Bad Load? The .38 Special 158 gr. RNL

[poordevil]

I have an other thought on Why the RNL. Lead bullets are made by extruding them. They are not molded. It would seem to cost no more to extrude a SWC than a RNL. But at Walmart for example, I see Federal RNL .38 Special and maybe other brands, but no SWCL loads. In the 1980s and before, the San Diego, Cal police issued SWCL ammo and 6" model 10 revolvers. Bad guys shot by them, tended to stay shot.

 

[LouisianaMan]

Yes, that info in Lee 2 be is very helpful, especially for anybody shooting high pressure magnum loads. I shoot low-pressure stuff normally, but have learned to pay attention to softening the wheelweight bullets I cast with softer lead. For 9mm, however, I had to empty the pot and refill with wheelweights to make them hard enough to hold the rifling and not keyhole.

A very important issue in revolvers, however, is the fit of bullet, chamber throat, and groove size. Lots of leading problems result from a mismatch there--sometimes modifying bullet alloy hardness can fix even that.

 

[jupiter1]

But at Walmart for example, I see Federal RNL .38 Special and maybe other brands, but no SWCL loads. In the 1980s and before, the San Diego, Cal police issued SWCL ammo and 6" model 10 revolvers. Bad guys shot by them, tended to stay shot.

In the past, I have ordered Remington standard velocity 158gr SWC with nickle cases. Haven't looked for any lately. It is the carry load for my 2 inch Mod 60. I like the straight line, deep penetration of semi wadcutter bullets. I would have no problem carrying RNL if the SWC wasn't available.

 

[e3mrk]

Some People think if a Bullet wont go through a steel plate and leave a huge hole it is worthless.
Every Bullet has a purpose so You just need to find what it's good for.
Sure a 158grn,38spcl.RNL Bullet wont stop a Elephant but I would not want to be shot by one.