.38 S&W Once-Fired Brass for Reloading
Our .38 S&W once-fired brass provides reloaders with previously fired cartridge cases for this historic revolver cartridge. Introduced in 1877, the .38 Smith & Wesson remains of interest to collectors, vintage-firearm enthusiasts, and shooters maintaining revolvers chambered for this classic cartridge.
Although their names are similar, the .38 S&W and .38 Special are different cartridges and are not interchangeable. Be sure to verify your firearm's chambering before selecting brass.
Choose from the available brass options below to suit your reloading needs.
Product Summary
Our .38 S&W once-fired brass is available in two options:
- Standard Brass: Traditional brass cases without nickel plating. Nickel-plated cases are not included.
- Nickel-Plated Brass: Brass cases with a nickel-plated exterior. Standard, unplated brass cases are not included.
Both options are wet washed and dry tumbled/polished and supplied with mixed headstamps unless otherwise specified.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, US Reloading Supply does not de-prime or resize its once-fired brass. Some cases may arrive without spent primers in place. Additional processing is required before reloading.
Common Uses for .38 S&W Brass
- Vintage Revolver Shooting: Reloading for appropriately chambered historic revolvers, including examples manufactured by Smith & Wesson, Colt, Webley, and Enfield.
- Recreational Target Shooting: Supporting range use and target practice with serviceable firearms chambered for .38 S&W.
- Historical Firearm Collections: Helping collectors and enthusiasts maintain ammunition supplies for older revolvers where commercial ammunition may be less readily available.
What Reloaders Say About Our .38 S&W Brass
Customer reviews can provide useful insight into product condition, cleanliness, and the overall purchasing experience. We welcome feedback from reloaders who have purchased our .38 S&W once-fired brass.
Read Customer Reviews
Quality Standards & Processing
Our .38 S&W once-fired brass is sorted to remove unwanted case materials and Berdan-primed cases. Standard brass and nickel-plated brass are separated into their respective product options.
Cases are wet washed and dry tumbled/polished to remove surface dirt and residue. Normal cosmetic variations associated with previously fired brass, including discoloration and minor handling marks, may remain.
Our cleaning and sorting processes do not constitute full case preparation. Customers are responsible for determining the suitability of individual cases and completing any necessary preparation before reloading.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|
| Official designation | .38 Smith & Wesson (.38 S&W) |
| Cartridge type | Rimmed, centerfire revolver cartridge |
| Bullet diameter | 0.3610 in maximum (SAAMI) |
| Maximum case length | 0.775 in (19.69 mm) |
| Maximum cartridge overall length | 1.240 in (31.50 mm) |
| Primer pocket | Small Pistol (Boxer) |
| Case material | Brass; standard or nickel-plated |
| Headstamp | Mixed |
SAAMI Technical Reference: SAAMI Z299.3-2022 — Centerfire Pistol & Revolver Ammunition
SAAMI may update or relocate its technical documents without notice. If the link above is no longer working, please contact us at sales@usreloadingsupply.com
Reloading Notes
The .38 S&W is a distinct cartridge from the .38 Special, with different case dimensions and bullet specifications. Reloaders should verify their firearm's chambering and use published load data specifically for .38 S&W.
Before reloading, inspect each case for damage, check case length, and complete the necessary case preparation. Previously fired cases may require different levels of preparation depending on their condition.
Pay particular attention to bullet diameter when selecting components. The .38 S&W traditionally uses a larger-diameter bullet than the .38 Special. Consult current published reloading manuals and component-manufacturer specifications rather than assuming the two cartridges use interchangeable components.
Cartridge Information
The .38 Smith & Wesson (.38 S&W) was introduced in 1877 for Smith & Wesson's early single-action revolvers. It subsequently became a popular chambering for compact revolvers and was adopted by several other manufacturers, including Colt, Webley, and Enfield.
Colt marketed its version under the name .38 Colt New Police, using a flat-nosed bullet rather than the traditional round-nosed configuration. Although closely related to the .38 S&W, the designation reflects Colt's own commercial naming and ammunition variation.
The cartridge also gained military significance through Britain's .38/200 service ammunition, which used the basic .38 S&W cartridge dimensions with a heavier 200-grain bullet. Later British military loadings employed different bullet designs and weights, including the .380 Revolver Mk II series.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is .38 S&W brass interchangeable with .38 Special brass?
No. The .38 S&W and .38 Special have different case dimensions and are not interchangeable. Always verify your firearm's chambering before purchasing brass.
2. Can I shorten .38 Special brass to make .38 S&W cases?
No. Simply trimming .38 Special brass to the shorter length does not produce correctly dimensioned .38 S&W cases. The .38 S&W has a larger case body diameter, making this an unsuitable substitution.
3. What bullet diameter does .38 S&W use?
The traditional .38 S&W bullet diameter is approximately .360–.361 inch, larger than the bullets commonly used in .38 Special. Consult published .38 S&W load data and verify your firearm's bore dimensions when selecting components.
4. Does .38 S&W use Small Pistol primers?
Yes. Our .38 S&W cases have Small Pistol Boxer primer pockets. Berdan-primed cases are removed during sorting.
5. Is this brass already de-primed and resized?
Unless specifically stated otherwise, US Reloading Supply does not de-prime or resize its once-fired brass. However, we occasionally receive cases that are already missing their spent primers, so not every case is guaranteed to arrive with a primer in place. All cases should be inspected and properly prepared before reloading.
6. What is the difference between Standard Brass and Nickel-Plated Brass?
Standard Brass consists of unplated brass cases, while Nickel-Plated Brass has a nickel-plated exterior. The two finishes are sold separately, allowing you to select your preferred option.
7. Will the brass have dents, discoloration, or other cosmetic imperfections?
Minor cosmetic variations are normal with previously fired brass, even after cleaning and polishing. Each case should be inspected before reloading, and any case showing damage that makes it unsuitable for reuse should be discarded.
8. Will all cases have matching headstamps?
No. Our .38 S&W brass is supplied with mixed headstamps unless otherwise specified. Headstamps and case appearance may vary by manufacturer.
9. Is .38 Colt New Police the same as .38 S&W?
The .38 Colt New Police is Colt's designation for a closely related version of the .38 S&W cartridge, historically associated with a flat-nosed bullet. Verify your firearm's exact chambering and use appropriate published loading information.
10. What does .38/200 mean, and is it related to .38 S&W?
The .38/200 designation refers to a British military loading based on the .38 S&W cartridge, originally associated with a 200-grain bullet. The distinction is primarily historical and relates to the ammunition configuration.
11. Can this brass be used in antique or vintage revolvers?
This brass is intended for firearms correctly chambered for .38 S&W. However, the condition and suitability of an older firearm must be established independently. Have an uncertain or antique firearm evaluated by a qualified gunsmith before firing it.
12. How many times can .38 S&W brass be reloaded?
There is no fixed number of safe reloadings. Case life depends on factors such as prior use, firearm chamber dimensions, resizing practices, and case condition. Inspect every case during each reloading cycle and discard unsuitable brass.
