.38 s&w ammo black powder

[93-2.3]

Ok I got an old h&r in .38 s&w from what I read online it was made for black powder loads and may not handle the new smokeless rounds. So where can I get .38 s&w black powder rounds?

[knight0334]

Good luck finding BP ammo.. Although, BP pistol cartridges aren't hard to reload. Just fill the case with FFFg and seat the bullet.

[93-2.3]

Bummer I have no reloading knowledge or machinery lol not sure if gun will handle modern loads either.

[Dave_n]

The modern S&W 38 is a downloaded cartridge with a 146 grain bullet in place of the heavier version used by the UK Forces in WWII/Korea (178 grain), or its other identity as the Colt New Police with a 200 grain lead bullet. As long as you are not trying it in an old S&W No 1 or 2 or an HR of the same vintage, you should be perfectly OK. I still shoot my own reloads with 180 grain lead heads from 80 year old S&Ws. Dave_n

[indiandave]

Stars & Sripes Ammunition in Florida sells black powder cartriges. 727-530-1129. I don't know what their shipping policies are, but it would be worth a phone call.

[normanvin]

How old is old? If it is of a more recent vintage if may be ok to use modern ammo.

[93-2.3]

I have an h&r American double action safety hammer its I first generation third model the second generation ones were made for smokeless. It is a solid frame not a top break. Any ideas what it could handle?

[normanvin]

I have an h&r American double action safety hammer its I first generation third model the second generation ones were made for smokeless. It is a solid frame not a top break. Any ideas what it could handle?

Not off the top of my head. But there is a gentleman here who is very knowledgeable. He will see your thread and chime in.

[RapidRoy]

I have an old Iver Johnson 38 that uses the 38 "shorts". I've used Remington 38 Short Colt 125 gr lead round nose and 38 S&W 146 gr lead round nose. Probably better off using the short colts though it's not the easiest to find or cheapest to buy. Last time I bought it, it was $30 for 50. Considering that the gun is 107 years old and has lots of blowback, it's time to retire it. We keep it because it belonged to my grandfather. Could reload them but is it worth it?

[Pete D.]

Note: the .38 Short Colt and the .38 S&W have different case and bullet diameters. While the Colt can be fired in a gun chambered for the S&W cartridge, they are not really interchangeable. The blowback is a result of different sizes most probably.
Pete