38 shotshells

[Kinsman]

I can't find 38 shot shells anywhere. I want them for snakes.
Any thoughts on loading? I'm considering using 357 brass, paper wads and heavy crimp. If the brass is too long to seat in a 38 cylinder, I'll use 38 brass.
I'll be using them in an alloy frame Smith, 2" barrel...

David

 

[Queequeg]

Re: 38 shotshells

I've never loaded them as snakes are central to my religious practices.

Actually, I believe you can get everything you need from Midway or the other mail order outfits. The shot (number 12?), wad disks and capsules are all available.

Mike Venturino wrote a good article on it a couple years ago in Handloader magazine.

 

[usmcsniperone]

Re: 38 shotshells

I think speer makes the little plastic shotshell cups so you can load your own. My buddy does it for his .38 smith. Just tried to call him about it, but no answer. I'll try again later to update my post.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: 38 shotshells

I get the CCI shotshell packs when I can find them. Our local gun shop usually has a few of them stashed around. When I do I usually get a coup;d of handfulls of them. I can't remember if they come 10 or 12 to a pack. I can safely say that at a distance of 6 to 8 feet the WILL do in a copperhead 2 feet long. The 38 I used to carry always had 3 shotshells and 3, 158 grain +P hollow points.

 

[former naval person]

Re: 38 shotshells

In my experience...#12 is too small. I know you can get more of them in the hull and capsule...but, having shot snakes and cats (feral of course) the heavier #9 works best. Use the Speer capsules and their recommended powder load. Don't use #12...fill with #9. You will be amazed at the difference.

 

[Winchester 69]

Re: 38 shotshells

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: former naval person</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Don't use #12...fill with #9.</div></div>
Speer has the empty capsules in packs of 50. Graf lists them.