Which of these commercial reloads would you choose?

[racuda]

I was thinking of getting some ammo from Mastercast. They have the following choices in 38 special:

38 Spl 100 Gr WC(Cast) $7.15
38 Spl 148 Gr TCJ/DEWC $10.98
38 Spl 148 Gr DEWC (Cast) $7.98
38 Spl 148 Gr HBWC (Swaged) $10.37
38 Spl 158 Gr SWC or RN (Cast) $8.30
38 Spl 158 Gr TCJ/FP $10.71
38 Spl 125 Gr HP $10.26
38 Spl 125 Gr TCJ/FP $9.90
38 Spl 125 Gr HP+P $10.53

I'm looking for ammo to shoot in a model 10 and a M&P340. I don't know the difference between cast and swaged or whether I should go with TCJ. I would like to go with one of the 148 or 158 gr rounds. What do you suggest?

 

[Hunt200]

I shot tons of these before I started handloading, never had one single problem.

38 Spl 158 Gr TCJ/FP
38 Spl 125 Gr TCJ/FP

 

[cp1969]

You didn't say what type of shooting the ammo is intended for, but for small game, plinking and target shooting under 75 yards, I'd go with the 148 gr. swaged HBWC. I have yet to encounter a .38 that didn't shoot them well.

 

[racuda]

It would be for plinking or target shooting at 50 yards or less.

 

[handgunner356]

Normally the 148 swagged HBWC is considered the most accurate short range load out there. It is also the most likely to lead up and need the most cleaning. Hardcast will lead less and usually loaded slightly hotter. The TMJ or jacketed bullets will be the cleanest, most often used to match up to ones defense loads for practice. Since your guns have fixed sights you may want to try several to see which is the closest to POA/POI for your guns, although most likely it won't be the same for both.

 

[cp1969]

I shoot the 148 HBWC out of a 586 and a M15 and have never had either one of them lead. I have had leading from cast DEWC's but never the Winchester swaged 148. Of course, they're only going 750 fps or so.

 

[racuda]

Thanks for the info. I'll do as suggested and try a variety, and split the order between cast, swaged and jacketed.