Old 38 S&W ammo

[OldW]

I got a hold of a couple of boxes of old 38 S&W ammo in a trade. I have no way to use these, so I was thinking of selling them. I have no idea how old they are, or if anybody uses a pistol anymore that takes these. I am looking for opinions on if these should still be safe to shoot, and if so, what their value might be. They appear to be in very good codition, at least externally. I suppose they might even have a value to collectors, if they needed period correct factory ammo for a display. Any ideas and opinions are welcome. Thanks!!

 

[thadheth]

The styrofoam insert suggests that they are not really old (1970's? 1980's?). And, there are plenty of folks still using the .38 S&W cartridge.

 

[s&wchad]

The ammo isn't really that old (child safety warning added in 1962) and it is nice and clean. It's excellent shooting ammo and most gun show dealers in my area would price it at $20-$25/box. When they price it at $10, I buy all they have!

You should probably hang on to it. When a nice Terrier, Regulation Police or Victory Model comes along, you'll have a good excuse to buy it!

 

[Vulcan Bob]

+1 for s&wchad's observation! You never know what may come along and presto you have ammo! I never thought I would buy a revolver in 38S&W until I found a NIB 33-1 that I found just had to come home with me.

 

[CTSixshot]

The only offering I find for new 38 S&W ammo is priced at $29.50 a box. You might get more or less depending on whether someone values the older box or figures the older ammo is less valuable than "factory fresh" new ammo...?
gun-deals.com - User-Submitted Gun & Ammunition Deals

 

[Andy Griffith]

Ammunition that's been around for a while won't bring as much as new stuff on the shelf- usually significantly less, simply because someone won't pay what it goes for new...more or less goes for about anything. The ammunition you have looks just fine and will likely last another 100+ years or more if stored inside a dry home. Either sell or keep it and buy a gun to fit it - it won't go bad.

 

[Frank46]

Good suggestion from Andy. Heck I have ammo for guns I don't even own. 35 remington is a cartridge just about everyone's familiar with right?. Go into academy sports and ask for 35 remington, get the deer in the headlights stare. Keep the ammo if no one wants it. You never know. Frank

 

[CTSixshot]

... Heck I have ammo for guns I don't even own. 35 remington is a cartridge just about everyone's familiar with right?...

I hear that! I cast and load the 35 Rem., as well as, the 358 Win., but I have guns for neither! Same for plinking loads with the .30-30...
There are a few guys that use it from time to time.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Sportsman's guide has Remington 38 S&W ammo in stock for $29.95/50 rounds. (the good stuff in the dark green box)

I agree, save it in case a nice 38 S&W revolver comes along.

 

[badge510]

After all this, did you want to sell these two boxes?

 

[alaskavett]

I believe Remington ammo of this vintage has a date code inside one of the end flaps. Looks like it is from the mid 70's too me. Buy the gun you need to shoot the ammo in and then just keep re loading it Ah, common, you need a Lemon squeezer or a Victory don't ya? Kyle

 

[LouisianaMan]

Too bad we live in different states--I'd love to solve your problem for you! I currently have 7 revolvers in this caliber.

 

[NORWICH CADET]

When did S&W stop making a .38 S&W round? THANKS

 

[LouisianaMan]

Norwich,

Greetings from a former History "P" at USMA.

If you're asking about S&W-labeled ammo. . .I remember shooting some of their stuff in .38 SPL back in the '80's. Comparatively speaking, however, they were never into ammo manufacture in a big way.

If you're asking when S&W stopped manufacturing revolvers in caliber .38 S&W, I think the answer is mid-1970s.