preparing to load some 38 s&w

[jsalcedo]

I bought a lend lease S&W revolver in 38-200 and found that ammo starts at about $21 per box of 50. This ammo is just regular 38 s&w not the
500 fps 200 grain ammo I want to use.

I ordered a set of dies but now I realize that the nominal bullet diameter is
.360. Where on earth would I get those?

Also can I cut down 38 special brass to the correct length and run it through the sizing die to make my own 38 s&w cases?

 

[Old Fuff]

On .360 dia. bullets: Do a search. There was an earlier thread on THR a short time back on the .38 S&W that listed some sources.

On cases: Nope, sorry, you can't trim .38 Special cases. If you did you end up with something like .38 Short Colt. .38 S&W cases are larger in diameter.

.38 Special = .379
.38 S&W = .386

I'm not sure, but I think Midway sell .38 S&W brass. Probably others too.

 

[Mike Irwin]

National Bullet in Ohio has properly sized bullets.

You can, in the short term, use hollow base wadcutters. The hollowbase will expand to take the rifling.

And, as Fluff says, you cannot use cut-down .38 Spl. cases. Get in touch with Midway, Graffs, or Starline for cases.