38 S#W cases from 38 Spl brass?

[woodsie57]

Wondering if trimming ,38 cases would be ok to make up some 38 sw reloads for grandpas 3rd gen iver Johnson top break revolver. I know they'll be a bit smaller diameter, (until fired) but it's close. Will use trail boss, nothing hot.

 

[walt o]

they will probably split when fired,and what bullet will you use ? 38 S&W they do come up at some gun shows

 

[DadSmith]

Yes you should be able to cut down 38 special or 357 magnum brass then bell the brass to fit the larger bullet in.

38 S&W is .360 caliber. So if you do not buy that specifically you should look for .358-.359 cast bullets it's the next best thing.

Contact Hoosierbullets.com see if he can make you a couple thousand bullets at .360 caliber.

 

[Jaybird1980]

In this case it might be best to buy some factory loaded ammo and then you will have the brass needed.

.38 S&W Ammo

In-stock best prices for 38 S&W Ammo | Best 38 S&W Ammunition - AmmoSeek.com

ammoseek.com

Starline does still make 38 S&W brass, finding it is hard though.

There are also people who sell the bullets of varying diameters, but I would probably measure the throat first to have an idea. Some vary quite a bit in size.
Contacting Hoosier Bullets is a good suggestion.
or online

38 Cal. (38 S&W) : Matts Bullets

Matts Bullets : 38 Cal. (38 S&W) - 9mm/380 Hollowpoint 44 Caliber 45 Handgun Misc. Rifle 32 Caliber 41 Caliber 45 Rifle 38 Cal. (38 S&W) 38 Cal.(38Spl,357) 500 S&W Cowboy Action Wadcutters 40 Cal/10 mm 475 Caliber 512 Caliber 375 Caliber cast bullets, casting, cowboy action shooting, 500 S&W...

www.mattsbullets.com

 

[woodsie57]

Yes you should be able to cut down 38 special or 357 magnum brass then bell the brass to fit the larger bullet in.

38 S&W is .360 caliber. So if you do not buy that specifically you should look for .358-.359 cast bullets it's the next best thing.

Contact Hoosierbullets.com see if he can make you a couple thousand bullets at .360 caliber.

I have a lee 158 swc mold that runs .358+. So should be ok there, but case splitting, if that's likely, would be a deal killer. I figure seating the bullets, due to the inside taper of the cases, might end up expanding the case OD to a decent fit. Could look into just buying some 38 sw,. But what's the fun in that...

 

[Michigan Slim]

I think you can backorder it at Starline. I did that for .38-55 and had it less than a month later. They show backordered and $112.00/500

 

[DadSmith]

I have a lee 158 swc mold that runs .358+. So should be ok there, but case splitting, if that's likely, would be a deal killer. I figure seating the bullets, due to the inside taper of the cases, might end up expanding the case OD to a decent fit. Could look into just buying some 38 sw,. But what's the fun in that...

I say try 10 see how it works out.

 

[Leadeye]

You should be able to scare up some 38 S&W for it, I shoot 38 S&W loads in my Merwins but fill with BP.

 

[Brian's Surplus]

Wondering if trimming ,38 cases would be ok to make up some 38 sw reloads for grandpas 3rd gen iver Johnson top break revolver. I know they'll be a bit smaller diameter, (until fired) but it's close. Will use trail boss, nothing hot.

I'm pretty sure we have new .38 S&W brass in stock at the store. If you call me at the store, I can look and see what we have and how much it is. I could bring it to the Franklin gun show this weekend if you wanted to pick it up there.
We also have loaded ammo, but it's a bit pricy right now.

 

[woodsie57]

I'm pretty sure we have new .38 S&W brass in stock at the store. If you call me at the store, I can look and see what we have and how much it is. I could bring it to the Franklin gun show this weekend if you wanted to pick it up there.
We also have loaded ammo, but it's a bit pricy right now.

Great example of why, 2 years after moving to Florida, INGO is still my go-to gun site. Thanks for your gracious offer, but I'm staying the hell away for awhile,! Lol

 

[Reale1741]

I've used .38 spl to make .38 S&W quite a bit. The only problem I ever had was a split casing that was made from a 90+ year old .38 spl. I'd say give it a shot if you just want to shoot it a few times.