.38/.357 reloading problem

[Shovel66]

I really want to start loading for .38Spl and/or .357mag. The problem that I currently have is that I don't have a gun to fire the rounds through. All my handguns are semi-auto so far. I've had the revolver bug since June when I fired a relatives GP100 / 4" bbl. Loved it.

I also shot a Dan Wesson .357 with a short barrel. Not sure of exact length. Just haven't made up my mind which make or model to get.

I have some shells and bough some bullets at the last gun show in town. One step at a time.
Shovel

[MullahElRon]

You'll need Rugers and Smiths(pre lock) in 2 and 3/4, 4 and 6 inch lengths. Better get a move on. :supergrin:

[creophus]

Bah, you can reload those cartridges without having a gun to fire them in. Being able to fire them sure does help in TESTING the reloads though!!

[Tailgunner]

Humm, didn't they make a 1911 (or conversion kit for one) that took 38spl cartridges? IIRC it was for 3-gun bullseye shooting (not the rifle-pistol-shotgun game), IE 22lr, 38spl & 45ACP.
NO, I'm not thinking about the 38 Super either, this was a 38spl wadcutter eating 1911

[Steve Koski]

Yeah, I even seen one one. Weird bugger. Made by S&W I believe. Hella accurate.

[CZ93X62]

S&W made a Model 52, more like a Model 39 in single action than a 1911A1. They were (and are) VERY accurate, and retained an accuracy life of 100K rounds or more.

I'm sure there were many custom 1911A1 target guns set up for 38 Special wadcutter loads and bullseye shooting. Another route taken is 32 S&W Long wadcutters, fired from Walther GSP-C or similar pistols. I had the chance to fire such a Walther several years ago, and it was scary-accurate.

It would be difficult to find a better general-purpose revolver than a GP-100 with 4" barrel. A S&W Model 686 might be a bit smoother, but the Ruger is a bit stronger.

My Magnum revolvers don't fire Special brass, I just down-load Magnum casings for milder performance. Removing the carbon buildup from chambers is a PITA.

[creophus]

Removing the carbon buildup from chambers is a PITA.Ain't that the truth??!! I'd always start out with a box of 1/2 box of 38spl to warm up before moving to 357 mag. I thought something was wrong with the gun when I had such a hard time ejecting the 357 brass. It took me a while before I read that the 357mag brass was longer and could get stuck due to the fouling left behind by the shorter 38spl cases.

[ept000]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/2462980227_8692c7d8fb.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3181/2566431654_4ed419d0f7.jpg

Love it! :2gunsfiring_v1:

[Shovel66]

It would be difficult to find a better general-purpose revolver than a GP-100 with 4" barrel.

The local gun shop has a brand new SS GP100 with 4" bbl with the new Hogue grip. (not the nice wood insert grip) for $499.99 plus tax.

That's what I'll probably end up with unless something else excites me. I've been known to impulse buy and I NEED a revolver in .357/38.

Gun show in Hampton, VA this weekend. Maybe spend some money.
Shovel

[chewy]

Consider a 7 shot revolver too. Love my S&W 686+.
Taurus 7 shooters, Trackers, are fine too, strong lock up, but triggers need TLC for my tastes. Ain't too hard though. Still. I do miss my GP-100. I keep at me Mum's hut but ain't shot it in about 4-5 years!

[AlPackin]

here's a nice one on GunBroker, 4" Blue NIB, wood insert grips

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj300/AlPackin/GPBlue4.jpg


http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=110596160

there are lots of stainless, very few blue, just depends on what you like