Factory loaded .38s for W/CAS

[Will Pluggum]

Howdy fellas.......I understand the requirements for ammo to compete in CAS (led, no gas checks, less then1000/1400fps).  Understand that with the amount of shooting done, re-loading is an economic necessity but for those who aren't set up for it yet, is their a source of affordable .38 ammo out there somewhere?  Does factory 158 gn lead round nose meet the requirements? (i'm not clear on the gas check issue) 
Thanks again..................Sedona Slim

[Big Hext Finnigan]

Howdy back,

Yes, factory ammo will work, just don't get anything hot.
I have used and continue to use Ammodirect.com
If you are only going to shoot 38s, then I'm not sure that you can justify a reloader unless you plan to become a competitor with regular practice sessions.

www.ammodirect.com sells 38 ammo for $100/1000 plus shipping.  That's $5 a box and it's good stuff.

Adios amigo,

[Will Pluggum]

  $5.00@box,        can't beat that with a stick!    muchas gracias, amigo

[Will Ketchum]

Slim, you also might want to check to see if there are any commercial ammuntion remanufacturers.  That can save you a lot of money on shipping.   You can check at a gunshow ar your local gun shop should give you a lead.

Will Ketchum

[Will Pluggum]

I checked out www.ammodirect.com.  $18 shipping on 1000 rounds at $100.  Works out to $5.89 a box of 50.  That is truely affortable.

[Big Hext Finnigan]

Yep.. good stuff and a good price.
Will is right as well, this will get you started, but ask around at your club, you may find that there are folks in the area who load and sell ammo.  You save shipping and help support your local folks.

Adios,

[Will Pluggum]

Big Hext...do you have a preference between the 125 gn and the 158 gn?  Seems to me that, considering the close range your shooting, the 125 would be better suited.  A little faster and flatter.

[Big Hext Finnigan]

Slim,

I don't think it matters, but the 158s will work better in the rifle.
If you go 125, go with the TC, not RNFP.

Adios,

[Lazarus Longshot]

Definitely check around for a local loader/reloader. I was using Ammo Direct for my .38s, and it's good ammo. However, I found a local outfit that loads cowboy loads and buys back my brass. My net cost  is less than $90 / 1000 rounds of 158 grain RNFP .38! T's Guns and Ammo in Texas City.

That makes CAS affordable for me, since Lorelei and I go through 1000 rounds/month!

[Will Pluggum]

Lazarus..much thanks for the input.  Always try to trim the cost down to bottom dollar...Sedona

[Marauder]

Also, for the rifle, it is best NOT to use the old, relatively pointed lead round nosed bullets.  In pistol calibers there is a remote chance of the rounds in the mag going off.  It is a very remote chance, but folks have experienced it - and they don't seem to want a repeat.