The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - ammunition -- 38 s&w -- NOT 'SPECIAL' CONCLUDED.

Locoweed · May 26, 2010, 09:23 PM

If you load .38 Spl into a .38 S&W revolver the bullets stick out so far you can't rotate the cylinder. I found a pile of .38 Spl shell casings at the range one day and every one was bulged and split along the full length. I surmised that someone had been shooting .38 Spl wadcutters (a short overall length) out of a .38 S&W. As far as I know both Winchester and Remington still make the ammo but in 145 and 146 gr loads only. They are a good bet for the handloader if you can find cases and the proper diameter bullets. The .38 S&W is an obsolete and mostly forgotten caliber.

May 26, 2010, 09:23 PM	#8
Locoweed Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2008 Location: Alabama Posts: 661	If you load .38 Spl into a .38 S&W revolver the bullets stick out so far you can't rotate the cylinder. I found a pile of .38 Spl shell casings at the range one day and every one was bulged and split along the full length. I surmised that someone had been shooting .38 Spl wadcutters (a short overall length) out of a .38 S&W. As far as I know both Winchester and Remington still make the ammo but in 145 and 146 gr loads only. They are a good bet for the handloader if you can find cases and the proper diameter bullets. The .38 S&W is an obsolete and mostly forgotten caliber.