I was scrounging all the usual places...

[Jst1mr]

For ammo for my new 33-1 in .38S&W. Amongst all the lead RN stuff (145 or 146 gr), I found Fiocchi listing a 145 gr FMJ @ 780fps, which is about 140fps hotter than most, but they call it a .38 S&W Short.... is that the same as .38 S&W?

 

[USAF385]

Hmm.. the Fiocchi site has 145 grain 38 Short.. LRN and FMJ.. has them listed at 720 fps.

Center Fire Pistol & Revolver Ammunition - Fiocchi Ammunition USA

 

[Jst1mr]

I see that... from the Midway ad:

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Fiocchi's standard line features a wide selection, including many hard to find, classic and foreign calibers. Perfect for the collector and shooter alike. This ammunition is new production, non-corrosive, in boxer-primed, reloadable brass cases.

Technical Information Caliber: 38 S&W Short
Bullet Weight: 145 Grain
Bullet Style: Full Metal Jacket
Case Type: Brass

Ballistics Information:
Muzzle Velocity: 780 fps



Wonder who's right?

 

[Pisgah]

Could be they're both right, depending on the individual gun and/or barrel length.

 

[Storyforu]

I came across a loose pile by accident, post-1961 nickel-cased Remington-Peters (80% lead round nose and the rest jacketed hollowpoint)

 

[LouisianaMan]

Jst1Mr,
I've seen the same disconnect between specs on the Fiocchi, but don't know the truth of the matter. On the face of it, I trust the manufacturer's website more. Even at 720fps, it's a little faster than Remington or Winchester (both @ 685fps). I'd be surprised if Fiocchi went 100 fps higher to 780--in an FMJ, no less--given the evident concern about overtaxing the breaktops out there.

StoryforU, are you sure you're looking at .38 S&W, not at .38 S&W Special? I've definitely never heard of a .38 S&W loaded with a JHP, and I'd even be surprised if any cases were nickel, although I could be wrong. . .At the low velocities of this cartridge, it's highly unlikely a JHP would expand.

And yes, .38 S&W was/is often referred to as .38 "regular" or "short," to easily differentiate it from .38 Special. BTW, if you encounter old ammo, you may come across .38 Colt New Police, which is a 150g LFP that is interchangeable with the .38 S&W.

Note that the .38 Short Colt and .38 Long Colt are altogether different calibers--the .38 S&W Special was created by lengthening the .38 Long Colt case, just as the 38SPL was later lengthened into the .357 Magnum. Confused yet??

Final note: my nearby Bass Pro Shop recently had 5 boxes of .38 S&W made by Remington on the shelf. You may want to check them, as this caliber is otherwise hard to come by these days. As for me, I reload

 

[Andy Griffith]

Now here's a kicker...

I picked up a box of Winchester in .38 S&W at the last gun show. The nickel placed brass is marked correctly and has factory bullets in it- it's new stuff...but it is actually undersized!!! It will fit in a .38 Special!!! I think they may have changed it when we weren't looking- at least the Winchester brand. If anyone else has a recently made box, please check them and report back so I can confirm or deny that mine are either reloads or they changed "the recipe."

 

[cp1969]

I don't know what the chamber dimensions are of the .38 Special, but there is only a few thousandths difference in the OD of the .38 S&W.

Lyman #49 lists the following dimensions:

.38 S&W
Case OD -- .386" tapering to .3855"
Bullet dia. -- .361"

.38 Special
Case OD -- .379" (no taper)
Bullet dia. -- .358"

 

[Storyforu]

Jst1Mr,

StoryforU, are you sure you're looking at .38 S&W, not at .38 S&W Special? I've definitely never heard of a .38 S&W loaded with a JHP, and I'd even be surprised if any cases were nickel, although I could be wrong. . .At the low velocities of this cartridge, it's highly unlikely a JHP would expand.

Yup, I'm sure.
I get a chance, I'll take a pic or two.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Fiocchi ammo is known to be "hotter" than American ammo. I wouldn't suggest shooting that ammo in a old top break revolver. It will be fine in an Enfield No2 .38 S&W revolver.

 

[walnutred]

I have some old Remington nickle plated 38 S&W with a copper washed lead projectile that has noticeably more recoil than most 38 S&W I've shot. Choreographing this ammo and pulling a bullet to weigh it is on my to-do list.

I would expect Euro 38 S&W to be loaded hotter than US as they are most likely to be used in a stronger S&W or Enfield revolver. I've never heard of a factory JHP 38 S&W, those shoudl be interesting. I want to warn you though. Most remanufacturers who load 9mm Federal (9x19 rimmed) ammo use 38 S&W brass and 9x19 +P load data with JHP projectiles. It's possible that is what you have.

 

[LouisianaMan]

Walnutred,
I'm cueing on your comment about "noticeably more recoil" and wondering if you have some of the elusive .38 (S&W) Super Police rounds. I'm glad you're planning to pull one, weigh & chrono. I can't wait to hear what you come up with! Thanks! (And photos. . . ? Hint, hint.)