Some help will this one please

[Fotis]

So very long story short I acquired one of these wheel guns.

I think it is really cool but I do not not know much about it. It is very tight and looks great to me.

I do know it is obviously a S&W top break chambered in 38 S&W, but that is about it.

I did order the dies and I ordered a bunch of .360 diameter cast round nose 150 grain bullets from Matt's cast bullets.

A little research told me that about 2.5 grains of Unique with said bullet would be just fine so I loaded up a few for testing.

Anyway any and all input is welcomed. I would like to reload for it and shoot it I do have some Remington modern 38 Smith & Wesson 146 grain wheel gun ammo but I want to double check with you guys if there's something I should be aware of. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[s&wchad]

Looks like a .38 Double Action 4th model. It probably shipped in 1897-98 and it has been refinished.

 

[Fotis]

That's great thank you for the information, question now.... using the 150 grain Matt's bullet which is soft lead can anyone suggest a Safe Load so I can shoot in it without any trouble of ruining the gun? Also are the Remington 38 s&w factory 146 grain safe to shoot in this gun????

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

As stated earlier, you have a Fourth model .38 S&W Double Action.
The Fourth model was made from 1895 to 1909 (SN 322701 - 539000).
Revolvers under serial number 382022 are BATFE Antiques (i.e. made
before 1899). So, yours is an antique and not Federally restricted.

Cheers!
Webb

 

[Major 2]

I believe it's not smokeless powder proofed. so, I would not advise Unique.
It is a Black Powder era revolver.
Loading will BP is easy, fill the case to a point where its lightly compressed under the lead bullet.
360 diameter cast round nose 150 grain bullets from Matt's cast bullets.
Use a BP lube.
You can use APP substitute, I would suggest 3 FFF BP or equivalent in the substitute.
Clean up is water with either, and APP needs no lube, the powder makes it own.
Be sure to clean the gun with warm soapy water after soon APP

If you gun was made after 1908-9 , it would be just into the smokeless era.

 

[murphydog]

Yes, the big factory's .38 S & W loads are lightly loaded for use in mechanically sound older guns. In the right light you can actually see the bullets in flight!

 

[ClickBang!]

Beautiful revolver. I was never a fan of the longer barrels but I'm sure its more accurate than the standard lengths. This one looks nice.

I own BP-era antique cartridge revolvers and I hand load with Swiss 3F BP. I go for a slightly scaled-back (from original factory specs) powder charge, but still enough to get powder compression. I also hand cast my .32 rounds from nearly pure lead with a vintage Ideal tool. If I could find one for .38 S&W I would get it if the price was right. I have used Missouri Bullet's .360 unlubed roundnose, but they are harder than I would like for older revolvers. I pan lube .32 and .38 with a traditional mix of pure beeswax and various cooking oils (depending on ambient temp).

This approach has been reliable for me, fairly consistent accuracy-wise, and while messy - relatively easy to clean up. I always wipe most residue off at the range and full and thorough cleaning the minute I am back home.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

That's great thank you for the information, question now.... using the 150 grain Matt's bullet which is soft lead can anyone suggest a Safe Load so I can shoot in it without any trouble of ruining the gun? Also are the Remington 38 s&w factory 146 grain safe to shoot in this gun????

In 1907, S&W warranted its top break guns for commercial smokeless powder loads. Stay away from ammo manufacturers that push the envelope.

1907 - Smokeless powder guarantee was issued by Smith & Wesson stating that factory loaded smokeless powder was safe for use in their guns.

https://www.gunheritage.com/s-w-chronology-of-changes