Using 38 S&W (?) in SW638?
- Thread starter Oleg Volk
- Start date
Mike Irwin
Staff
You can't use .38 S&W in a .38 Spl./.357 Mag. chambered gun.
The .38 S&W has a large case and won't fit into the .38 Spl. chamber.
The .38 Spl. was, effectively, a dead-end cartridge developmentally.
When S&W developed the .38 Spl. to provide a round with great power than the then military standard .38 Long Colt, they started with the Long Colt case and lengthened it so that it would hold more powder.
You're best off handloading low powered ammunition, as .38 Long and .38 Short Colt (which was developed into the .38 Long Colt) aren't widely available anymore.
But, since you don't have a press, your very best bet is to look for low-power 148-gr. wad cutter.
A range I used to go to here in Virginia also carried a line of 110-gr. lead reloads that we used to introduce complete newbies to shooting. I THINK the manufacturer was CP--Competition Proven ammo.
The .38 S&W has a large case and won't fit into the .38 Spl. chamber.
The .38 Spl. was, effectively, a dead-end cartridge developmentally.
When S&W developed the .38 Spl. to provide a round with great power than the then military standard .38 Long Colt, they started with the Long Colt case and lengthened it so that it would hold more powder.
You're best off handloading low powered ammunition, as .38 Long and .38 Short Colt (which was developed into the .38 Long Colt) aren't widely available anymore.
But, since you don't have a press, your very best bet is to look for low-power 148-gr. wad cutter.
A range I used to go to here in Virginia also carried a line of 110-gr. lead reloads that we used to introduce complete newbies to shooting. I THINK the manufacturer was CP--Competition Proven ammo.
Hate to disagree with Mike but some .38spec and .357mag chambers will accept the .38 S&W. Depends on the individual gun.
Even if they fit, extreme caution should be used as the nominal bore size of the .38S&W is .361 and they can be found with bullet diameters ranging from .357 to .362. Would not be good to fire a .362 bullet through a tight bored (a few as tight as .3535) .38spec/.357mag bore.
I have an older (Bangor Punta) model 19 that likes .38 S&W.......and strangely enough it has been a tack driving match winner with it's proper ammunition. Sometimes loose isn't always bad.
But.....when in doubt, don't.
Sam
Even if they fit, extreme caution should be used as the nominal bore size of the .38S&W is .361 and they can be found with bullet diameters ranging from .357 to .362. Would not be good to fire a .362 bullet through a tight bored (a few as tight as .3535) .38spec/.357mag bore.
I have an older (Bangor Punta) model 19 that likes .38 S&W.......and strangely enough it has been a tack driving match winner with it's proper ammunition. Sometimes loose isn't always bad.
But.....when in doubt, don't.
Sam
VictorLouis
New member
Oleg, I'm glad to read you snagged that DEAL.
Depending on just how fond of the gun you become, you may want to consider a .22LR 'stand-in'. Taurus makes their steel M94 in a 2" snub configuration with a 9-shot cylinder. Of course, there are always some used steel Smiths to be found, though I don't think you'd ever find a similar deal on one of THEM.
I don't care for the aluminum 8-shot Smiths at all, but they may be attractive to you. Until then, any 148gr WC loads you can find will likely be the easiest to shoot with.
Depending on just how fond of the gun you become, you may want to consider a .22LR 'stand-in'. Taurus makes their steel M94 in a 2" snub configuration with a 9-shot cylinder. Of course, there are always some used steel Smiths to be found, though I don't think you'd ever find a similar deal on one of THEM.
I don't care for the aluminum 8-shot Smiths at all, but they may be attractive to you. Until then, any 148gr WC loads you can find will likely be the easiest to shoot with.Mike Irwin
Staff
"I have an older Bangor Punta gun..."
There's no need to curse, Sam.
There's no need to curse, Sam.
Figgured that might draw out your nausia Mike.
Actually, I have had quite a few BPs and they have all served well. Some needed a lot of help getting them dialed in. Single action nearly always sweet but double action on most varied from abomnible to realy bad. All correctable tho.
Sam
Actually, I have had quite a few BPs and they have all served well. Some needed a lot of help getting them dialed in. Single action nearly always sweet but double action on most varied from abomnible to realy bad. All correctable tho.
Sam
P
PreserveFreedom
Guest
Keep in mind also that a box of 38S&W will usually cost you way more than a box of 38Spl. I know you said low recoil, but you should be able to find a nice light load out there. If not, look up a commercial reloader. I used to frequent a shop that would custom load anything for you as long as you bought a minimum amount.
Mark IV Series 80
New member
.38 Spl. 148 grain wadcutter
This is a powder-puff load!
I use it for target practice with my 638, and have no problems with recoil.
This load is also accurate in my model 66.
-Mk.IV
This is a powder-puff load!
I use it for target practice with my 638, and have no problems with recoil.
This load is also accurate in my model 66.
-Mk.IV
Mike Irwin
Staff
Sam,
1965 to 1987.
1965 to 1987.
Mike Irwin
Staff
Suggestive leer - 1965 to present...