Sources for BP shotgun shells and .38 special cartridges

[Dutchy Rodell]

I have purchased the following for CAS - 1 Pietta '58 Remmie, 1 Uberti Remmie, 1 Stoeger Coach  12 guage and 1 Model 92 by Rossi.  I got the last three guns by trading in a Beretta shotgun.  That why I have two different Remmies.  The Uberti should be delivered by Fri.  I have the other guns now and have shot them all.  I am loading the Pietta with 20 grains of 777. 

If I switch to BP for the Remmies would the load be the same?  What would be different by switching to BP for the Remmies?

     Also, I would like to know if there is a place to buy black power or substitute shells for the the 12 guage and .38 special cartridges for the Rossi?  If so what should I expect to pay?  Since I am new to these guns I have not yet considered reloading..  Is it relatively easy to reload these shells and cartridges with BP or substitutes - does it make sense economically to this?   Or since I'm a newbie does it make more sense to shoot the 12 guage and Rossi with smokeless until I get more experience with the guns? 

Dutchy

[Dick Dastardly]

Howdy Dutchy, and Welcome!

The "58" is a black powder only gun.  Check the papers with the gun.  Subs are ok, but not Smokeless.

You will find that you don't need to invest an arm and a leg to get into your own bp loading.  First of all, loading bp is easier than loading smokeyless fad heathen powder.  Simply put enough in your 38 cases that it will compress about 1/8" when you seat the bullet.  I can't help you if you're loading bp subs/replicas.

BP ready made Shotshells are spendy.  You can load your own very easily.  One way, I do this for several gauges that I don't own presses for, is to get your hands on a MEC Super Sizer and use as a vice to size/clamp your hull in place while you install the load and then you can continue to use the Super Sizer to hold your loaded shell while you spin down a roll crimp.

DD-DLoS

[Ransom Gaer]

Dutchy Rodell,

DD is right the 12 ga BP shells are expensive.  Goex makes some under their Black Dawg label.  Black Dawg also has .38 Special.  Cabelas has them and right now they are on sale.  Ten-X Ammunition also makes BP .38 Special and 12 gauge rounds.  Cabelas has the .38 Special, but not the 12 ga.

If you don't already reload, you might seriously consider doing it.  It will help save some money and you can tailor you're loads to some degree to what you like.  And reloading BP cartridges really isn't all that hard.  Just exercise some caution.

Have fun with them new toys and be safe.

Ransom Gaer

[litl rooster]

 So does Great Basin