clean practice ammo for Python

**Doc Holliday 1950** · April 21st, 2019, 02:18 PM

I just bought a 1978 4" Colt Python in very good condition. My question is what ammo, name & grain would you recommend for target practice that's clean
and not too hard on my Snake? Also, I'd appreciate your advice on carry SD ammo.
As always, ALL suggestions & advice is appreciated.

Shoot Well and Often

Doc

**Delkal** · April 21st, 2019, 03:19 PM

Just about any commercial jacketed .38 should be clean and low recoil. I would use 158 grain bullets. Commercial 357 loads are clean too but you don't need them for plinking.

I think the days of carrying a Python are long gone. Beautiful pistols and when they were cheap a great carry pistol. But now they should be well loved safe queens to be used at the range only.

**DirectorNCS** · April 29th, 2019, 07:54 PM

If you reload I'd use 148 gr wad cutters with Bullseye powder.

**OldSchoolRanger** · May 1st, 2019, 12:12 AM

Originally Posted by DirectorNCS

If you reload I'd use 148 gr wad cutters with Bullseye powder.

I would also recommend using the 148 gr wad cutters, but I think you might be better off using Win231 powder. Nice light target load, no stress to the snake. (In case you don't reload, this means loading 148 gr wadcutters using 38 Spec. brass.)

I don't think the Python could ever qualify as a "cheap" carry pistol. Even back in 1974, the Python wasn't a "cheap" carry pistol.

**Doc Holliday 1950** · May 1st, 2019, 11:09 PM

Actually I had no bloody idea if the 1966 model Python was inexpensive/expensive when I bought it. I bought all my ammo from the range
my Police Force used. I think that my ammo was wad cutters except several boxes of 357 mag ammo. I was 21 & never thought about cost
to operate my Python. It wasn't untill around 1998 that I even started to pay attention to my ammo 38 sp.P+357 mag.

thanks for the info,

Doc
Shoot Well & Often

**OldSchoolRanger** · May 2nd, 2019, 12:57 PM

When I purchased my first duty gun, it was thru the agency. It was a S&W Model 10, cost me $150 back in 1974. I also purchased my off duty, a Colt Dick Special, about the same time (about six months latter), cost $149 + change. I remember how much it cost, because, before then, I always thought the duty gun was issued to you for free. Little did I know.

**OldSchoolRanger** · May 2nd, 2019, 01:02 PM

Doc - I think the Python was selling for $300 + back in 74. Little more than double the price of my Smith.

**M77MKII** · May 8th, 2019, 12:10 AM

I use CFE pistol and poe-coated bullets.I have found this combo to be very clean,also easy to clean after shooting.Spray with bore blast and a quick pass with a patch and my block is clean