I shot my 624 and my first had loads of 38 special

[shoebox1.1]

So some might have seen I got a new unfired 624 and I got to put 50 through it tonight. So much fun. Freedom munitions 240 RNFP target ammo was used I got from LAX. Easy shooting, good amount of snap but very pleasant. Also got to shoot my very first reloads, 38 special wadcutters. All went bang from my match champion and no issues. I’m super happy about that.

 

[shoebox1.1]

Here’s the reloads from the match champion. It prefers 158gr projectiles but shot just like my precision one plated wadcutters I carry in J frame.

 

[ontarget]

Very cool.
I really enjoy hand loading. I can't remember the last factory ammo I bought for any of my revolvers. Or 45 ACP.
I just made up my first batch of 32 ACP hand loads this evening.
Very satisfying.

 

[cfullgraf]

Looks good for the Model 624. I'm fond of my S&W Model 624's.

Enjoy.

 

[CajunBass]

Good deal on both counts. I've owned a few 44 Specials in my time. I wish I'd had enough sense to hold onto one.

And I too started off reloading 38 wadcutters, but I was using a little Lee Loader and a hammer. I'd scrounge brass wherever someone left it, buy wadcutters in 500 count boxes. A can of Bullseye would last forever it seemed. Primers I got at the LGS in 100 count packs. I didn't even know you could buy them in 1000 round boxes. Just as well probably I couldn't have affored that many at one time anyway. Load 50-100 (it would take a couple of days using the Lee Loader, but I worked shifts and plenty of time) head to the range, shoot them up and start all over again. I fired the brass until it split before I'd throw it away.

These days I almost never fire factory ammo. I load for 38/357, 44 Special, and just started on 32 Long. I'm a little past the Lee Loader stage now, but not much.

 

[shoebox1.1]

Yeah looking at whole reloading idea I don’t think you “save” money but it lets you shoot more. I’ve never gotten to shoot as much as I want to cause I’ve always been at the mercy of mail ordering ammo with extra money if I had it. The bullets powder and primers are all more costly than they should be but it’s ok.. I want to stock up on components and I won’t be at the mercy of the suppliers

 

[bangswitch]

Yeah looking at whole reloading idea I don’t think you “save” money but it lets you shoot more. I’ve never gotten to shoot as much as I want to cause I’ve always been at the mercy of mail ordering ammo with extra money if I had it. The bullets powder and primers are all more costly than they should be but it’s ok.. I want to stock up on components and I won’t be at the mercy of the suppliers

There is a point where the savings start, once you use the brass about twice. Also, if you can take the hit on volume purchases (like 500 cases at a time or 1000 bullets), it does get cheaper. I shoot nothing but my reloads in every gun I own except for the shotguns and rimfires and a couple of Mosin-Nagants.

 

[stonebuster]

There is a point where the savings start, once you use the brass about twice. Also, if you can take the hit on volume purchases (like 500 cases at a time or 1000 bullets), it does get cheaper. I shoot nothing but my reloads in every gun I own except for the shotguns and rimfires and a couple of Mosin-Nagants.

I would suggest anyone who shoots alot to save they're brass in case they ever decide to reload. I started shooting handguns in 2015 (at 65yrs old) and saving my brass in 2017 and by 2021 (started reloading)I had enough 38 & 357 for the rest of my days. Xtreme 158gr RNFP(copper plated) 38spl 11 cents, SPP 6-10 cents, 4.3grains HP-38 2.5 cents = $11.75/50rnds at 10 cents per primer. The enjoyment I get from reloading is priceless. I also hoarded Wal-Mart 250 packs UMC Remington FMJ 38spl for $13/250 a few days before their deadline to clear the shelves. Our Wal-Mart donated unsold ammo to our local PD.

 

[TheFrontRange]

Nice all-around!

 

[Riomouse911]

Well done! Looks like the .38’s you assembled worked perfectly, congrats on joining the wadcutter fraternity.

The .44 Special is just as easy and rewarding to reload as the .38 Special is, Once you get a stock of cases you’ll probably be as high on that caliber as I am.

Stay safe.

 

[shoebox1.1]

I want to get couple hundred starline cases to add to the 250 I have Cabelas has them for 26.00/100

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Nice.
.38 Special is a dream to handload for.