Looking for .360 BP bullets

[DeaconKC]

Alright folks, step right up! I am hunting for some bullets for a 1888 S&W in .38 S&W cartridge. I am gonna ONLY use Black Powder in this because of it's year and need some bullets in the proper diameter and with a groove for a proper BP lube. Pre lubed are fine too. Anybody got a supplier? Thanks

[Mako]

Deacon,
Do you know the chamber diameter or the diameter on the throat where the bullet exits the Cylinder?

I ask because I believe the early .38 S&Ws had a slightly larger case diameter and bullet diameter.  Plus I've read where the official default bullet weight was 158gr but sometimes I have read the standard originally was less.

And, yes there are molds available you just need to decide what diameter and bullet weight you want.  If you can use it there is a pretty nice one at 140gr and you can specify the diameter you need. 

https://accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=36-140C 

And there are more.

The throat diameter (measure it) where the bullet exits the cylinder will give us a starting place to determine your needed diameter, a true major rifle bore diameter would be even better.  You may need Ø.358 or you may need Ø.361  or sum'thin else.  However you may get a slight "swell" with a  Ø.361 bullet (probably not noticeable) but you have to use a different expander to open it up enough o accept it instead of standard .38 caliber bullet.

Measure the chamber from the rear too, it will be another clue, if it is in the Ø.379 range it will probably be a Ø.358 diameter bullet.  If the chamber is Ø.385 plus then your billet will probably be Ø.361 pus. I also believe some people shoot modern .38 S&W cases in the older larger chamber and use hollow base Ø.358 bullets to assure sealing as it travels down the barrel.

~Mako

[DeaconKC]

Thanks Mako, I will break out a mic tomorrow and measure the cylinder. Would be nice if it will run with a .358 bullet.

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[Professor Marvel]

Based on the year and the fact that it is a .38 S&W cartiridge, 5e original load used a .361 lead bullet, thus I would opine that a mold of .361 or  somewhat larger might be more desirable

Lee custom “used to “ put out such a creature…. But it seems “unavailable
https://www.wholesalehunter.com/Product/Details/11231559

As Mako is pointing out, accurate may be the onliest way to go

[Professor Marvel]

I just found these

https://www.buffaloarms.com/361-145-grain-round-nose-han-361145.html

Which one could try out first….

And then if one is as cheap as i am, one could “beagle” their .38 mold .. . See this discussion

https://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?265098-Making-a-real-38-S-amp-W-mold

Yhs
Prof mumbles

[DeaconKC]

I just found these

https://www.buffaloarms.com/361-145-grain-round-nose-han-361145.html

Which one could try out first….

And then if one is as cheap as i am, one could “beagle” their .38 mold .. . See this discussion

https://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?265098-Making-a-real-38-S-amp-W-mold

Yhs
Prof mumbles

Perfessor, I may just buy your cat a cheezburger for that link! Thank you, those may be the perfect slug needed, and not out of line for the limited amount it will be shot.

[Professor Marvel]

Always happy to be of service, and if not “useful” at least entertaining!

Prof mumbles

Gus says thanks for the cheezburger

[Reverend P. Babcock Chase]

Howdy Deacon,

Not sure it this helps, but my experience with .38S&W is for an 1851 conversion with the original dimensioned .385 bore. That is a substantially larger than your bore. I have had some success with soft hollow base wad cutters, even with light charges of Amer. Select powder. I suspect that might get you started while you research your mold selection.

For what it's worth,

Rev. Chase

[DeaconKC]

And thanks to you also Reverend.

[DeaconKC]

Well we miked the little beast today. .357 at the muzzle, and the cylinders were .358. Might have a chance with standard size wadcutters or a bullet with a hollow base for obturation.

[Coffinmaker]

   Hey Hey Deacon 

Based on your measurements, My opine would be for .358 Bullets, which for BP would fill out the Grooves (as it should) when cast soft.  I think the other guys (above) suggested the same dimensions also.  Have fun with that beastie 

[Mako]

  Hey Hey Deacon 

Based on your measurements, My opine would be for .358 Bullets, which for BP would fill out the Grooves (as it should) when cast soft.  I think the other guys (above) suggested the same dimensions also.  Have fun with that beastie 

Heading out, but time for one quick answer.  Coffin Maker is absolutely right.

You lucked out in the greater sense because you now have a much greater choice of ready made bullets.  Ø.358 is what you need. But as Coffin Maker said try to get SOFT lead bullets, not Wheel weights or even range scrap which tend towards 12 BHN, get almost pure lead, you can get it.  If you need the name of someone who sell honest soft lead on Ebay I can get it for you.  He uses roof lead and I measured it as 4-5 Bhn.  I was hoping you didn't have one with the Ø.361 throat openings.

~Mako

So get any Ø.358 you want including molds.

[Tascosa Joe]

Missouri Bullet makes a .361 bullet.