.38 SPL stock & availability inquiry

[Member 87237]

Just picked up an S&W airweight .38 SPL. Any recommendations for places in the Willamette Valley that consistently have .38 wadcutter or semiwadcutter in stock? Thanks!

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[JRuby]

Just went to the local BiMart. I would check there- they looked like they had plenty of ammo.

 

[CountryGent]

If you don't mind ordering on the Intratubes, there is SGAmmo. I've ordered .38 Special, along various other pistol/SMG/revolver cartridges in recent memory. Free shipping on orders over $200.

 

[aasbra]

As for WC or SWC loads, not sure if BiMart or such would stock them. I think they are probably mostly carrying plated lead and jacketed bullets, but worth a try. I load my own 38 and 357.

If you don't find WC and SWC loads locally in a retail store, you may check with a couple of the vendors on here who manufacture ammo. Cerberus Group and OreMike.

 

[Member 87237]

As for WC or SWC loads, not sure if BiMart or such would stock them. I think they are probably mostly carrying plated lead and jacketed bullets, but worth a try. I load my own 38 and 357.

If you don't find WC and SWC loads locally in a retail store, you may check with a couple of the vendors on here who manufacture ammo. Cerberus Group and OreMike.

Oh that's really cool, I will definitely check them out. Thanks for the tip!

 

[oremike]

The 14th and 15th of Sept we'll both be at the Roseburg Gun Show and 28th and 29th we'll both be at the Albany gun show with tables full of fresh ammo.

 

[Cerberus Group]

Yes Mike and I be in formal attire singin some show tunes at both venues...so be sure to stop by.

Ok, most likely not singing show tunes, but we'll be there.

 

[nammac]

Sounds like you're new to .38 Special, I'd recommend going with either of our resident ammo manufacturers.

If you seek your ammo elsewhere, you'll be looking for 148 gr midrange wadcutters. You'll find them to be both mild and accurate out of that lightweight package. For factory ammo I've found Federal's to give the best/most consistent performance.

More typically I shoot my own reloads, so
I can better tailor the load to the arm. And .38 Special is an easy round to cut your reloading teeth on.

Modern vintage Airweights are +P capable, opening the door to many self defense rounds, although they become a handful in the sub 16 oz revolver. My preferred self defense round is the Speer 135 gr +P Gold Dot, decent accuracy and controllable in this size package.

If this is going to be your self defense sidearm, practice, practice, practice. They're great little guns capable of amazing accuracy with their favored load, quite surprising for such a dimunitive package.

Get out there and enjoy your new wheel gun!

 

[orygun]

Yes Mike and I be in formal attire singin some show tunes at both venues...so be sure to stop by.

Ok, most likely not singing show tunes, but we'll be there.

Just today I shot some High Desert ammo (@Cerberus Group ) and in the past have shot some of Mike's. No complaint with either. Good stuff.

 

[WAYNO]

I cannot imagine anywhere locally that stocks midrange wadcutter ammo. I cannot imagine most of the mall ninja wonder-nine experts even knows what wadcutters are, so there's no interest in stocking it.

I buy them regularly from TargetSports, specifically for my Airweight. I have an account there and I pay no shipping. Works out really well.




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[nammac]

I cannot imagine anywhere locally that stocks midrange wadcutter ammo. I cannot imagine most of the mall ninja wonder-nine experts even knows what wadcutters are.

I buy them regularly from TargetSports, specifically for my Airweight. I have an account there and I pay no shipping. Works out really well.

TargetSportsUSA is a good outfit to deal with, have bought from them for many years, never an issue, always quick shipping and the prices are reasonable.

 

[Cerberus Group]

I make Mid-Range Wadcutter rounds

https://highdesertcartridge.com/product/38-special-148-gr-hollow-base-wadcutter/

 

[Certaindeaf]

Just picked up an S&W airweight .38 SPL. Any recommendations for places in the Willamette Valley that consistently have .38 wadcutter or semiwadcutter in stock? Thanks!

For practice I think the very common and cheap 130gr metal case ammo kicks about the same as wadcutters. Also, 158gr .38 SWC's in my experience are usually commercial or other reloads and are loaded considerably hotter than factory loaded 148gr wadcutters.

 

[Member 87237]

Thank you all for your advice, I really appreciate it.