What have I inherited>?

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1976B.L.Johns.

1976B.L.Johns.

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Yesterday I decided to process some .357 & .38 special brass that have been acquired from who knows where over the years. Wet tumbled them because they play well together (joke intended).Sorted today and discovered 50 rounds of .38 special headstamped "Super Speed" with large primer pockets,(.210") and upon measuring the length, they were 1.110" long...... Where did these come from ? A special use? I have only been reloading for several years, but I went through a lot of books older than you and most posters & can not figure out wth I have! Thanks to all of THR wisdom!
 
Super Speed was a brand made by Winchester. And just like 45 ACP today, some manufacturers .38 Specials used large primers while others used small.
 
The case length is a little short for 38 spec., , but may grow if sized? 1.135" is SAAMI minimum.
357PrimersLargesmall.jpg

The early .357's were loaded in cartridges that utilized a Large primer " http://www.leverguns.com/articles/taylor/357magnum.htm
 
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It wasn't only .38-44 Super Speed .38 Special ammunition that used large pistol primers. At one time it was regularly loaded with large pistol primers for regular .38's, too. When I started loading in 1963, fired .38 Special brass was readily available with both small and large primer pockets. I used to have my choice of either size at the local gun shop where I bought most of my reloading supplies at the time.

As to the length, it could have been any of several reasons. After all, the round has been around since 1902, and SAAMI wasn't founded until 1926, at the request of the U.S. Government, so there would be standards for both ammunition and firearms chambers and bores. Prior to that, it was pretty much up to the manufacturer as to exactly what specifications they made their ammunition to. The .357 Magnum was invented in 1935, just for general information.

Hope this helps.

Fred
 
the shorter length could be so a 200 grain bullet load would not stick out the front of the cylinder. the 200 grain "man stopper" load was popular at some point in time back then.

murf
 
When my grandfather died.we went through his stuff and found some large Primer 38spl from the 40's. We shot them. About half went off and half were duds. Also found a box of red hulled 20ga shells.
 
From my understanding, the .38-44 Heavy Duty was nuttin' but a N-Frame chambered in .38 special, and it's sole purpose was to handle hotter than standard .38 special ammo. Back when it came out, ammo/handgun manufacturers did not lengthen chambers or brass to make hot ammo unable to fit in guns not for which it was intended. Folks were supposed to know what they had. While some companies did mark their brass as .38-44, not all did. The shorter length of the OPs cases is more than likely as murf said, for use of a 200 gr RN, either from the factory or after market by a handloader.
 
Both the .38-44 Heavy Duty and the .38-44 Sportsman were N Frame revolvers. The Heavy Duty had fixed sights, like the M&P, and the Sportsman had adjustable sights. My first duty gun was a .38-44 Heavy Duty that I sold for $65.00 in 1971 so I could buy a new 6" Model 19 for $116.50, police price. I still have the Model 19, but wish I could have afforded to keep the Heavy Duty at the time..........

Hope this helps.

Fred
 
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