Reloading your own .38 Special ammunition can be a rewarding experience, offering cost savings, customized performance, and a deeper understanding of your firearm. However, choosing the right bullets is crucial for safety and optimal results. This guide will walk you through the key considerations when selecting bullets for your .38 Special reloading projects.
Understanding .38 Special Bullet Types
The .38 Special cartridge offers flexibility in bullet choices, allowing you to tailor your ammunition to specific needs. The most common bullet types include:
Lead Bullets:
- Cost-effective: Lead bullets are significantly cheaper than jacketed options, making them attractive for high-volume reloading.
- Soft: Their softness leads to good expansion in target materials, making them suitable for practice and plinking.
- Lead fouling: A drawback is increased lead fouling in the barrel, requiring more frequent cleaning.
- Not ideal for high-velocity loads: Their softness can lead to deformation at higher velocities.
Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP):
- Controlled expansion: JHP bullets are designed to expand reliably upon impact, increasing stopping power.
- Reduced lead fouling: The jacket prevents lead build-up in the barrel.
- Suitable for self-defense: Their expansion characteristics make them a popular choice for self-defense ammunition.
- More expensive: Jacketed bullets generally cost more than lead bullets.
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ):
- Hard and durable: FMJ bullets maintain their shape throughout flight, minimizing deformation.
- Low expansion: They penetrate deeply but generally do not expand significantly.
- Ideal for practice: Their consistent performance and minimal fouling make them a good choice for practice.
- Less expansion than JHP: This limits their suitability for self-defense applications for some.
Wadcutters:
- Clean cuts: Wadcutters are flat-nosed bullets designed for target shooting and accuracy.
- Precise accuracy: Their flat nose provides clean, consistent holes in targets.
- Not suitable for self-defense: Their design is not optimized for expansion.
- Generally lead bullets: Though some jacketed wadcutter variations exist.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Bullets
Beyond the basic bullet types, several factors influence your bullet selection:
Bullet Weight: .38 Special bullets range from 125 grains to 158 grains. Heavier bullets generally produce less recoil and are more accurate at longer ranges. Lighter bullets deliver higher velocity.
Bullet Diameter (.357" or .358"): While both are used in .38 Special, selecting the correct diameter is crucial for optimal accuracy and safety. Using the wrong diameter can lead to poor performance and potential problems.
Bullet Shape and Profile: The shape of the bullet affects its ballistic coefficient and trajectory. A more aerodynamic shape will fly straighter and farther.
Your Reloading Equipment and Dies: Ensure your reloading dies are compatible with the bullet diameter and overall cartridge length you intend to create.
Safety First
Reloading ammunition requires attention to detail and meticulous adherence to safety practices. Always consult the reloading manual for your specific powder and components, and take necessary precautions to avoid accidents.
This guide provides a foundation for understanding the various bullets available for .38 Special reloading. By carefully considering the factors discussed above, you can select the right bullets for your specific needs and enjoy the benefits of handloading your ammunition. Remember to consult your reloading manuals for further detail and safety precautions before commencing your reloading projects.
