J-frame ammo help

[71velle]

I have a 642 on the way and wanted to get some ammo. I am looking to get range stuff but dont know what to look for or what to stay away from. It sees as if I could get American Eagle, Winchester white box, or Blazer brass. Also if I were to start reloading does one of them have a better case? Thanks and any other advice would be great!

 

[kaaskop49]

Can't tell you anything about reloading. As to factory, I would use for practice any standard pressure load I could find. I would prefer to stay with U.S.-made whenever possible. I've had problems with some of the Armscor loads in .38.

Bullets will be whatever these rounds are loaded with: lead (round nose or semi-wadcutter), or full metal jacketed. Have been satisfied with W-W white box, R-P (UMC) FMJ, and Federal LRN and FMJ. These are all light loads and will not stress a 642. Prices for these loads had been in the vicinity of $11-12 a box; I now see $17-19. Or more.

 

[71velle]

Wow the only place I can find it is $25 per box. Looking closer the Winchester and American Eagle is FMJ and the Blazer is LRN. Any advantage either way?

 

[zonker5]

Wow the only place I can find it is $25 per box. Looking closer the Winchester and American Eagle is FMJ and the Blazer is LRN. Any advantage either way?

For punching holes in paper go with whatever is cheapest. If the price is the same I prefer the FMJ.

 

[kaaskop49]

Don't know what neck of the woods you reside in, but there's gotta be a better price for 'range ammo' than $25! Look around a little more, I suggest.

 

[snubbyfan]

My 442 shoots to point of aim with standard pressure Federal 158 grain LRN. However, my carry load's 110 grain Federal Hydra-Shok JHP. I've found that WWB 130 grain FMJ shoots to the same point of impact as the 110 grain Federal. My main choice of range ammo's the WWB but I'll also shoot whatever I can find.
I was given a box of 158 grain LRN aluminum cased Blazer ammo. I haven't shot any of it yet but I've heard it shoots dirty.

 

[TucsonMTB]

I have a 642 on the way and wanted to get some ammo. I am looking to get range stuff but dont know what to look for or what to stay away from. It sees as if I could get American Eagle, Winchester white box, or Blazer brass. Also if I were to start reloading does one of them have a better case? Thanks and any other advice would be great!

I managed to buy a case of this Federal number 38E for $0.35 per round (delivered) from a guy on GunBroker, so we have really been enjoying it.

Best of luck in your search, sir!