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38 Special and 357 Magnum Reloading Supplies

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The 38 caliber ammunition is a rimmed revolver case dating back to the late 1800s. Currently the most common of those are the 38 Special, and the 357 Magnum. Occasionally you will hear 38 Special bullets called .38 S&W, however, those are not the same round and are not interchangable. Over the years, the 38 was well known as the sidearm of most US police forces, until superseded by the 9mm and 40.

What is a 38 Special Bullet?

The 38 and 357 Magnum share the same bullet, a .357 diameter and a .358 lead bullet diameter is not uncommon. Bullet weights vary from 100 grains up to 180 grains and are available in mostly copper although lead bullets are extremely common. Another point to consider for readers, '38 bullets' are projectile tips or bullet heads, they can't just be put into a gun and fired. They are one of the four required components necessary to make a 'live' cartridge (ammunition). So insure you are really shopping for what you expect the product to do, if you want 'ready to fire' then you are looking for 'ammo' or 'ammunition'.

Common projectile tips are Round Nose (RN) and Hollow Points (HP), with many variations on each. For example, Berry's Bullets manufactures both a Target Hollow Point (THP) and a Hybrid Hollow Point (HHP)). Hornady manufactures an eXtreme Terminal Performance (XTP) and a Hornady Action Pistol (HAP). For self defense and small hunting, a Hollow Point bullet is preferable for expansion and knockdown. For plinkers, however, the 38 reloader should consider a plated bullet such as Berrys or a lead bullet which works well and gives you the best bang for your buck. Literally.

Cartridge - Live Ammunition

Slower burning powder works well with 38 caliber bullets because of their low to medium velocity (900 - 1,200 fps). Tightgroup, CleanShot and CFE Pistol powders are just a few that reloaders use with these bullets. However, remember to ALWAYS follow your data guide and stay within the standards listed and under the SAAMI maximum pressures when reloading 38 special bullets. Never seat the bullet head (projectile) deeper than recommended as that will increase the presures.

When shopping for 38 Special brass, Once Fired brass is a cheaper alternative to new cases so should be considered for reloading. If you are not an experienced reloader, you should read Once Fired Brass: The Beginners' Guide to Reloading.

Overall Length (OAL) may vary slightly when doing reloading. It's a good idea to load only a handful before safely checking them in your weapon. You don't want to be caught at the range with lots of pretty cartridges only to find out they won't chamber! Below are the items related to reloading 38 and 357 Magnums, and are shown below with the in stock items sorted to the top.

 

Product Listings

Berry's .38/.357 158gr Target Hollow Point Bullets pk/100

Berrys Bullets 38 caliber 158 Grain Target HP pk/100

BER.PC.357-158-THP
Berrys Bullets 38 caliber 158 Grain Target HP pk/100
Berry's 38/357 50 Round Ammo Box

Berrys 38/357 50 Round Ammo Box

BER.XX.38-050
Berrys 38/357 50 Round Ammo Box
Berry's 38/357 100 Round Ammo Box

Berrys 38/357 100 Round Ammo Box

BER.XX.38-100
Berrys 38/357 100 Round Ammo Box
Powder Hodgdon TiteGroup -  Gunpowder

Hodgdon TiteGroup Smokeless Powder 1 lb

HOD.WW.TITEGROUP-1LB
Hodgdon TiteGroup Smokeless Powder 1 lb
38 Caliber Bullets 125 XTP- Hornady

38 Caliber Bullets 125 Grain HP Hornady XTP pk/100

HRN.PC.357-125-XTP
38 Caliber Bullets 125 Grain HP Hornady XTP pk/100
38 Caliber Bullets 158 grain HP Hornady XTP 100pk

38 Caliber Bullets 158 Grain HP Hornady XTP pk/100

HRN.PC.357-158-XTP
38 Caliber Bullets 158 Grain HP Hornady XTP pk/100
Carbide Die Set 38Spl/357 4 Die - Lee

Dies Set Carbide 38Spl/357 4 Die Lee

LEE.DS.90964
Dies Set Carbide 38Spl/357 4 Die Lee
Cast Lead Bullets 38 caliber 158 grain Round Nose Flat Point

Cast Lead Bullets 38 caliber 158 grain Round Nose Flat Point pk/100

MFM.PL.357-158-RNFP
Cast Lead Bullets 38 caliber 158 grain Round Nose Flat Point pk/100
Cast Lead Bullets 38 caliber 158 grain Semi Wad Cutter

Cast Lead Bullets 38 caliber 158 grain SWC

MFM.PL.357-158-SWC
Cast Lead Bullets 38 caliber 158 grain Semi Wad Cutter pk/100
Precision Delta 38 Caliber 148 grain HBWC Lead Bullets
10% Off

Precision Delta 38 Cal 148 gr HBWC Lead Bullets

T.PDB.PL.357-148-HBWC
38 Caliber 148 grain HBWC Lead Bullets pk/100 from Precision Delta Bullets