Reloading .38 S&W

[baxtersmith]

I'm considering buying an S&W Terrier and started looking into reloading for it. Buying brass is no problem but I have a question about bullets. One source indicates bullets should be .359, which I haven't been able to find. Does anyone have experience reloading for this caliber and know if .357 or .358 bullets are okay?
Thanks.

 

[mtgianni]

You are going to have to measure your bore and cylinder throats. Slugging them with a soft lead sinker is the best way, then mike the results. Most 38S&W I am aware of need a .360 cast bullet. Without a large enough bullet you are cleaning lead out the bbl often.

 

[sjmjax]

I shoot generic .358 diameter cast & swaged bullets in both several 33-1s, Colt PPs and a Webley.

Several custom casters offer .359 & .360 diameter lead bullets. Tried some at .360 but found they were no better in my guns than the .358 size.

All shoot quite accurately in my guns. Get a bit of leading in the Webley that seems to have the largest bore & throat diameter. The Colts and Smiths seem to do just fine.

Typically load 2.9 grains 231 or 3.0 grains of Unique. Both produce about 725 - 750 fps depending on gun & barrel length.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

I have fair result's useing lead .358's. Missouri Bullet Company offer's .360 dia bullet's at a good price. Missouri Bullet Company

 

[BUFF]

Mine shoot well with Speer's swaged lead bullets, which are sized to .358". I use fairly fast powders, either Bullseye or Unique. They must bump up in size a bit because they shoot just fine.

Try some .358" bullets before you go nuts looking for .360's. They should make you happy.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Most 38 S&W revolvers will not shoot .358 bullets well. The accuracy is usually terrible. Like said above, it's worth a try but I've found it's best to shoot a .360 bullet. If you can find them it's a hoot to shoot a 200gr bullet to replicate the old British 38/200 load.

 

[cz93x62]

ArcAngel--

I think I'd restrict the British service loads to the S&W M&P or Webley-Enfield revolvers they were intended for. A S&W Terrier or Colt Police Positive might be strained by a 200 grain bullet at 700-725 FPS.

I don't have a Terrier, but do have a Colt PP x 4"--and it dotes on Lyman #358477 (150 grain SWC) at 700-725 FPS. These shoot right to the sights at 25 yards.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Come to think of it, you are correct. Those 38/200 loads aren't for every 38 S&W revolver. I do usually load a 160gr .360" bullet for most of my 38 S&W ammo. That weight bullet isn't too much heavier than the commercial 145/146gr load now being made.

 

[baxtersmith]

Thanks everyone for all the information.