Trying to identify 38 special cartridge

[Malazan]

I have some 38 spl hollow points that I received from a friend but no box. The cartridge has FC and 86 or 98 (depending on how you hold it) on the head stamp. It is a semi jacketed hollow point. I am seeking info on the round...bullet weight, +p or standard, etc...any info would be appreciated.

 

[Engineer1911]

Based on experience, I suggest that it is [a] military brass, Federal Cartridge 1986, reloaded with a hollow point lead soft nose bullet, or it might be factory FBI ammo.

 

[ironhead7544]

That is probably the "Treasury" load. It is a +P+ 38 Special. 110 gr at around 1200 fps from a 4 inch barrel.

 

[pete950]

That is FC 86
Federal Cartridge company /1986
Its a 110 grain +p+
Federals version of the treasury load

 

[Malazan]

Thanks for the info guys...I was going to use it in a model 36 no dash, but the +p+ might be a little much.

 

[federali]

Treasury loads are indeed +P+ and should not be used in Model 36s.

 

[kaaskop49]

I agree with federali 100%. I'd restrict it to K, L or N-frames. I've fired some in a 5" Heavy Duty .38/44 revolver, but that gun was designed for "planet wreckers" and ate up the Treasuries. Old friend of mine retired from Federal Park Police reported using these loads, issue ammo, in Model 10 and 64 K-frames with no problem, including qualification.

In an absolute SHTF emergency, I would use it in a Chief only because I could not force 12-gauge slug rounds into the chambers. But NOT for practice or range use.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Homie]

The Federal Treasury load was spec'd @ 1020 fps (2"?)
'88 headstamp in a 4" M19- 1047 FPS avg. 5 shots.
Don't shoot it in a J frame .38 unless you HAVE to.

 

[poordevil]

I have before me a box of Winchester -Western 110 gr. JHP Law Enforcement Only. No where on the box does it say +p+, however the case head is dated clearly 78 and +p+.

My 110 gr +p+ Federal is marked F C on top then toward the bottom
38SPL +p+. There is no date indicated.

My guess would be that the round is nether +p or +p+ as the many Federal rounds I have at that power level are marked and not dated.

The box of Federal 158gr LSWC +p I have is marked on the case head FEDERAL, then on the lower portion 38 SPL +p. No date is given on the case. It has the velocity listed as 890fps. on the side, and the box is dated (2005)

It may be a standard pressure load of 110 or 125gr , or a reload in a Federal case.

 

[CTG_COLLECTOR]

Without knowing the overall weight of your cartridge I agree with others that it is a 110+P+ load. When Federal started making their version of the USSS "Treasury" load it was strictly for LE use only so it was not necessary for the cases to be marked "+P+".