proper bullet diameter for 38 S&W?
What is the proper bullet diameter for the 38 S&W (this is not the 38 Special but the older 38 S&W). I was told it was .361 but when I finally got some .361 bullets and loaded them in some 38 S&W Winchester brass, they wouldn't go in the chamber (A S&W Model 33)...they are to big around. What gives?
0
-
Hello the bullet Diameter was .360 +or- .001 but this was a HEELED BULLET at first just like a 41 colt and better example is a 22 LONG RIFLE rimfire. the first 38S&W the exposed part of the bullet was the same size as the case the heeled part that was inside the case mouth was smaller later 38 S&W did away with the heeled design and used 357 Diameter bullets. 0 -
Generally speaking, whatever will chamber comfortably (and we're talking cast lead here). I use .358 in my Smith and Wesson model 10 Victory Revolver, and .364 in my Webley Mk 4. Spec is .361 in terms of bore diameter but that's assuming it will chamber. If not you gotta go with what will. 0 -
I load my 38 S&Ws with 148 gr Hollow based wadcutter bullets seated about 2/3s of the way in the case with a light crimp. The base will expand when fired. I use 1.7gr of Trail Boss powder. 0 -
Its a good question.
Nominally, the .38/200 (.38SW, etc) is supposed to take a .361 caliber bullet.
I've heard that the Smith "Victory" revolvers in .38/200 actually used the same .357 barrels as the .38 special guns.
I can't say for sure, but its quite possible that the same is true of your Smith 33.0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
4 comments