postman93
US Veteran
I have a friend who is looking for 38-40 ammo for his grandfathers Colt New Service. Any suggestions where is the most reasonable place to purchase?
Ammo sugestions
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Target Sports carries it but it is currently out of stock. Prepare yourself to pay a small fortune for it - $65 bucks /box of 50!!
If it is a gun you commonly shoot, I'd really consider reloading for it! If just shot on a rare occasion then just put a pencil in your teeth when you pull out your credit card to pay for it. Buy a few boxes when in stock and just chalk it up to a nostalgic experience. Shoot it infrequently. I'd also take a look on the ammo shelves when you are in older gun shops - never know what is lying there.
If it is a gun you commonly shoot, I'd really consider reloading for it! If just shot on a rare occasion then just put a pencil in your teeth when you pull out your credit card to pay for it. Buy a few boxes when in stock and just chalk it up to a nostalgic experience. Shoot it infrequently. I'd also take a look on the ammo shelves when you are in older gun shops - never know what is lying there.
SGT ROCK 11B
Member
It is an 100 year old revolver. I say it keep it in the Gun Safe as a family heirloom.
If you just have to shoot it. Buy a box of cowboy loads and take a few shots on the 4th of July. I would not shoot it regularly.
DWalt
Member
I do not know the current status of .38-40 reloadable cases availability, but they can always be re-formed easily from .45 Colt cases which should be more readily available. That is, if one happens to be a reloader. I have even done the reverse, forming .45 Colt cases from .38-40 brass. But that was just an experiment.
There are certain calibers which nearly require handloading if you plan to do much shooting because of poor ammunition availability and expense. .38-40 is definitely one of them.
There are certain calibers which nearly require handloading if you plan to do much shooting because of poor ammunition availability and expense. .38-40 is definitely one of them.
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ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I so much agree, treat that revolver with the respect it's due.
For special occasions:
38-40 WCF 180 Grain RN FP Lead Cowboy Ammunition Box of 50
Black Hills 38-40 Winchester 180gr FPL Ammo for Sale | Ventura Munitions
Neither are in stock right now but you can have them notify you when it's back in stock.
Good luck.
LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
.38-40 is a cartridge that has not been in regular production for many years. When produced it is either a limited run by one of the major companies or a boutique/specialty company serving a very limited market. Either way, supply is always minimal and prices are always high.
One of my little projects is keeping a Colt SAA and Marlin 1894 (both over 100 years old) shooting .44-40. Same basic case as the .38-40. Once a supply of brass is obtained and a set of reloading dies is purchased ammo production is easy enough at costs very similar to other more common calibers. I'm still shooting for about $6 per box (home cast bullets, older stocks of primers and powder), much easier to enjoy than $65-plus for some of these older calibers.
Starline offers .38-40 brass with modern solid case heads that should provide good service with modest loads for dozens of reloading cycles. Much of the early brass (pre-WW2) will have balloon-head construction, much less strength and durability. Also, most early ammo was loaded with black powder and corrosive priming which can negatively affect case life.
I prefer cast bullets for use in the vintage firearms. Much less stress on the mechanisms, easier on the bores. The .38-40 is not actually .38 caliber, using a bullet of nominal .401" diameter. A lot of variations will be found in the earlier guns so it is best to measure chambers, throat, and groove diameters to match bullets to the intended piece. Actual bullet diameter will also dictate the size of case mouth expander to be used for a positive result without excessive wear and tear in the process.
One of my little projects is keeping a Colt SAA and Marlin 1894 (both over 100 years old) shooting .44-40. Same basic case as the .38-40. Once a supply of brass is obtained and a set of reloading dies is purchased ammo production is easy enough at costs very similar to other more common calibers. I'm still shooting for about $6 per box (home cast bullets, older stocks of primers and powder), much easier to enjoy than $65-plus for some of these older calibers.
Starline offers .38-40 brass with modern solid case heads that should provide good service with modest loads for dozens of reloading cycles. Much of the early brass (pre-WW2) will have balloon-head construction, much less strength and durability. Also, most early ammo was loaded with black powder and corrosive priming which can negatively affect case life.
I prefer cast bullets for use in the vintage firearms. Much less stress on the mechanisms, easier on the bores. The .38-40 is not actually .38 caliber, using a bullet of nominal .401" diameter. A lot of variations will be found in the earlier guns so it is best to measure chambers, throat, and groove diameters to match bullets to the intended piece. Actual bullet diameter will also dictate the size of case mouth expander to be used for a positive result without excessive wear and tear in the process.
JJEH
Member
Buffalo Bore has some, but I'm not sure if I'd shoot them with this old revolver.
HEAVY 38 WCF aka 38-40 Winchester
HEAVY 38 WCF aka 38-40 Winchester
You might try Old Western Scrounger. Been My source for weird, obsolete, and unobtainable ammo. Little expensive sometimes, but He has it.
Doug M.
Member
Contact Black Hills directly.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I wouldn't use that ammo in your older revolver. Buffalo Bore states on that page it is full power ammo, not light CAS type ammo.
When I saw this thread I checked there for the OP. They don't seem to have it in their catalog.
