthwhile, moneywise, to reload--if that approach
interests you.

 

[ddixie884]

The taxes they now charge add to the price. with insurance and taxes that $130.00 turns into $140.00, but that is still pretty cheap. before the taxes I found the Perfecta for $220.00 per thousand shipped. I bought a thousand rnds shot some and ordered another case. I like the PPU but it is a little bit dirtier...........

 

[hardluk1]

OP If your in this game for the long haul think about a basic single stage reloader kit from RCBS .

Check out Georgia Arms , good stuff all around - http://www.georgia-arms.com/38-special-148gr-lead-wadcutter/. depending on where you live they visit gun shows .