Federal 38G “FBI” load REVISION

[38SPL HV]

What I thought a couple months back were factory crimped Federal white box 38G 38 Spl +P 158 SWCHP were in fact crimped by me through my Factory Lee FCD. These did not move from their crimp after the Lee FCD.

I opened a new box of Federal 38Gs, there was a much lighter factory crimp but still there was a crimp unlike some older lots which had no crimp. I shot first four in S&W 637 Airweight and the fifth round’s bullet had significantly moved and I was surprised that I was able to remove the cylinder. The rounds did not move, or just a hair at most, in my Ruger SP101 2.25 inch, a much heavier revolver compared to the S&W Airweight.

I subsequently ran the rounds through the Lee FCD, 3/4 turn, medium heavy, and shot the rest earlier today through the Airweight...all were good to go without movement.

I would not shoot the 38Gs as crimped by Federal in your S&W Airweights for fear of bullet movement and binding up the cylinder. I have no problems using them in the heavier Ruger SP101.

 

[Nevada Ed]

I don't know if the factory's dies are getting old or they are just putting out a poor crimp on those bullets.

Before 2003, all the factory ammo had a good crimp that held the bullet in a light frame revolver, with the heavy recoil.

It is a sorry fact to see SD ammo not working properly when it might be needed in a real deal.

If it were my ammo I would be letting the company know about the shoddy ammo, in a heart beat.

 

[38SPL HV]

I don't know if the factory's dies are getting old or they are just putting out a poor crimp on those bullets.

Before 2003, all the factory ammo had a good crimp that held the bullet in a light frame revolver, with the heavy recoil.

It is a sorry fact to see SD ammo not working properly when it might be needed in a real deal.

If it were my ammo I would be letting the company know about the shoddy ammo, in a heart beat.

Greetings Ed,

Federal probably makes the 38G for professional LE use intended for heavier framed revolvers compared to the Airweights (the 38G’s bullet stays put in my Ruger SP101 for instance...I wouldn’t use it in a LCR if I had one).

Remington’s equivalent FBI load has a really firm crimp, and this one stays put in the Airweight. If I was intending to use a factory 158 gr LHP 38 Spl +P FBI type load in an Airweight , I would choose Remington’s version, RTP38S12.

 

[biku324]

I've carried the Remington version since 1981 with no troubles. I've qualified with it 3x annually in a S&W 49 until 2000 - never a hitch since, either.

Coyotes universally despise this round.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Both of you Gentlemen are spot on !!

and yes, for me, the M49 is the lightest weight revolver that I will shoot more than on cylinder of the "FBI ammo" out of.......

but a larger K frame is what is normally used with those with good sense, if shooting more than 10 rounds.

 

[lrrifleman]

Hate to chime in on this one. The folks at Federal are smart and should realize that ammo marketed for LEO use has a tendency to make it's rounds in the civilian market.

Not everyone that carries a defensive firearm reloads, so they may not have the resources to recrimp their chosen ammo. Additionally, a whole lot of people have been recommended the old FBI load.

I think it would be wise to inform Federal of the poor crimps. The last thing that we want in this day and age is to lose an ammunition manufacturer due to a wrongful death lawsuit.

 

[kaaskop49]

I've carried the Remington version since 1981 with no troubles. I've qualified with it 3x annually in a S&W 49 until 2000 - never a hitch since, either.

Coyotes universally despise this round.

This is a cool post, especially the coyote comment! Anyone remember the early 70s +P or the PRE +P without the +P headstamp? From a 4" service revolver, you almost got the impression that the cylinder was expanding on the sides when the round discharged. I know it didn't, but those rounds were ring-tailed tooters! No crimp jump back then; we didn't know what that was.

Nice to see the Silver Staters chiming in on the same thread!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Biggfoot44]

Y'all made me look . I reached down next to the bed for my latest White Box 38G , purchased at the last gun show before tbe Zombie Apocalypse . Lot # D30S1 .

It has a heavy crimp , similar to back in the day .

 

[38SPL HV]

This is a cool post, especially the coyote comment! Anyone remember the early 70s +P or the PRE +P without the +P headstamp?



Yes, these were loaded to levels of the last 38-44 (38 Spl “Hi-Speed” 158 gr lead) loads produced but with the 158 gr LHP bullet. They were probably nearing 25k psi or more