FMJ or LRN .38 Special?

[aterry33]

I'm going to buy a case of Magtech 158GR .38 Special. I have used both their FMJ and LRN in this load with success. I can get the case of LRN for $50 less so that is tempting. However, I wonder about the leading. I suspect that this will not be a problem if I shoot no more than a couple hundred rounds at a time and clean the gun after shooting. Agree/Disagree?

 

[Erich]

I'd be stunned if you had any leading problems with that load. Lead is plenty easy to get out, though, with Kroil and a bit of copper Chore Boy pot-scrubber.

 

[pharmer]

Get the LRN. $50 savings is good enough reason. Don't need jacket for reliable feeding and the bullet is slow enough that leading won't be a factor. Neither will expand in a meaningful way. Joe

 

[flop-shank]

I don't know how much a case of the stuff is, but if you're interested, you could probably have a decent beginner's reloading set up, including components to load up a few for $175 bucks, or less. Just thought I'd throw the idea out there. Handloading equipment generally pays for itself fast.

 

[Gutpile Charlie]

Go for round nosed lead. I've never had big problems with .38 Spl. It generally just isn't hot and fast enough.

 

[USAF385]

+1 on the LRN. I've put over 1,000 through three different revolvers with no issues. I do clean fully after each use though.

 

[stiab]

At those speeds, lead is not a problem.

 

[kmrcstintn]

if you do go with lead and mix with jacketed stuff in the same session...use the jacketed stuff first; I have made the mistake in the past and embedded the lead and had a dickens of a time getting it out; finally had to get a lead away cloth and sacrifice a bore brush to get the majority of it out

 

[Spotteddog]

Get the LRN, then pocket the $ difference and put it toward your reloading equipment fund. Save your brass. FWIW, the brass is likely identical whether a LRN or a FMJ loading. At pedestrian .38 Special velocities (and keeping on a clean it every time it gets shot schedule) there's no reason why lead should be a problem? If it does become one, see the advice above.

 

[XTrooper]

A Lewis Lead Remover (they've been around for decades) makes getting rid lead fast and easy.

 

[scottaschultz]

I don't know what you are paying for either of the Magtech rounds, but I have recently started using PRVI Partizan 158gr LRN 38 Specials. I have purchased these from Wideners and AmmunitionToGo, but they seem to be out at the moment.

It does appear as if Ammoman does have some in stock. 500/$169, 1000/$279
AMMOMAN.COM

If you are looking for cheap range ammo, this is definitely the way to go!

Scott

 

[dg101win]

I don't know what you are paying for either of the Magtech rounds, but I have recently started using PRVI Partizan 158gr LRN 38 Specials. I have purchased these from Wideners and AmmunitionToGo, but they seem to be out at the moment.

It does appear as if Ammoman does have some in stock. 500/$169, 1000/$279
AMMOMAN.COM

If you are looking for cheap range ammo, this is definitely the way to go!

Scott

I picked up some of this in late June from Ammoman when they had the lower price 1000/$219. I recently tried it in my Mdl 14 and had 1 1/2 inch groups@25yds off the bench.

 

[scottaschultz]

I picked up some of this in late June from Ammoman when they had the lower price 1000/$219.

Damn! I missed that sale!! Next time call me!!!

Scott