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Does anyone know of a source for some .38 Special Black Powder ammo? Of course, Black Powder substitute would be okay. I just need the lower powered load for an antique revolver I have.
I’m in California, so the source would have to also be in California.
Until they finish repealing that law that prevents ammo imports to California, I’m stuck with getting ammo locally or somewhere in California.
I can’t find anyone who still makes this ammo, so reloads would be fine.
I would only need a couple of boxes probably.
Any leads would be appreciated.
Standard modern .38 Spl. ammo is low pressure, and it should be safe to shoot in any original revolver made for it. It was only manufactured with black powder for very short time (in 1898, the year it was introduced). as early as 1899, it was loaded with low-pressure smokeless, which is still available today. Do not use +P ammo.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
jampard said
Does anyone know of a source for some .38 Special Black Powder ammo?
What makes you think it was intended for BP? Oldest .38 Spl. of all was the solid-frame S&W Model 1899 Hand Ejector, & none of the top-break models were offered in that caliber. Are you sure what you have is not a .38 S&W, a slightly shorter cartridge?
On the round barrel it says “.38 Spl. Black Powder Only”.
It’s an 1851 Navy revolver reproduction by Mason Richardson with a conversion by Drew’s Custom Gun Works Spokane, Wash..
A correction on the above description.
After some research, I found out it is actually a Richards – Mason conversion.
I guess that Richards patented the conversion to a center fire cartridge, and then Mason had an improved barrel patent.
I couldn’t find any info about Drew’s Custom Gun Works, Spokane, Wash.
Inscription on the brl probably put there for liability reasons to discourage fools from using hot loads in it, but it’s a modern gun made of better steel than the originals, so your choice appears to be use regular smokeless .38 Spl. or handload for it.
November 7, 2015
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clarence said
Inscription on the brl probably put there for liability reasons to discourage fools from using hot loads in it, but it’s a modern gun made of better steel than the originals, so your choice appears to be use regular smokeless .38 Spl. or handload for it.
I believe that’s correct. Obviously a firearm built in the era of BP 38 Spl loads would not be marked in this manner and I’m pretty sure BP 38 Spl ammo is mostly made for cowboy shooters, if at all. I feel pretty sure most firearms of this type are fired safely with low pressure target loads. As much as I enjoy loading Holy Black into pistol cartridges I can’t encourage the use of BP in the 38 Spl. My brief experience with it wasn’t very satisfying, maybe I just haven’t figured it out yet. OTOH I’ve fired hundreds of thousands of .38 Spl target loads using 148 gr wadcutters or 158 gr semi wadcutters and can assure you a few grains of Bullseye or 231 will do the job nicely.
Mike
jampard said
Does anyone know of a source for some .38 Special Black Powder ammo? Of course, Black Powder substitute would be okay. I just need the lower powered load for an antique revolver I have.I’m in California, so the source would have to also be in California.
Any ammo dealer can send ammo to the California FFL of your choice. I get ammo this way all of the time. Now, some dealers refuse just because. Like Midway USA. I try not to buy from them anymore because of this. I guess Larry just doesn’t care to help us.
The early percussion Colt conversions were made to shoot, I think, the 38 Colt, not a special. I do believe a special can be used with the right powder. The conversions were done before the 1873 SAA came out. Colt 36 and 44 cal guns were used for conversions by Thuer, Richards and Richards-Mason. The 1871/72 open tops were 44 cal cartridge guns but were not conversions.
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