NEED...38 S&W Brass (Not 38 Special)

[rbertalotto]

I just picked up a real nice break-top S&W in 38 S&W and I can't find brass. I ordered bullets and a Lee die set.

Anyone know where there is brass available or if you have some you want to sell? (not 38 Special)

rvb100@comcast.net

[tomme boy]

I have some ammo. but it would have to go UPS or FedX. So shipping would be $$$ It is factory nickle plated lead bullets.

[mikeym1a]

Several people on the site have sold .38S&W brass. I got some a few months ago, but don't remember the vendor's name. This was new brass. Just be patient, someone will respond. mikey

[bedbugbilly]

As well as posting on here - try a WTB over on the S & W site as well - may or may not produce any but there is a good active reloading forum there.

[Charley]

You CAN use altered .38 Special if you can't find .38 S&W brass. Shorten and size. Base will be small, but rim will headspace OK. .38 S&W pressure, especially in a load for breaktops, isn't going to affect the affect the base of the case in any meaningful way.

[jaystuw]

Charley, Thanks for that info. I am also short on 38 S&W brass, but have plenty of 38 special. I am going to cut some down and stock up. Jay

[Charley]

I've got an old H&R breaktop I've used reformed .38 Special brass in. I'd rather use .38 S&W brass, but given current conditions, sometimes a little "flexibility" is necessary.

[Salmoneye]

I also have used .38spcl brass when I had no .38 S&W...

But then, when I load for my Albion Enfield, I use .358" lead and use .38spcl dies no matter what brass I have...

I am betting that the groove diameter on that Smith is not overly large either, and may not require .361" boolits...

[Outpost75]

The cylinder throats on S&Ws I have measured run .362-.364, but barrel groove diameter is. 358". You want a bullet. 360-.362".

[Lefty Red]

Local Gun Shop has some new 38 S&W brass. They are open on Tuesday and I can get a price check for you.
Lefty

[Guesser]

My Regulation Police revolvers by S&W thrive on .360 boolits. They are 30 years different in age but the specs are very much the same for both. Slightly large throats and slightly tight bores. Fabulous little guns from middle 20s and 1953. Love is a Regulation Police!!!!

[Vulcan Bob]

Keep an eye out at Star Line's web site, it becomes available now and again, good brass. My S&W 33-1 prefers .360" diameter bullets over the .358"s.

[Billairgun]

Have you tried Graf and sons? I've had to get some carcano brass from them.
http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/17828

[reed1911]

I have plenty of .38 S&W brass, cost is 17.00 per 100.

[9.3X62AL]

Starline brass in 38 S&W is best-of-breed. If it can be had, look in that direction. That said......Reed1911's offer is VERY reasonable, assuming it is an offer for sale.

I enjoy two 38/200 revolvers, a Webley-Enfield DAO and a S&W M&P Lend-Lease that didn't get butchered back into 38 Special after the war. 200 grain NEI #169A shoot right to the sights atop 3.0 grains of Unique or 3.3 grains of Herco. Both use .363" sizing for their throats.

On the opposite extreme, I have a Colt Police Positive x 4" in 38 S&W that is a JEWEL. It gets 2.7 grains of Unique under Lyman #358477, and places bullets right where the sights are looking at 25 and 50 yards. Sizing matches the throats @ .359". Muzzle velocity is about 700 FPS, but the ballistics do the job on jackrabbits and small varmints without shredding them. It would work well for cottontails for the table, I'm sure--I just don't hunt them here due to tularemia outbreaks.

[reed1911]

What I have available is Starline, I agree it is the best of the available offerings.

Guess I should have notated it is new brass.

[Murphy]

Reed1911,

If rbertalotto doesn't take them all, I would like to purchase 200 if you have them to spare. Reply here or by PM. Whichever you prefer.

Thanks,

Murphy